Hi everyone, I have a question about breast feeding.
I am due to have my third child in a few months and I desperately want to succeed with breast feeding for a longer period this time around.
With my first two babies I developed grazed nipples within 24 hours and severely cracked nipples within 2 more days. I was only able to breast feed for up to two weeks before I just could not bear the pain and seeing all the blood in the little ones poo.
I actively sought help from nurses and lactation consultants and the aba with no advise as they all confirmed attachment was perfect.
I believe that my nipples are just insanely sensitive and delicate.
Even hand expressing and pumps damage them.
I would greatly appreciate any advice, thankyou.
10 Replies
Try putting pure lanolin on them now and when breastfeeding do it after every feed. ( pure lanolin the baby can ingest so you dont need to wipe it off before a feed) :)
I have the same issues with my nipples, midwives and health nurses wil look down on it but I highly recommend using a nipple shield, you can buy them from the chemist they fit over ur nipple and have holes in the end so baby will breast feed and attach over the shield. You can't use it before your milk comes in so have to just breast feed normally till milk comes in then use shields it will allow ur nipples to heal from the first few days feeding and if u continue to use them it will protect ur nipples from further damage. I would never breast feed with out a shield now they are so good for ppl with sensitive nipples
It's tough going, I have a reasonable pain threshold and it took me about a month before I could feed without cringing in pain. I was also expressing (love my medela fresstyle xxx) in between feeds as it took 3 weeks for my milk to come in so needed to boost it quickly.
After that first month things improve, you just have to tough it out! Mind over matter. I know of women that took panadol half an hour before a feed to help take the edge off.
In terms of nipple care like the ladies above said start using lanolin in your third trimester. Do not get soap or body wash on your nipples from the third trimester until you cease breastfeeding as it dries IP the skins natural oils.
Good luck it is worth the agony, but also not the end of the world if your pain threshold or willpower just can't get you over the line.
I agree with trying your hardest to stick it out because your nipples do adjust in time! I had blisters, extreme engorgment, cracks and a LOT of pain, it was easier the second time around (I was also still feeding my first) but because babies have such small mouths and they are only learning too it is painful. I also agree with Keryn, a nipple shield may be what you need, try without for a while and see how you go but if you need it, that is what they are for! and ABA will assist you with this, they will also assist you with weaning your baby from it when the time comes. Good luck and good on you for being prepared. Perhaps a breastfeeding education class now and attending ABA meetings before the birth may also help you :)
I agree with using a nipple shield. I just had my third baby and developed badly grazed nipples in the first week due to being engorged. Midwives told me it was bad attachment but as bub has such a small mouth it was really difficult and I was doing everthing right but in the process was damaging my nipples more. I started using a shield at 2 weeks as I just couldn't bear the pain anymore. Within 2 days my nipples had healed enough for me to continue feeding without it.
For me I was much more confident with my third bub. Bottle fed baby 1 & breast fed baby 2. I hope you get the advice you're after and just remember that it's your body and your bub and you will know what's best. Good luck xx.
I think it's great that you still want to try and breastfeed, it took me until bub 3 to get it right. I agree with the other ladies lanolin is great. Also use hydro gel breast disk and keep them in the fridge when not using them they will help with the healing. Reusable breast pads like itti brand are nice and soft. Take something for the pain if need be. If you can get to 3-4 weeks you will see it become alot easier and less painful.
I think it's great that you still want to try and breastfeed, it took me until bub 3 to get it right. I agree with the other ladies lanolin is great. Also use hydro gel breast disk and keep them in the fridge when not using them they will help with the healing. Reusable breast pads like itti brand are nice and soft. Take something for the pain if need be. If you can get to 3-4 weeks you will see it become alot easier and less painful.
Nipple shields could work for you. Some midwives are completely against them but if it means you can breast feed for longer then who cares! I needed them for three months then stopped using them & after a few months bub will be feeding for shorter periods & maybe your nipples can handle that. It's worth trying but you aren't meant to use them until your milk is in so not sure how you go about it in the meantime but will definitely save your nipples. Good luck x
Mastitis, cracked nipples and was in so much pain until I started using hydrogel discs... Saved my sanity
I am allergic to the disposable breast pads, therefore made my skin thinner and irritable and didn't aid with healing. please make sure you get some good cotton breast pads