is there any breastfeeding mom out there who's nipples exploded?

Sarah - posted on 02/24/2012

Thanks Elize, yes that's my baby girl all right.Thanks for the lovely compliment!

Elize - posted on 02/24/2012

Nipple shields I have got and it does help lots- especially @night when u don't want to struggle with latching.



I need to find nipple/breast shells. As far as I know it can only b ordered onlne (u use this in your bra instead of breastpads in between feeds and it seperates your bra from your nipples so nothing sticks to it)

Tam - posted on 02/24/2012

Nipple shields are generally available at local supermarkets - if you're in the US, check out the baby section of Walmart. Then there's always Babies R Us.



I just bought some in preparation for my twins and I think they were around $4-$5 apiece. I don't even have flat or inverted nipples, I'm just a wuss when if comes to nipple pain with breastfeeding! I wish I'd known about them for my first babies.

Elize - posted on 02/24/2012

Chrystal...



I am so glad u can relate!



The nice thing is that we eventually end up with REAL nipples who get pointy in the cold and everything!



(Gotta see the upside in everything - right!)

Elize - posted on 02/24/2012

Kristy,

I have heard about the shells but where do I get them?? I can't use breast pads because they get stuck on my nipples (ouch). Instead, I now improvise by plasing a small piece of cling wrap over my nipple... It makes the in between bra wearing bearable!



I have been using BEPANTHEN the pst two days and have experienced immediate relief!! Muh more than with Lansinoh or Purelan



Thx!

Elize - posted on 02/24/2012

Hi Sarah!



Is that your baby girl? She's gorgeous!



Jip...tried all of the above but only this time round. Especially the lactating specialist gave me advise on latching that I did not do or know with my first two. Also had laser treatment. My babies really struggle to latch on my funny breasts but get the hang of it eventually....to the agonizing detriment of my poor nipples!



Nipples are still very sore but less so than with the first two times around...they may just be healing up! Seeing my miracle baby Nadia smile after a painful feeding session (yes, I know its actually just wind) makes it ALL worth it!



Thank you for your advise

Chrystal - posted on 02/24/2012

I can totally share your pain I had problems feeding both my kids and stop with my son after I had open wounds covering 80% of my nipples it looked like he'd chewed them off! I literally had to cover my face with a pillow during latch on because I didn't want my scream to scare him. I used all the tricks nipple shield, nipple shells, supplemental feeding system, boob tea, a dozen trips to a lactation specialist, etc nothing made feeding work for us and I just couldn't do it anymore after 3 months. But if your only problem is the flat nipples causing all the poor latch on then the nipple shield might do the trick I used them from the beginning with my second and I had no sores with her.

Kristy - posted on 02/24/2012

ALong with the advice already written on here have you researched nipple shells for between feeds and nipple shields for during feeds? Good luck.

Sarah - posted on 02/22/2012

Elize, have you tried nursing using a nipple shield? Many women with flat or inverted nipples find them helpful to draw their nipple out during their feed without so much pain. I'd recommend seeking out the help of a lactation consultant to check your latch and give you some tips and support. I'd also encourage you to express a little breastmilk on your nipple after each feed, rub it in and let it air dry. Breastmilk is a fantastic moisturizer and has natural antibiotic properties that can help to heal your broken down skin. Also make sure you change your breast pads frequently so that the wet pads aren't sitting next to your skin, it can contribute to skin breakdown. Good luck, hang in there!

Katherine - posted on 02/22/2012

I share your pain!!!! It's never happened to me but wow I can imagine it HURTS!