It's been 8 months... shouldn't the pain be gone by now?

Shayna - posted on 01/11/2009

I had a really really tought time with nursing for the first 3 months.  Long story short, I couldn't do it anymore, so I had to pump (I really didn't want to do formula and this was the only way).  I pumped for about a month and everyone kept telling me how that's it, I am done BFing bc baby will be so used to "easy" bottle, that he won't want to go back to the breast.  Well, once my nipples and my breast healed, I tried again and lo and behold, he went back without blinking.

I guess what I am trying to say, that if nothing else works, may be try pumping and feeding him through the bottle.  Let your nipples heal and rest.   And even if it's not idea, your baby is still getting breast milk (which is what I had to remind myself).

Good luck, I really feel your pain, literallly, cause I've been there :(

Sarah - posted on 01/11/2009

The best cream I found was th lanolin.  The tongue tied questions is good.  I had my doctor check my baby and she wasnt but it might be your babies problem.  Also you need to make sure that the baby is getting enough in its mouth.  While hes nursing stroke the soft spot between the chin and neck right beneath the tongue.  This encourages the baby to keep enough skin in their mouth and to keep nursing consistantly. 

When your baby latches on make sure that he opens his mouth as wide as possible and that you get as much skin as you can in his mouth.  Make sure that his lips arent tucked in and that his tongue is properly positioned (you should be able to just see it peeking out under your nipple).

When you take the baby off dont just pull him off.  Use the tip of your finger to break the suction.

Also does he nurse consistantly?  Like about the same amount of time each day, or does he nurse alot some days and very little others?  Are you pumping in addition to nursing?  Are you producing enough milk or is he struggling to get more?  Do you have inverted or flat nipples?  I had this problem with the first.  Are you exclusively BF or do you supplement? All of these things can cause soreness. 

  As far as dealing with the pain: warm showers and compresses, lanolin, and making sure that you are wearing a good bra.  Wear cotton and soft materials. use cotton pads instead of those lined with plastic if you are using them. 

Find out who the La Lecha League conultant is in your area and see what they say. 

That's all I can remember right now.  Hope something helps for you.

Colleen - posted on 01/11/2009

also, could your baby be tongue tied?

Colleen - posted on 01/11/2009

have you tried different nursing positions? When my son was born, he used to just suck on the tip of my nipple (he was a tongue sucker) and they would hurt soo much and they would even blister. I've found that feeding him in the cradle position on my left breast works but he doesnt usually get a good latch on the right breast in that position, but often gets a good latch in football hold

Caitlin - posted on 01/10/2009

I am sorry to hear that you had to go through that and in turn am pleased to hear that the second one is much better! : D

Would you please ellaborate on some of the ideas that they had? (I know that mine aren't bleeding - something... anything would be nice to hear.)

Sarah - posted on 01/10/2009

I had pain and bleeding for the whole nine months that I nursed my oldest.  I used to curl up my toes and cry because crying was better than screaming.  Between the doctors, lactation consultants, nurses, and friends none of the things they suggested offered much relief. The only thing I can offer is that my second baby has been a great nurser and its been virtually pain free this time around.

Kelly - posted on 01/10/2009

Is he latching correctly? I don't think it should be painful at this point. 

www.kellymom.com is a great site for breastfeeding questions.

Caitlin - posted on 01/10/2009

It's not thrush. It's pain. It hurts and stings. I guess it kinda burns, but in the way it burns when you press on a scab. In a way, it's the same kind of pain as when you first start bfing (only not quite as severe - I don't cry anymore, but I want to at times) and it has been every day for the past 8 months.

Debbie - posted on 01/10/2009

what kind of pain is it? is it a burning tingly kind of pain? you might have thrush

http://www.drjacknewman.com/help/Candida...