Cracked Nipples - Paso Robles,CA

I was getting blisters on my nipples that would not go away between feedings. The lactation consultant said to express a little milk, rub it all around on the sore areas and let it air dry. I tried this and the next feeding I was expecting to find a little improvement, but instead found that the blisters were completely gone! It worked every time.

Hi Megan,
I too had the problem of soar, cracked nipples, I used medela Lanolin. You have probably heard of it, but it worked the best for me. If you have not heard of it I got it at Target and you can get it from the drug store as well. And I am still using it after each feeding to prevent the cracked nipples and to stay clear of the pain. But be careful, I got Mastitis(sp)...not so fun. Just be aware of this so you can help prevent it, I only new I had this because a friend told me about her experience and I was happy to have the info. You can look it up on line so you are aware.
Take care and good luck. The cracking went away within a few days.

Have you tried Lansinoh Lanolin it works great. Its really thick and ackward at first but it works sooo well and its safe to breastfeed while you have it on.

I used lansinoh (spelling?) and purelan. They are both 100%lanolin. It was quite a while ago, but between not having her latch perfected and leaving her on my breast too long I ended up w/ painful cracked nipples.Putting a call in to The Pump station in LA would be helpful as there may be s 'new and improved' pruduct available! Best, H.

Use lanolin on the nipple after every time your baby nurses, and make sure the nipple is pretty deep into the baby's mouth. Sounds like the latch needs (or did need) work. If the latch seems not good, just unhook the baby and try again.

Dear Megan
Greetings!!!

CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR NEW ARRIVAL!!!! : )))

I truly want to commend you on nursing your two week old. I sooooo love nursing my dazzling son, Dylan Orion. And.....don't laugh, but I call him my LUSCIOUSLY VORACIOUS MILKY MONSTER! Nursing is the most amazing communication I've ever experienced with another being before.

And please know........ that in the beginning my nipples also cracked and bled, and it was so painful. But, I was determined to continue nursing Dylan. Then, on day 4 I discovered MOTHERLOVE'S NIPPLE CREAM. And, I truly agree with all the other MAMAS that have recommended this amazing product to you! It was a lifesaver! It literally healed my nipples almost instantly and the great thing about the NIPPLE CREAM is that it is 100% natural so it is not harmful if your baby ingests it.

Here's the website for MOTHERLOVE:

http://www.motherlove.com/product_nipple_cream.php

And, this is what they say about their NIPPLE CREAM:

"The only nipple cream certified USDA Organic
Use on sore, cracked nursing nipples to quickly soften and heal skin, and relieve pain. This creamy salve goes on easily and also serves as an excellent diaper rash ointment. All ingredients are safe for ingestion, so it does not need to be washed off prior to nursing.

Does not contain lanolin, which contains several pesticides; or Vitamin E, which should not be ingested by infants."

I bought my NIPPLE CREAM at WHOLE FOODS and THE PUMP STATION, but to find a store close to you go to:

http://www.motherlove.com/storelocator.php

I also love the LA LECHE LEAGUE for all the help they've given me, and I highly recommend calling them! If you haven't checked them out already...here's their website for California: http://www.llli.org/Web/California.html

Hope this helps! Please free to call me anytime: (323) 906~2784 or e~mail me at ____@____.com

Hang in there with the nursing, Megan! You're doing AMAZING!!!

LOL,
L. (Mama to 45 week old Dylan Orion) : )))

Try Laniosh, (I don't know how to spell it) works great, you don't even have to wash it off. It's in a purple tube.

Friendly mom

Those first weeks aren't easy, but you'll get through them! Try lanolin cream. It worked for me, and I was able to nurse my baby for 11 months! Good luck!

Hi Megan,
Nobody told me until it was too late with my first child, but let your nipples air dry after each feeding. Your milk has a natural lubricant and it will help heal them. Also, don't wash your nipples with soap, just with water in the shower will do. The soap also adds to the dryness!
Good luck.....I promise it will get better.

