I met with an LC today and would like to share my experience

At 5 wks pp I am still experiencing nipple pain. (pretty severe and between feedings) After reading threads on these boards, I started to realize that this wasn't normal and that I should seek help. I ruled out with my Dr. that I didn't have thrush or an infection. (I also consulted my BF books and the kellymom website)

Today Daniel and I met with a woman who is a pediatrician and breastfeeding specialist. She also makes house calls.

She determined that I'm not doing anything wrong. Position and latch technique are good. The problem is related to the construction of his mouth. He has a high palette and a slightly tight frenulum (tongue tie). This is causing him to periodically lose suction and clamp down on my nipple. However, she does not suggest operating because it would be bloody and traumatic for him and his condition is not very severe. She said that it will correct over time, as he gets bigger and more mature.

Meanwhile, I am definitely suffering from vasospasms, as result of his clamping down on the nipple. DH is going to give him a bottle at night to get him used to it and to give my nipples a break and I will pump at that time to keep my supply up and to start establishing a stash for when I return to work.

The good news in all this is that in spite of the pain that I am dealing with, my DS is thriving. He was 7 lbs 1 oz when he was born and today, at exactly 5 wks, he weighed 10 lbs 12 ozs.

I am so happy that I sought help and that I now know what the problem is. Knowing that this won't last forever, has helped me to feel that I can work through this.

I am also so greatful to the women on this board. I think that I may have continued to suffer silently, if it had not been for the threads that I have read and responses to my own threads. Thank you.

Re: I met with an LC today and would like to share my experience

good for you for seeking help!

I am so sorry that you went through that pain