Breastfeeding still hurting at 6 weeks

So the pain associated with breastfeeding did seem like it was diminishing but then at 5 weeks became uncomfortable again. My nipples are still SO sore. Yesterday, I saw a lactation consultant and she examined the latch from two positions on both sides and everything looks good (except when DS is a maniac and decides to adjust himself but I immediately pull him off to correct his latch). My nipples though are definitely irritated and red. I told the LC that even when she said the latch was good, it still hurt - she thought maybe bc the nipples were already irritated? I am also getting radiating sharp pain in my breasts during and after feedings. I thought maybe it's thrush but DS shows no signs.

So now I am pumping from the right side to see if the nipple heals for 36 hours and will then pump from the other side for 36 hours.

Any other suggesting? I am already air drying and applying lanolin.

Breastfeeding still hurting at 6 weeks

Yeah, I remember it still hurting at that point. If it still hurts in 2 weeks, see someone.

Don't wash them with soap, and put the nursing pads in your bra to wick away leaks.

Breastfeeding still hurting at 6 weeks

I was told dd was latching well yet my nipples were sore, cracked and even bleeding. I got nipple shields and they were a life saver for me. Allowed my nipples to heal while continuing to bf.

Re: Breastfeeding still hurting at 6 weeks

The medela hydrogel pads saved me. They can be refrigerated. I would also make sure baby doesn't have a lip or tongue tie. The posterior tie's can be hard to diagnose by an untrained eye and can cause the pain you're describing. Also you can definitely have thrush without your baby having symptoms. google symptoms in mothers and if you still think you may have it, can't hurt to see your OB.

Breastfeeding still hurting at 6 weeks

I found the medela hydrogel pads worked the best for me. The pain was eliminated almost immediately after applying them- they helped heal my nipples within a couple of days.

Re: Breastfeeding still hurting at 6 weeks

I had radiating pain until around 3 months pp. It turned out I had vasospasms. The beginning of feedings was the worst. After feedings my nipples would turn white. I would even feel it in my back.
Once it got better feedings were a breeze. Now at 9.5m pp DD has teeth and sucks hard so some of the pain is starting to come back.

ETA: keep using ointments and gel pads If you can. It should subside.

Message edited 6/7/2014 7:02:30 PM.

Breastfeeding still hurting at 6 weeks

Thanks everyone. It's just really hard. I want to be able to dry myself off with a towel like a normal person. I am trying to stick it out a few more weeks.

Re: Breastfeeding still hurting at 6 weeks

I had lots of trouble breastfeeding until I was referred to Dr. Lauren Macaluso in New Hyde Park. Her focus is entirely on breastfeeding and breast health. In addition to being an MD she is an IBCLC and takes many different types of insurance.

If you want a second opinion, I recommend her.

Breastfeeding still hurting at 6 weeks

Mine hurt for about 8 weeks. Good luck.

Breastfeeding still hurting at 6 weeks

Even though LO has no lesions, could still be thrush. The treatment is so benign that it's worth a shot. I've had thrush 3 times. It sucks, but after 24-48 hrs of treatment it's heavenly. You'll need gentian violet, grapefruit seed extract, and all purpose nipple ointment, or an anti fungal cream like monistat. Look up Dr. Jack Newman's thrush protocol.
I had pain for 8w. Then magically nothing. But the pain associated with thrush is unique. Burning/stabbing painful to touch. Just my bra made me want to cry. Air them out as much as possible.

Re: Breastfeeding still hurting at 6 weeks

Message edited 6/8/2014 10:17:09 AM.

Breastfeeding still hurting at 6 weeks

Thanks for the recommendation. I do not live on LI, but I will be there the 22-25 or 26 so maybe I can see if I can get an appointment for then and cancel if it gets better.

Re: Breastfeeding still hurting at 6 weeks

Mine hurt for so long. I LOVED the Earth Mama Angel Baby nipple butter. I have always heard that lanolin does more harm than good. The head nurse at Winthrop Hospital for the NICU has weekly meetings and she said that the lanolin can cause clogs so I stopped using it. They will absolutely get better, it just takes some time.

Breastfeeding still hurting at 6 weeks

The gel pads were a life saver to help with the nipple pain and heal them! The one nipple that was so painful I used a nipple shield for a few days and it allowed it to heal. I would try that as well.

Re: Breastfeeding still hurting at 6 weeks

I also used Dr. Macaluso, she was wonderful. She also prescribed me an antibiotic cream to help heal. I had back to back cases of mastitis and was ready to call it quits. She really helped me and at 7 months I am still nursing DD2.