Help..having problems.

Rei'sMommy · #1 (**permalink**) 11-30-2007, 05:18 PM

hi i'm new here. i'm lori. i have a 5 week old baby, my fourth, and it's been a rough 5 weeks trying to get my bf'ing relationship going. i had a breast lift 10 years ago, so initially i was worried if i could bf this baby at all. but after birth i nursed entirely and when my milk came in it was apparent i had enough milk and it was coming through the nipples okay!

but, since her birth, i've been through thrush and HUGE cracks...stopped bf'ing for a week, then resumed and have taken Reglan to relactate which seems to have worked. now, we are down to probably 3-4 bottles a day of formula and bf'ing the rest.

i'm really happy i kept trying and am bf'ing at all right now. but, my nipples are still enormously painful and the cracks aren't healed yet. it's a hard life feeling that pain so many times a day. i have been using soothies and breast shells...tried a nipple shield but that didn't help.

any advise how i can resolve these nipple wounds, so that i can nurse more comfortably. i really want this to work out!

tia!

RandiRed · #2 (**permalink**) 11-30-2007, 09:23 PM

I sort of had the same problem when my daughter was born. She had a terrible latch and tore my nipples to shreds. I was determined. What i did was BF when she was hungry. I did have to bear the pain for a few days but it did heal and get better. I would put some breast milk on the nipple after a feed and let it sit for a few minutes and air out. I wouldnt let it dry, because that would create scabbing which re-open every time you feed. After the few minutes i would place some lansinoh cream and place a breast pad on it and then tuck everything away into the bra. I found the key was the milk and keeping it soft. I remember thinking i was surprised it healed so quickly. I think i was back to normal within 4 days

I was told to stay away from the gels and stuff because they can hinder your milk supply. Not sure if thats true. If I was in too much pain to feed, i would pump and give what came out to the baby right away to keep my supply with her demand

I would not reccomend stopping for even a day without pumping and feeding. I hope you are healed quickly and that others have some good advice.

**Trimmer's Trio of Blue** · #3 (**permalink**) 12-01-2007, 07:31 AM

ditto above and I also used Gerbers gel pads. I put my in the fridge the coolness was a godsend!!

Rei'sMommy · #4 (**permalink**) 12-01-2007, 07:27 PM

thanks so much. that makes sense, because the most painful part is when she breaks the scab to nurse. i'll try to keep it moist. THANKS!

Rei'sMommy · #5 (**permalink**) 12-07-2007, 11:45 AM

things are getting better..just very slowly..i'm kinda surprised that my wounds aren't healed by now.

what could i be doing wrong?

mom2tig99Nroo03 · #6 (**permalink**) 12-11-2007, 10:21 AM

i'd recommend using apno (all purpose niple ointment) on them, as if you have open wounds you are more susceptible to infection, the apno has antibacterial and antifungal properties to keep infection away and will also keep them moist like lansinoh would.

if you're still having problem though, with bleeding/cracking/pain etc, it is a latch issue, and a lc or at least a lll could likely help you quite a bit. also, if baby is used to bottles already, she may be sucking on you like she would a bottle, and it isn't quite the same tongue and jaw movements required for nursing.

good job sticking it out this far, and i hope you get the *in person* help that you need to make thigns smoothy for the long haul.

karaintx · #7 (**permalink**) 12-12-2007, 09:47 PM

what about lashinoh? i think that you can pick it up at wal-mart or target. i have also heard of using a bit of BM after feeding and letting your nips air dry.

are you still having thrush problems?? my DD #2 had bad thrush, and i used genitian violet on her. it turns everything purple, but really does the trick with the thrush.

good luck with the BFing!! you are doing awesome!!