Another vote here for expressing your breastmilk after you nurse, spread it around the nipple and let it air dry. This worked much better for me than the lanolin.

Once they crack, you really shouldn't breastfeed anymore. Mine were heavy eaters, not biters, and I only lasted three mths w/ my first & one mth w/ my second. You can try to pump once they've healed up a bit. But because there cracked, they may bleed and thats definately not good for you or the baby. I know it sucks, cause I was shooting for at least 6 mths of breastfeeding. Good luck!!

have you tried lanolin on your nipples after feedings

Although it was 21 years ago that I dealt with the same thing, bleeding nipples as well! The doctor told me to feed as much as possible. I know it hurts... don't give up! It was well worth it in the long run. My husband wanted me to stop because he saw how much pain I was in. KEEP NURSING as much as possible. You'll be happy you stuck it out. Good luck!

I never had cracked nipples, but I did get a lot of clogged ducts and actually had to have 2 of them lanced out TWICE! I was using the Lanolin at the time and my LC said that Lanolin can clog ducts in women who are already prone to getting clogged ducts. So she told me to put good old olive oil on my nipples. It's all natural, cheap, already in your kitchen, totally edible so it's safe for baby. And it dries faster than the lanolin which helps your nipples to heal faster by not holding in the moisture.

She also told me to use cloth breastshields or to not use any at all to prevent moisture buildup.

Megan,

Lanolin cream works great on cracked nipples. It's a little messy but it works great. I felt better right away and the cracked skin healed in a couple of days. You can find several different brands in any drug store. Here is the one I used. I purchased it from CVS but here is a link from Babies R Us so you can see the package.
http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2668339

I hope it helps you out.

(oops after I wrote the below I saw the 53 other responses and saw lots of other Mother Love lovers)

I had it that bad and worse! The best thing I found (thanks to a neighbor)was Mother Love Nipple Cream (I tried them all). My neighbor ordered it for me online, but later I found it at Jimbo's in Carlsbad. I just looked online for a site to show you and saw that there were some bad warnings on another popular brand, whew good to know...this one is fully organic. http://www.motherlove.com/product_nipple_cream.php

One other thing they made me do (this was in week one when I was bleeding) was to stop feeding for 24 hours and only pump, they even made me rent a hospital grade pump, even though I had the Medela. I was freaked out to do this and intro the bottle so early, but it worked out great.

Good luck.

Hang in there! I experienced extreme nipple pain with each newborn, even with my last one when I was already nursing the baby's older brother. I used a lot of lanolin ointment and sucked it up until it went away in about three weeks.

you just need time. i have four kids and with every one of them my nipples were extremely sore for about a month, and then all of the sudden one day they were better. For that month though, it was just excruciating. I would wince and cry when each one latched on. You only have about two more weeks of hell to go!! Good luck

You need the lanolin cream. I put it on my nipples every morning regardless of if I'm having a problem or not. It's the best. I use Lansinoh's...it's at Target and Babies R Us.

-M

Lanolin ointment and warm compresses will help. Make sure it's pure lanolin so that it doesn't harm the baby. You can find it in the breast pumping supply section of Target or Babies R Us.

I feel your pain and remember those crakced nipples myself. Have you used lanolin cream? I think there are things called Lily Pads that my friends have used successfully. Try to make sure your baby is latching on right to prevent this from worsening...it WILL get better!

Megan, the creams will help but I found that using a Nipple Shield help the most. Check this out, Medela makes them and you can find them at Babies R Us and sometimes Target.

http://www.medelabreastfeedingus.com/products/breastfeedi...

They attach right onto your nipples and work as a barrier. You can use it for a few days while you nipples heal and as they toughen. After a while, you wont even need to nurse with the shields because you will be used to it. If you need help keeping it on, you can even apply some cream before the feeding to help the shield adhese to the breast. But the babies suction alone will help it stay on. I used this with my first born and I really feel it saved me from stopping nursing. With my second son I was more used to the pain but used the shield anyway and within a week I didnt need to use it anymore. I hope this helps..hang in there!!

