Need advise for a new mom

Trisha - posted on 03/08/2009

It hurt like crazy for the first two weeks for me and my best friend.  Double check the latch but that sensitive skin is being worked in a way it's never been before.  Go topless as much as possible.  Keep those nipples dry before you put the lanolin on and give it a full two weeks and it will stop.  I promise. 

Hang in there!

Melissa - posted on 03/08/2009

I feel your pain! It took my daughter a whole month to latch on properly. I was told to use the footbal hold because it opens their mouth wider. It is very frustrating but don't give up! Try letting your nipple dry off before applying the cream. I used to put a ton on. Good luck!

Allison - posted on 03/08/2009

Keep working on the latch. If it hurts while she is nursing, unlatch her by breaking the seal with your finger and relatch again. This is frustrating for both of you...but you cannot keep nursing if it hurts, and you can't fix it until you both practice doing it right. It's great that the LC was able to help you during that feeding - now you *know* you can nurse without pain. See the LC again if you need to...have a friend help you with positioning.

It will get better! You both just need to learn what to do :-)

Stephanie - posted on 03/08/2009

I found with both my bf babies after the first couple of days i got some nipple pain when my babies both initially latched on which hurt like hell.  If this happens you should count to 10 and if the pain has not subsided put your finger in the corner  of the babies mouth and break the suction and then try to reattach.  I would also recommend leaving your top off when you can and letting some air circulate round your breasts as the quickest way to get healing.  Sometimes it is important to shape your nipple when getting your baby to attach to the breast, you can use the finger and thumb of your free hand to make a conical, pointy shape with the nipple slightly tilted towards the back of the babies mouth, rub it across her top lip and wait for her to open her mouth and then bring her onto the breast quickly.  When she feels the breast in her mouth she will start to suck and it will feel like she has a big mouthful of breast, not just a little bit.  Her cheeks will look rounded and her jawbone in front of her ear will be working hard.  Her chin should be pressed into your breast (not hard) and her nose should be clear.  If initial pain does not fade within 10 seconds detach and try again.  Keep trying it will take time and you are both learning but it will soon become second nature and soon your baby will be able to attach without any help from you.

Another thing to remember is that after a week you might be a little engorged which makes your breasts hard and round and really tough to attach onto (imagine trying to suck on a soccer ball!) if this is the case you can hand express a little to soften your breasts or once you have mastered the nipple shaping and your baby is attaching better you can just make the pointy shape and get going! good luck xxx

Lolly_loulou - posted on 03/08/2009

i agree with all. i would defo say try feeding laying down.. much more comfortable. when bf it should only feel uncomfortable, painful for about 30 seconds if it is painful any longer then that unlatch baby, dont give formula as at this stage ur body is producing milk on demand so she needs to fed even if she not getting much out,
i was in pain for a few days but i made sure that if i didnt use lanolin then i wud let nipple air dry. dont cover up straight away and dont rub dry as this can make nipple crack. also when using breast pads make sure u change them after every feed so as not to make nipples stay wet all day, good luck and remember ur not alone.
keep us posted on how things going

Jennifer - posted on 03/08/2009

wait for  to be mid scream because you have not fed her yet, then she will be ready for your breast. keep using the lanolin andon't give up.

Julie - posted on 03/08/2009

I agree with the others.  Also, when I used the lanolin it actually made things worse.  Getting the proper latch and then putting expressed milk on them afterwards made a huge difference. 

Jessie - posted on 03/08/2009

I agree - BF is not supposed to hurt, you probably need to correct the latch. Check out www.drjacknewman.com for some great videos and advice on getting a good latch. Your baby is the best pump so keep putting her to the breast and don't supplement with formula as it can cause problems with your supply and until you establish a good latch it can also lead to nipple confusion. My midwife also suggested that when you can, leave your bra off and let the air get at your breasts and after each feeding express a little milk and let it dry on your nipples - it's great for healing them. I found the football hold was really helpful the first few weeks. There is a learning curve with BF for both you and your baby but give it a few weeks and it will get better and then it is the most amazing rewarding experience! Hang in there - you can do it!

Larissa - posted on 03/08/2009

Get a better latch.  If you need to visit the lactation consultant again, do it.  Or contact a La Lache League.

When you start out, if she doesn't have a lot of the aerola in her mouth, then try something different.  You can pull her chin down to open her mouth more, or try a new position all together.  One thing you can try is lying on your bed, lay her facing your breast like you are going to nurse (tummy to tummy), then scoot her way down so that her nose is level with your nipple, not her mouth.  This will force her to move her head back to get the nipple, rather than down, so her mouth will open wider.

I wouldn't use formula at all, you don't want to risk your milk supply going down.  I would advise against using a bottle or pacifier at all, until she is at least 4 weeks old, these can cause nipple confusion.

But seriously breastfeeding should not hurt.  The best of luck to you and your little one!

Kathryn - posted on 03/08/2009

Oh, I'm so sorry you're hurting! It sounds like a latch problem. You must make sure the baby takes the most of the breast, not just the nipple. Also, make sure the baby's tongue is down, and the lips are pooched out both on top and bottom of the latch (husband can help you see underneath). The baby needs to be tummy-to-tummy with you. There are nipple shields that will provide a barrier to protect your breast until you heal, and they can be helpful. The lanolin cream should be applied at every feeding for quicker healing. The most important thing is the proper latch, if you feel pain when the baby latches, release the latch and start again...do NOT nurse with a bad latch or it will be impossible to heal.



You are making the best choice by breastfeeding, and it WILL get better. It is both emotionally and physically the best thing for your baby and for yourself. Be proud, and stick with it. Don't be afraid to try La Leche League...they are tremendously helpful.



Good luck, I'll be praying for you!