Breastfeeding Pain

I am a first time mom of a 20 month old and went through a lot to breastfeed my child. I hired a lactation consultant and she came to my home, and here are some of the things she said. Definitely, use the laniolon cream, it works and helps. Also, when you are feeding her, there should be no sounds like clicking sounds from the baby. If there is clicking sounds, then she is not latched on right at all. Pull her off and latch her on again. It takes some practice, but you can train her to latch on correctly. Also, if the poop is green, then she is not getting enough hind milk, the poop should be yellow. I can send you her name and number if you need it. Also, the American Book of Pediatric Breastfeeding book is really good, I used it alot.

Hi R.,
Hang in there. It DOES get better. Until then get SOOTHIES which are gel breastpads that you use to heal your nipples. THIS WORKS. I could not have made if without them and for like $10 is was MORE than worth it. I know BabysRus has them, and it seems Target too. There are some that are store brand that work too. With my second child I did see a lactation consultant as well. My pediatrician's office had one on staff---you might check yours to see. If you need anything or just some moral support feel free to call....###-###-####

K.

I just wanted to say, good job, R.! I've got a four month old who's been exclusively breastfed and boy, was it hard at the beginning! My five year old and I didn't see eye to eye with the whole breastfeeding thing and I wasn't sure it'd work with our second baby, either. It has, though, thank goodness. But those first few weeks were HELL. One of my nipples was so cracked, I'd cry out whenever Meara latched on. I, too, had that burning sensation...don't know what that was, but it was weird. I used Medela lanolin cream for the cracked nipples.

Keep at it and I promise it'll get better. Like everyone told me, get through the first six weeks and then it'll be a breeze! Until they start biting...;)

For pain, I use 100% Lanolin ointment. You can get it at grocery stores, drug store, Target, Walmart, basically anywhere under several different brand names. I have a sample tube from Lanisol, and a large tube from Medela. Use this liberally on your nipples for healing. THe best part is that this is a natural product so you don't have to wash it off before breastfeeding.

I would also like to recommend the message boards at breastfeeding.com. The general board would be a great place to post your problems and get a TON of advice. Hang in there, the first few months were a bit tough for me, but by the time I went back to work from maternity leave, we had it down pat. Now the main reason I use Lanolin is because I sometimes get blisters from my pump.

I never experienced the dry cracked or bleeding nipple but they do have some cream that you can get a walmart that helps with that. I have had experience with engorged breasts, get a cold compress and hold it on there. Are you pumping? Because I know pumping makes both of those things worse so I would just straight brestfeed for awhile. I hope this helps!!! I am not sure about the burning sensation, I've never had that. I would call your pediatrician or ob and ask for a good lactaction specialist that could help you with latching on and things like that! There are also breastfeeding numbers you can call. Like the La Leche League, www.lalecheleague.org. They should have some information for you! I hope I have helped you even a little bit. Good Luck!

He R.,
I feel for you but wanted to encourage you to stick with it. I wanted to send the name of the lactation counsultant that came to my home, but I can't find her card (my husband flooded the house Sat. night trying to fix a leaky toilet and now the house is in total disaray). But anyway, you can call the hospital where you delivered and ask them for someone to come out to your house to help you get the hang of proper latching. Also the La Leche organization can help answer questions on which creams to use and how to heal. http://www.lalecheleague.org/bfinfo.html

You are doing a good thing for your baby by trying this. An added benefit for me was that I lost all of the baby weight + 10 extra pounds while breastfeeding because it burns so many calories.

D.

R.,
I just wanted to agree with what the others have already shared. I, too went through a lot in the first few weeks with my daughter and had to use a lactation specialist. Her name is Vicki and she is at Presby Allen. ###-###-#### and ask for labor and delivery. If you worked with one at the hopsital where you delivered, you may want to contact her. I know my insurance covered the visit as well. I assure you, it WILL get easier. I so wanted to give it up altogether in the first few weeks, but something happened around 6 weeks and it just became second nature. Hang in there!

K.

Hang in there it will get better! first are you using lanolin ointment on your nipple? It is a life saver! Let them air out as much as possible too and they will heal faster.
good luck

L.

I had problems too but I used a shield that you can get at Babysrus. Avent makes one and so does Medela. I would suggest the avent one because it was easier to use for me. It also comes in different sizes. The shild really helped me get over the hump. I promise, it doesn't hurt for much longer. Stick with it, you will be glad you did!
H.