Use the product "Lansinoh". It is amazing. You can find it in just about any drugstore, and it worked like magic for me, mine were so bad they were bleeding and so painful. And you don't have to wipe it off before nursing, it's totally safe for the baby. Used it with both my kids, everyone I know has used it and loves it.

Have you tried the Lanolin (SP?) ointement you put on them? It's safe for baby to ingest and is soothes cracked nipples. They sell it at Babiesrus and other breast feeding stores.

Hi,

I'm sorry to hear your are having nipple problems. It takes a few days to heal cracked nipples. What did the LC's say about the baby's latch? A proper latch is the key. Point the nipple towards the baby's nose, and center the baby's bottom lip on the brown areola under the nipple. It's important to let your nipples air dry after a feeding, and to break the latch properly and quickly if the baby is biting the nipple. Also lanosah is a great salve. Stay away from vit E. That won't help. Keep nursing often, and it will get better with time.

Good Luck Don't give up!

S. Wolcott, LM RN
shastamidwives.com

Megan-

So sorry to hear!! I have been using "Motherlove" Nipple Cream, you can purchase it at whole foods or the Pump station. I have never had any problems with cracked nipples, I also have been very religious about applying after each feeding& showering, etc. I have also heard to rub breast milk on them after feeding& let airdry before putting on the cream.

I hope you feel better soon!!

T.

hi,
you can try "mothers love nipple cream" from whole foods.
it worked for me.
good luck!

Megan,
As many of the people stated Lanolin of some sort (there are many different brands on the market), you have to remember one, very important thing: lanolin is an ANIMAL PRODUCT. It is made from the oil that is squeezed out of sheep's wool. WIth that said, MANY women experience a reaction to the product that often causes further skin breakdown, or swelling and irritation. As a lactation educator, I actually rarely recommend lanolin of any sort. It is a moisture barrier - and it can cause moisture to get trapped between the skin and the cream - which can lead to yeast infections.
What does work - well, getting the baby to latch-on correctly. Many women state that they've gone to see a "lactation consultant", but are they IBCLC? Board certified? If not, I question how much experience they have actually had - and what criteria they have to be assisting nursing moms. Other things - letting the breasts air dry is vital. Don't RUB them dry, if you must, but "pat" them, instead. Any type of heat feels good and assists in healing. If you can go topless outside and let the nice, hot sun warm 'em up - better. If not, a warm (not hot) hairdryer directed at the breasts feels good, too. Hot compress', a product called "Soothies" (available at lactation stores). But the best, is your own breast milk, slightly expressed and rubbed on your nipple and given time to air-dry naturally.

I didn't have cracked nips, but had dry and blistered ones (luckily they never opened). Like many other moms, I used a nipple shield for ~2 weeks until we got the latching right. I also used breastmilk after feeding and let dry or Lansinoh saline wipes & dry then Lansinoh ointment. It is also important to just use water and not soap on your nipples, it only dries them out, irritates them and gives your baby a weird taste in their mouth. I also only used cotton nursing bras with a soft lining to keep down irritation. Keep up the good work & don't give up on yourself and your little one!

I used Motherlove nipple cream and air out, which means having little or no company but it worked the best. I feel your pain, I had sores and cracked nipples, my daughter had a baracuda bite. But hang in there, after 2 months or so, I had no pain in one nipple, then 2 weeks later, I was in no pain from both nipples. It seems that pregnancy makes the nipples softer and as the hormones go down, the skin goes back to normal and toughens up a bit.
Rotating nursing positions helped me out a lot. Try at least 3 nursing positions per day, it really makes a difference. Hang in there for at least 2 months and you will see, it gets better.
I have been nursing my daughter for 12 months now and it is such a blessing and bonding experience. Best of luck!! E.

