Lactation Questions

K.:

There is not a lot of information on what you do to get your milk going, but my suggestion is that you need to eat oatmeal, drink plenty of juice and water and milk. Eat lots of fruuits and veges with steamed rice, and then for the bruising, I have never heard of this, so I have no advice except to call the hospital where you delivered and ask them. Ask them if you should put heat on them and then ice and take Tylenol or IB Profien. That's what I would do. Then let me know for future reference.

You may also pump to get your milk supply back up, and then work on getting onto a feeding schedule for your child to regulate your feedings and how much milk you supply the baby. Know that if there is not milk left to feed the kiddo, then the baby will continue to suck and in a few days, the milk will come in. Your body is an amazing tool when it comes to breast-feeding.

Also, get a book on lactating from the library and read it cover to cover. Typically, these books are written by nurses who have worked with moms a lot. But first, call your lactation dept at the hospital you delivered from or your midwife if you delivered at home.

Best of luck and hope my small amount of advice helps.

Kim B.

Hello K.,

you don't write how old your baby or how long you have been nursing.
Supply fluctuates quite a bit in the beginning and it is not too unusual to have a large amount of milk come in at first and then taper off to adjust to what your baby acutally needs. Make sure you nurse at least every 3 hours for a newborn, though.
The bruised nipples are a pretty sure sign of a poor latch. I suggest that you try to see a lactation consultant ASAP (today if you can!) to correct this. You can call the La Leche League or the hospital where you delivered (most have lactation consultants on staff).
http://www.llli.org/Web/Washington.html

This is all quite temporary in the beginning, after the initial learning curve I found breastfeeding to be very rewarding and enjoyable.
Good Luck!

Once your nipples are bruised it is hard to heal, try making sure to rotate positions on the breast (ie. football hold, side lying, cross cradle). Also try feeding more frequently for shorter duration, if you are feeding before baby is starving baby may not nurse as vigorously. Breast milk production is supply and demand so make sure you are feeding at the very least every three hours and if you decide to supplement make sure you you pump. If you have a good breastpump you can try pumping after feeding or in place of feeding, pumping after feedings is sometimes successful in increasing milk supply. I am wondering if baby has a good latch, a poor latch can cause bruised nipples and not stimulate the breast properly and cause decreased production also. So if baby was just taking in the tip of the nipple when your milk was pouring out and now is trying the same way this will cause bruised nipples. Baby's lips need to be flanged on top and bottom and you should feeling a deep tugging and not any pinching, with your nipples already sore if will be hard to tell by feel, so have someone watch to see how baby's lips are. If you can, I would really suggest you see a lactation specialist as soon as possible. You can call the lactation specialist or maternity floor where you had baby or you pediatricians office and ask for referrals to where service is available. If you know you are not dehydrated there is a possibility you have an infection, so you may want to see a doctor (if you can make it safely in the snow and ice). I always had a huge milk supply, but when I was sick or stressed I would have problems with supply. As an ob nurse and mother of 4, I can tell you no two babies breastfeed alike, so hang in there. Good luck with everything.

I hear black used tea bags on the nipples helps the healing.

K., I think you should call a La Leche League leader right NOW! You don't say how old your baby is, but it sounds like the baby is not getting a good latch (that would make your nipples hurt and it would also mean that the baby is not sucking enough milk, which could make your milk supply drop--as if you were weaning). This is something you want to get figured out as soon as possible. It's normal for new moms and new babies to have a learning curve with nursing. Get someone to help you figure it out as a team with your baby and you'll have a much better relationship for it.
http://www.llli.org/WebUS.html
or
http://www.llli.org/help_form

Oh...I feel for you. I had a VERY hard time nursing each of my kids in the beginning, but, with the help of the lactation nurses at my hospital, I sucessfully breastfed both kids for 15 months each...so hang in there.

Consult with a lactation specialist at the hospital you delivered at for some direction. They are able to help with latch, using nipple shields, and help with milk production.

Pumping will increase production, but can be painful with all the soreness you have right now. I would try and pump at the same time each day so your body begins to get on a feeding schedule. My kids both napped longest in the morning, so I always pumped during their morning nap. There are lanolin products to help sooth and heal sore, cracked nipples (Medela, Lansinoh). Also you may want to buy a product called "Soothies" (available at Target) to put on your breasts between feedings. I had multiple sets and kept them in the fridge. If you have cracking and bleeding (as I did), you may need a prescription ointment to speed the healing process.

It will get better. You are doing a great thing by trying to stick with it.

K.

How old is your little one? For the first few weeks I couldn't leave the house because I was like a faucet set on overflow. After a few weeks it settled down, so your body may just be adjusting to baby's demand. Diaper count is the best way to determine if you're meeting baby's needs 6-8 wet diapers and at least 1 poop. As for your nipples express a little breastmilk and rub it on your nipples, allow it to airdry, do not wipe it off. Do that after each nursing. Also check baby's latch tickle the chin a little until you have a WIDE open mouth then slip your breast in. Also you can use nipple shields (silicone nipple covers/shields sold at Walmart, Target, Toys (Babies) R Us for around $5-10) to help both you and baby learn correct latch. Contacting a lactation consultant would also be a good idea.

K., lots of good advice here. I used Fenugreek and it was a huge help. Also Mother's Milk Tea. The LLL is a huge help.

I've been nursing now for 17 months. I went through cracks and some other issues in the beginning. Time and attention helped the most. Along with nipple soothing pads you can buy. The other advice here seems good, and I suggest contacting the LLL. I did early on and they were a huge help to me.

Best of luck!