I feel like somebody is ripping off my nipples!!!!

DS is 16 days old today and were just weaning off of the nipple shield the past couple of days and I still use it for about 50-70% of his feedings.
His latch is what kills the most. Then even after feeding they're burning!!!

Thoughts? Advice? Words of encouragement?

I use lanolin and didn't like the gel soothies.

Re: I feel like somebody is ripping off my nipples!!!!

Ugh, I had the same thing! It went away around 3 weeks. Just keep at it, lanolin, rub some extra milk around the nipple, soothies, etc. It gets better!

Re: I feel like somebody is ripping off my nipples!!!!

I'm sorry. I found BF so challenging too and for me it took a full month before I didn't experience pain or get engorged.

I found rubbing excess milk over the nipple most helpful and leaving my boobs uncovered gave some relief too.

Re: I feel like somebody is ripping off my nipples!!!!

Ugh, I remember those days. I think that it just took time for my body to adjust, but after a few weeks the pain did subside. Keep using the lanolin, and use it before you shower too.

I remember liking those soothie things, maybe try another brand?

The pain does end though!!!! Good luck!!!

Re: I feel like somebody is ripping off my nipples!!!!

with my 1st DD....my nipples didn't really feel all better until almost 6 weeks....hang in there!!

Re: I feel like somebody is ripping off my nipples!!!!

It WILL get better. This is the "hump" everyone told me about that I needed to get over to actually enjoy BFing. Soon, they will be numb!

Re: I feel like somebody is ripping off my nipples!!!!

forget creams use this for in between feedings

drench gauze pads in saline wash...then put on your breasts and put breast pads over that so the saline doesnt drip/leak. A lactation consultant told me to do this and it was a miracle..they felt better by the next feeding..It does get better...i promise...it takes a couple of weeks!!

Re: I feel like somebody is ripping off my nipples!!!!

Re: I feel like somebody is ripping off my nipples!!!!

Mostly it's something you have to work thru. But I used Lansinoh after EVERY feeding and that seemed to help.

Re: I feel like somebody is ripping off my nipples!!!!

Earth Mama Angel Baby Natural Nipple Butter is a godsend. I used it with dd and was never sore. You don't have to wipe it off and it didn't stain any of my clothes. It is soothing and for me worked much better then lanolin. I wish I had known about it when bf ds.

My ds was a terrible nurser. Everyone kept saying at 6 weeks it will get better but it didn't I ended up having an LC come to the house and it was a bunch of issues combined. I had flat nips and ds had a weak shallow latch. We worked out our issues and ended up bf until he was 14 months old. It was not easy at times and I remember sitting there crying because I was just so tired and in pain. But it got better we just had to work out the bugs

Re: I feel like somebody is ripping off my nipples!!!!

Thank you everyone! I am currently working with an LC who I like very much. And have come a long way so far. I just am hoping there's a light at the end of this tunnel.

Re: I feel like somebody is ripping off my nipples!!!!

you are almost done with the nightmare part of nursing!
doing awesome...one day soon you won't even know anyone is on your boob.

did LC confirm baby did not have thrush?

my baby #2 had it and the feeling was razor blades coming out of my nipples. #1 hurt, but not like razors...just rule that out.

Re: I feel like somebody is ripping off my nipples!!!!

I liked Earth Mama Angel Baby Nipple Butter. Helped a lot. Wet tea bags and put them on. Cold compresses or warm. Try both and see which works better for you.

I promise it gets better. Around 6 weeks and it doesn't hurt at all!! 4 weeks it starts to get better.

Re: I feel like somebody is ripping off my nipples!!!!

it def gets better. for the first 6 weeks or so it felt like lightening was coming out of my nipples when she latched..

Re: I feel like somebody is ripping off my nipples!!!!

i feel your pain. have u ever tried soothies? theyre nipple gel pads u put in the freezer and then put in your bra to soothe sore nips. also, i found that pumping helped ALOT to relieve the dryness and cracking bc of the moisture. also when you shower, do not soap your breasts in any way, as this makes them dry out.

Re: I feel like somebody is ripping off my nipples!!!!

Message edited 3/1/2012 9:21:30 AM.