When I was first nursing and in constant pain (2 weeks of it, but well worth it) another mama told me to try organic virgin coconut oil. It worked great, although I had to wear pads inside my bra so I wouldn't get all oily.

Also, when you are able/comfortable air dry after nursing.

Another great thing that works is to rub some breast milk on your nipples - breast milk has great healing properties.

The pain and cracking will stop soon, but the benefits of nursing your baby will last a lifetime! You are doing a great job - keep up the good work!

Hi Megan,
You've already gotten advice about the Lansinoh ointment, but I just want to tell you how well it worked for me.
I sooo remember the phase you are going through now, and I want to say - THIS TOO SHALL PASS!
Use the Lansinoh. I remember it working very quickly. You and your little one will get this worked out and all will be fine.
This is another one of those things that no one warns us about, so a lot of moms quit right here, thinking that it just won't work out. Let me tell you that my friends and I ALL went through this! It's probably more normal than not.
I know that it can be painful. Mine were bleeding. I remember how much it hurt. But it is temporary! Once I got my son trained to latch on properly, it was all fine. I think the main thing was to have him open his mouth very wide and take in more of the breast, not just the tip of the nipple.
You are doing an awesome and loving service to your child by nursing. You're not alone in this. Just hang in there! And get the Lansinoh creme.
Love to you and your family,
M.

I have two suggestions... one is using a lanolin ointment like Lanisoh between feedings. It is an all natural substance and won't hurt the baby so you don't have to wash it off before you nurse. The other thing is that at the end of each feeding, express a little breastmilk and rub it on your nipples and let it air dry before putting on the Lanisoh. Both of these things will really speed your healing. Hang in there. I know from experience that this is NO FUN! But sometimes it just takes a couple of weeks to get the nipples used to so much um... work. They should adjust to it soon. Good for you for breastfeeding!!! It is great for both you and your baby!

http://www.motherlove.com/product_nipple_cream.php

This product is fantastic! Slather it on between feedings. It helps so much. Don't give up, you are almost past the worst of it. My baby was just like yours -- but I am so glad we didn't give up because now nursing gives us both so much confidence. But the beginning was an absolute nightmare. Hang in there!

I know they hurt terribly, don't they?? Hang in there, cuz it will be SO much better in a week or two. This is just temporary, and I promise you it will go away and won't hurt at all to nurse in just a little while. My lactation consultant recommended vitamin e oil----I just poked a hole in a capsule (that you'd take orally) and squeezed a litte on my nipple and rubbed it in. Cleared up in a few days.

Go get the nipple shield from target or babiesrus. If you use it for a week or two your nipples will heal up. I had to continue using mine because my baby kept biting but most of the time I think you just need to use it until it heals up. Good luck.

Vitamin E is FAR better than those other products for healing and far safer and healther for him. Make sure it's d-alpha tocopherol NOT dl-aplha tocopherol.

http://www.breastfeeding123.com/fda-warning-about-mommys-...

I had REALLY sensetive nipples nursing both my kids the first few weeks but never had cracked nipples til now which it ended up being thrush. I've used lansinol and earth mama baby angel's nipple butter which i like a little better than the lasinol. It's not as goopy and thick. Anyway, you may want to look for sores in your baby's mouth for thrush in which case I got nystatin for her and put that on my nipples with the nipple butter and then a breast pad at night. i also aired out like the other's say and even went into the sun a bit really helps. I know how bad it hurts! Hang in there and congrads on that baby of yours. keep nursing, it will pass.

Really sounds like your already doing what you should. If you havnt already been applying the lanolin oitment that helps, but it may just need time to heal. Make sure the area is dry as much as possible that will speed healing. So change your nursing pads as soon as they get moist. Its so easy to get discouraged but hang in there and it will be over before you know it and nursing your baby will be like second nature ; )

I used lanolin. It does help a bit. Don't worry--you will soon get toughened in.

