Anyone have sore nipples after 3 months?

Stephanie - posted on 11/01/2009

Thanks everyone, I guess the thing is i have to tough it out a while longer! I would hate to give up just before it was to get better...it makes me sad to think about not breastfeeding my LO. I can do anything if I know it's not forever I just wish I was enjoying this time more. Lauren do know what the gel pads are called or where to get them.

Lauren - posted on 10/30/2009

It usually takes 3-4 months for your nipples to be 'conditioned' enough to handle constant feeding. The pain does sometimes come back, as other mothers have said, with prolonged feeding or incorrect positioning. I know a lot of people use ointments and creams, but I've found that cool gel pads are sufficient. The cold soothes your nipples and basically numbs them, so that when your child feeds again, it's not as painful. They got me through my first few weeks.

Jenny - posted on 10/30/2009

Hi Stephanie,



I have been breastfeeding my little guy for almost a year now. I still have sore nipples from time to time. For me after the 3 month mark, it started to get a lot better. Usually there is no pain whatsoever, but like another lady has already said, I think if he feeds for an extended amount of time, they become sore. When he was first born, my nipples were so sore that it was almost unbearable to breastfeed. I was in tears at times. But once I reached 3 months bfing, it all got so much better! I haven't tried any kind of cream or anything like that since the first few months he was born. I think they just have to toughen up, and it takes a little while for some people for that to happen. I have friends that never had a problem with pain at all. It should get better for you real soon, I would think!

Rebecca - posted on 10/30/2009

Ask your Dr for All purpose nipple ointment it works great, here is a site that tells you all about it:

http://www.canadianbreastfeedingfoundati...

Stephanie - posted on 10/30/2009

Quoting Jan:

Hi Stephanie, ouch, poor you!! I remember the agony well. Someone recommended an ointment called CAMILLOSAN, it is instant relief, honest! My nipples were so sore & cracked, this ointment is a life saver & can be bought from the chemist. Good luck. x

Any idea what the active ingredient is? I don't think we have that brand name in Canada...is it Lanoline?

Jan - posted on 10/30/2009

Hi Stephanie, ouch, poor you!! I remember the agony well. Someone recommended an ointment called CAMILLOSAN, it is instant relief, honest! My nipples were so sore & cracked, this ointment is a life saver & can be bought from the chemist. Good luck. x

Elizabeth - posted on 10/30/2009

I had sore nipples (really sore) for about 3 weeks after I started. At a year old and a month, I still get sore nipples occassionally depending if I let her feed too long (eg, if it's more than 20 minutes on a given breast) or at a bad angle. Usually, however, I don't feel any pain at all.



If you feel some burning pain between the nipple part and the aerola, the baby may have damaged something internally. It takes about 24 hours for this to heal, and you must let that time pass before putting the baby back on or it will perpetuate - can you feel anything that is like an injury? Or is it more just a general discomfort? Does it persist?



If you have a lactation consultant, and she hasn't helped solve this - get a new one. She's not good at her job. I went through three, and trust me, the first two were awful. I also saw one on TV that I was shocked was a practitioner at all.