Need Breastfeeding help ....PLEASE!!!

My nipples are killing me and are so cracked. I'm assuming maybe she isn't latching on correctly but I don't know what else to do....i've tried everything I've read in the books. She is definitely getting milk because I see it coming out of her mouth and she also gained 2 oz in 1 day....I just don't know what else to do...any suggestions? I spoke to a lactation specialist who says she will she me for $165 should I give it a try?

Re: Need Breastfeeding help ....PLEASE!!!

Are you making sure that her whole mouth is around the areola, not just the nipple?

Also, the first couple of weeks are the worse. After that you won't even feel it anymore. So hang in there.

I don't know about the lactaction consultant. I was just told that they were going to hurt for the first 2 weeks. Luckily mine only hurt the first week.

Make sure you're using the Lanolin lotion. It works wonders.

Hang in there! It gets better I promise.

Re: Need Breastfeeding help ....PLEASE!!!

Lanolin lotion! My son had a strong but lazy **** which caused a crappy latch.

Re: Need Breastfeeding help ....PLEASE!!!

Definately use the Lanolin lotion. They say to appy it a few times a day and you don't have to wash it off. Also my mom is a le leche league leader and she always told moms to make a cup of tea, then when the tea bag was cold to put it on your nipple to sooth it. i know it sounds crazy but she swore it worked. I don't know if it sounds too crazy for you to try it, but my mom always told women to do it.

You can try calling a LLL leader. They are free, because it's all volunteer. My mom would help so many people over the years.

Re: Need Breastfeeding help ....PLEASE!!!

Yep...I heard Lanolin is the best solution! My best friend gave me a tube of Lansinoh lanolin ( it's the only one on the market that DOES NOT need to be washed off before nursing). Also recommended my La Leche League if that matters to ya!

Re: Need Breastfeeding help ....PLEASE!!!

You may also want to check in with your OB/GYN office -- I was able to see a lactation consultant with a referral for just my usual office visit co-pay.

I've also had good experiences talking with La Leche League leaders -- they are really helpful. You can call them at home any time. I'm not sure where you live, so heres a link to find their contact info: http://www.laleche.org/Web/NewYork.html

Re: Need Breastfeeding help ....PLEASE!!!

Try not to worry too much, it WILL go away (as long as she is latching correctly).

My right nipple used to KILL me when Logan was first born, so badly it was like Chinese torture everytime I fed him . He was latching correctly (on the whole areola), I didn't have any cracking or anything so I was confused as to what was wrong. I used the Lanolin cream and it went right away!!!! I also think your nipples need to get used to being sucked on every second .

GL!

Re: Need Breastfeeding help ....PLEASE!!!

Message edited 8/31/2011 4:34:33 PM.

Re: Need Breastfeeding help ....PLEASE!!!

I used the lanolin cream before after every feeding and before bed. It is non toxic, so it doesn't need to be washed off before the next feeding. I also heard that letting some breast milk dry on the nipples will help. I went to a LC - she saved my life by simply switching the pillow I was using, but she also showed me how to push the areola down toward the babies bottom lip to open the mouth, then pushing the nipple and top of the areola in, which helped me to get more in her mouth. If it comes down to quitting breast feeding, definitely the LC would be worth it. Good luck and congrats on sticking it out, you are doing a good thing!

Re: Need Breastfeeding help ....PLEASE!!!

I would definately recommend an LC. I wish i saw one earlier than i did. Would have saved me days of pain, anxiety, and just plain misery. I thought I had a decent latch and was just going thru the "usual pain" everyone says to expect. I hired an LC for $200 just to make sure and let me tell you i was NOT doing it right. Once she latched my baby on her eyes flew open like she never had milk before. And it did not hurt. Took a few days of practice and my nipples were then able to heal because she was no longer mutilating them. The LC was worth every penny of the $200. I can also call her any time with questions and she runs a breastfeeding support group at winthrop hospital. (free).
I also submitted a claim to insurance to see if i can get reinbursed for LC and my pump.
Good luck.....

P.S. ditto on the Lansinoh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Message edited 9/17/2005 10:17:33 PM.

Re: Need Breastfeeding help ....PLEASE!!!

NS Plainview also has a BFing support group on wednesday mornings with a great LC nurse there.


If you think about the money this way...its $150/month for formula...the LC charge doesn't seem so bad

Re: Need Breastfeeding help ....PLEASE!!!

Re: Need Breastfeeding help ....PLEASE!!!

Hang in there! It does hirt the forst few days regardless of latch-on, but make sure she has her mouth wide open and then put her on your breast, it shoudld look like she has a wide open mouth as if she was saying "OH", and then she will latch on easier.
I would wait a few days before you call a LC, you may get past these forst few days and realize it is much better. I breastfed all of my children (now on baby #3) for their first year, and I too had so much pain with each latch on in th beginning! Hang in there, we were all there at one time but it should get better!! Let us know how it goes!!