There is a lot of good advice here - air is the best solution I found. I would be afraid to just pump because you don't want baby to start to prefer a bottle to you. Try to sit in the sun by an open window. Please don't listen to the poster that said you should stop breastfeeding your baby. The little bit of blood will not hurt the baby! If you are concerned ask your pediatrician.

motherlove nipple cream .... you can get it @ whole foods. its a miracle product!!!!!

I've been through that twice (with both my boys but not my daughter). You have to have a time when you are bra less to let your nipples completely dry and be sure to dry them off after each feeding. You can put cream on them if they are irritated. It takes some time to heal so try not to get discouraged. You are giving your baby the best start possible, keep that in mind. Your baby will be so much healthier for it! Good luck!

I did it all wrong, the answer was simple-AIR. I did the breast shields, different bras,lanolins and you really don't need those things because they hold in moisture. Take your shirt off and your bras, close your curtains and just let the girls hang out. You may need a cloth diaper if you leak, just apply some pressure and it should stop. Depending on the damage they should heal within days. Congratulations on your baby!

This happened to me with my first baby. It was more of a split in both nipple than a crack, and it was excruciating. It was at the point where nothing really helped as long as I was nursing every 2 to 3 hours. I actually quit nursing but continued to pump every 2 to 3 hours. When the nipples had healed a week or two later, I still had milk and was able to start nursing again.

With my second baby I used the lanolin religiously every time I nursed, and although I still had a lot of pain for about 6 weeks, the skin never split open, thank goodness.

first of all, here's a link to many breastfeeding questions that might arise. there are many helpful clips you can view from the home page of this site too.

http://drjacknewman.com/Breastfeeding-help.asp

most importantly, you want to put expressed breastmilk on them after each feeding and allow it to air dry. the milk has healing factors (like neosporin) that you can't get anywhere else. allowing it to air dry makes sure it doesn't rub off.

if you're using any kind of creams (like 100% lanolin) USE SPARINGLY! keeping your nipples too moist will make it easier for the skin to breakdown.

second, breast SHELLS are helpful too for the HEALING process. these allow your nipples to be exposed to air without exposing you. sadly, i'm not sure where you can get them. i know i've seen them in stores like wal-mart or target in the past, but i haven't seen them at target recently. babies r us may be a good place to check too. or better yet, if there is a boutique or breastfeeding support store close to you. motherhood maybe?

and above all, prevention is the key. i can't explain it better than Dr. Jack Newman does. so click on the link (or cut and paste to your address bar) and then click on sore nipples. there is a lot you can learn from this site. i breastfed 3 children and am still learning. :)

good luck!! and keep up the good work. remember, it will get better.

Hi Megan,
You need to air out as much as possible. Squeeze some milk out and rub on your nipples often, than just let it dry in the open. This is the best thing you can do. Hang in there, it will get better soon. Be gentle with yourself.
M.

Try "MotherLove's Nipple Cream". I had the same problems you are describing and it really helped me. I too tried everything, Soothies etc.... I don't know where you live but there is a store in Encino, CA called A Mother's Haven. They carried it as of 8 months ago. Call them first to make sure they have it. They can probably ship to you if you are not local. Their phone number is ###-###-#### or 877-66-HAVEN. If you want to go there, their address is 15928 Ventura Blvd. #116.
Congratulations on your new baby!

Hi,
Have you tried a nipple shield? I used one at the beginning and it was a Godsend for me. Every time I tried to not use it my nipples would crack and be really sore so I kept using it until my son seemed to get the gist of nursing. When I used the shield I had absolutely no pain or cracking. He is now almost 7 months old and I don't use it but I did for about the first 4 months. I really recommend trying it...good luck :)

I found nipple pads with healing gel that you put in the fridge worked really well... I forget the name but you can get them at Pickles and Giggles in Temecula and it worked wonders for me, and the other friends I got them for!!!! :)

Lanolin based breast creams, like "Lansinoh." They should have it at any baby store.

ANd like the others said, air out, breast milk on it, check her latch...

It will pass...I had that too, and the creams helped me.

Good luck,
Susan

There is more than one ointment out there that you can use. I am so sorry I cannot remember the name of it, but I know the maternity stores have it and your lactation consultant should know. That info is not much help, but I really wanted to say, "Hang in there!" It took 2 MONTHS of pain while nursing for me, but I endured it because I knew it was the best thing for my son. Two months exactly and the pain just stopped. I nursed for 2 years and I still miss that closeness I shared with my son (he turns 4 in October and just the other day told me to pour some milk in me and he will drink it out----he misses it, too). So, just know that it will indeed get better!! Good luck!

J.

I agree that Lansinoh lanolin will be very helpful to you. Good luck and don't give up; you're doing something so important for your baby! :)

Have you tried Lansinoh lanolin cream? Or nipple shields? I'm using the lanolin and it doesn't make it a whole lot better but it's semi-tolerable! I've been breastfeeding for almost 2 weeks and I'm thinking about trying the nipple shields. Good luck!

Lansolin is ultra-pure lanolin, completely safe for you and baby, and free of any pesticide residues... although I don't think New Zealand sheep farmers cover their flocks in pesticides anyway.

It's expensive, but a couple of samples got me through that first few weeks.

Do stick with it. I know it hurts, but it will get better whether or not you find a cream that helps.

For me, one nipple healed quickly, and the other got a bit more cracked, so for a few days I fed on one side only and expressed a bit on the other, as advised by a lactation consultant.

Here is a strange solution, but it worked for me when I had my twins 12 years ago. A nurse who was helping us taught me this secret. For your nipples to heal, they need air and not rubbing against clothing when you are not nursing. The nurse had me choose a shirt I did not care about, but could wear in the house everyday. We cut two holds in the shirt big enough to let me nipples stick out, but not so big that I felt totally exposed. The holes were about 3 inches in diameter. It was weird and I hated it, but it worked. The contact with air allowed my nipples to heal and once my nipples healed and were used to breast feeding, I could stop wearing the shirt. I don't remember the exact amount of time, but it was worth it. Also, I think I wore my nursing bra with the flaps down so I had some support, as I was huge from breastfeeding twins.

Congrats on your new arrival.

Ouch ... I know what you're going through. I have a 9 week old and we went through the same thing. Horribly cracked nipples and a breast infection to boot. The nipple shields really helped us to fight through it, as well as pumping (my left side was worse than my right so I pumped more often on my left instead of feeding him until they healed). I also used the creams but really just applying breastmilk and using the nipple shield cured us within 1-2 weeks. We are no longer using the nipple shield and we are both so happy now!

Purple tube of lanolin in the baby section helps, it's kind of like thick vasoline. BUT it will get better as they become more used to latching on. KEEP UP THE BEST THING FOR YOUR BABY!! GOOD JOB>

Hi Megan,
Lansinoh cream is the best! I would recommend it 100%!!Try it, its great -you dont even need to rinse it off before nursing and after just a few applications you'll feel so much better! good luck and congratulations!!

Motherlove nipple cream mixed with Polysporin works well. Just be sure to wash it off before feeding your baby. If you just use the Motherlove cream, you don't have to wash it off, but the Polysporin helps you to heal faster and prevents infection.

Oh man, you're so close. Two weeks was the turning point for me. My nips healed up and all of a sudden it didn't hurt to nurse anymore. You can do it!

Get some Lansinoh ointment and give them plenty of air time. You can also rub some of your breast milk on them after he's finished nursing then let it dry while you run around topless. Be careful though, hubby might get a little turned on. Good luck.

Lanisoh ointment really soothed me & it's safe for your baby to nurse if it's on your breasts. You can find it in all the drug stores.

Cracked nipples hurt like a SOB, don't they?! =) I was using Lanolin at first, but my LC said to express a little bit of milk after each feeding and let the milk air dry on the nipple. She told me that the milk has healing properties and she was SO right. Leaving milk on the nipples healed them a lot faster than the Lanolin did. Plus no messy residue on my bra or clothes.

She also suggested not to use soap on my nipples, so I haven't for over six months now! Good luck and relief should be coming soon.

Hi Megan, I see you have a lot of advice already. Here's one more. I really feel for you. I didn't have problems with my first two children. But my youngest- ouch. One side hurt so badly. I almost gave up. Unfortunately I found that the only thing to do was wait for that side to toughen up. l did try to go braless (which is hard when you leak- uncomfortable as hell) some of the time. I think it took about a month for that nipple to get tough enough (maybe longer). It was a long time ago- so I don't remember the time, but I remember the pain. I just don't think my daughter would latch on correctly on that side. I almost got to the point where I thought I would only be able to nurse her on one side.

This is one side of nursing that I don't think we get to hear about ahead of time. Whatever you decide to do, try not to feel guilty. I think moms ( stay at home, full time workers, part time workers) give ourselves too much grief. It is a very hard job, and no one is perfect- although somehow we're programmed to think we're supposed to be perfect.

Hi Megan,
I had issues with my second not latching on right, and it was painful (as I A. sure you already know). I had the same problem you did, and this might sound weird, but it works...In addition to applying lanolin, I closed the curtains and basically let it all hang out! It might not be comfortable to be walking around the house with your breasts hanging out, but it really worked. The lactation consultant I went to was impressed at how much they had healed. So, it's worth a try...good luck!

I remember I had this problem when I was breastfeeding my son. A friend gave me Lansinoh or Medela ointment or cream. I don't remember if it was effective, but I tried. I remember crying from the pain, but eventually it stopped cracking after a couple weeks to a month. I just prayed that it would pass and it did. For me to continue breastfeeding, I just had to tell myself that it's my son's right to be fed in the most natural way possible. Good luck!

Hi Megan,

Congratulations on the birth of your second child!! :)
I had a baby a few weeks ago also and reading your question reminded me to apply my Motherlove Nipple Cream. It works really well! I keep a jar in my fridge. The coolness is very soothing and it's not at all sticky like the lanolin products. I too had to work though nursing with sore, cracked nipples. What really helped was using Medela Nipple Shields which allowed my nipples to heal and greatly reduced the pain I experienced while I nursed and my newborn perfected her latch. I didn't need to use the shields for long, only off and on for one week. The pain is now gone and I am looking forward to breastfeeding my newborn for a long time to come. I know firsthand that the start can be difficult and painful but if you stick with it that will pass and the pure enjoyment of holding your baby close and nursing them is what will remain.

PureLan 100 by medela, it is the best

The same thing happened to me with my son. I went to target and bought the lanolin spray for $9.99 a little goes a long way and it works pretty quick. The baby won't be affected by it either. Godd luck!

Lansinoh pure lanolin. It's a miracle product!

Stick with it...some may tell you you're doing something wrong, but is sounds like you have covered all the bases. I have very sensitive skin, and had cracked and scabbing and bleeding nipples for both my two kids, tried the lansolin and all that, but they continued to be very sore until time passed and eventually they healed. Just nurse through it and you should be fine! Don't stop and wait for them to feel better, because once you take up the nursing again you'll just be starting over. Grit your teeth, strengthen your resolve, and you and baby will end up enjoying this special time---pain free!

USE NIPPLE CREAM! It was a life saver for me as breastfeeding was so very painful for me - a labor of love. Apply the nipple cream after each feeding. It's like chapstick for your nipples. :) You can use it as often as you need and if your baby wants to feed soon after you have used it you don't have to wipe it off as it won't harm the baby. Good luck!

The best thick cream the better utter butter save is good, it is the stuff they really put on cows utters, although make sure you read the label really good on anything you use, remeber your bundly of joy also puts there mouth there, would not the baby to come into contact with something not safe for them.

The stuff in the purple tube, Laniosh or something like that works great - put it on always! I read that you've seeked support and that is great but please know if an LC didn't already tell you, it isn't supposed to hurt. If your nipples are getting cracked, the latch is wrong. Even harder to get right if babies mouth is smaller than the "norm". W/my second, I had to remove and re-latch a good 10-15 times a session! This was a lot of work but eventually he got the latch right. Had I just left him on (like I did w/my first) I would have been in a world of hurt.

It get's easier!!! Hang in there and congrats!
M.

Hi, Megan...

Try using Lanisoh... it's natural and made for just your problem. It's lanolin and safe for babies to ingest. It'll help you almost immediately. Just follow the instructions (like warming it between your fingers to soften it and make it easier for you to apply it.

Good luck and don't give up. It'll get easier!

L.

I had "chapped" leading to cracked nipples as well. My OB RN suggested exposing my nipples to sunlight (yeah, right) or a bare 40 watt lightbulb, like a lamp without shade, after nursing. Not actually touching the hot bulb, but something about the warmth was soothing, and it dried the area without touching it and further irritating it. Then go topless, or some kind of breast shield that allows air circulation so you don't leak and have your sore nipples sitting in it & rubbing (like licking your lips over and over, they chap). My nipples "toughened up" by about 3.5 months. Best wishes.

The breast shells by Avent were a life saver for me. I continued nursing and wore the shells in between feedings. My nipples healed in 2 days and I never had any more problems with cracked and bleeding nipples! The shells with the vents on top allow for air to circulate around the nipples so they heal faster. I even slept in them with no problem. Just remember that the shells will have some milk in them that could spill out the top if you lean over.

Here is a link: http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2403352

Good luck!

C.

I know you have a lot of responses, but don't no if anyone recommended something called Nipple Ointment (Newman) my OBGYN recommended it and it ws by far the best, I was in the same boat trying the Lansinoh, and pumping and everything else. YOu can look it up I think I just typed in Newman nipple ointment.
Good Luck to you

Ouch! I feel for you. When my nipples were cracked I stopped nursing and pumped instead until they healed. I used lanolin and the breast pump was gentler on my breasts than my son and this way he was able to still get the benefits of breast milk. And once I healed my breasts were tough enough to handle my new baby boy. I hope you find some relief soon. Those first few weeks after your milk comes in are really tough, but you'll make it. Good luck.

Have you tried a nipple cream? I have Lansinoh and it worked great for me. Good luck!

I know that what worked for me was expressing my breast milk manually, just enough to rub over my nipples and let them air dry for a few minutes. That worked a lot better than the Lanolin ointment. When my nipples were really cracked, even bleeding slightly, I used both the expressed breast milk and the lanolin together numerous times a day.

hope things get better for you.

From,
P. in Covina

oh- I feel for you. I had one nipple cracked so badly that a piece was missing and I sobbed everytime I nursed on it. I tried everything- lanolin didn't do anything, niether did nipple shields or letting it air. It went on for 2 weeks. Finally a friend and a lactation consultant recommended hydrogel pads (i got mine at the hospital- you can google it) and alternated wearing those and putting on triple antibiotic ointment. Just make sure you clean the nipple off before nursing- but it will not harm the baby. That combined with pumping for a couple of days finally healed it. Good luck- I know how hard it is!

Sweetie, take it from a Mom with sensitive light skin, I can't believe no one knows about the silicone nipple-shields sold at Target stores! They have been around since my Desiree was born in 1985!They form right to your skin and are very supple soft and sanitary! Baby can't tell the difference and you will heal very fast, yes the creams help also, but nothing like using one of these each time you nurse. It also makes transition to the bottle totally natural to baby! They cost about $5-6 each and are worth a million!! Try them, Target carries them or just ask at any maternity supply companies! (mom & grandma, 48 yrs old) Good luck, honey! H.