Nursing Moms - HELP!

Congrats on the new baby! Use lanolin, and keep putting the baby on the side where she won't latch. Sometimes, I've found that if my daughter doesn't stay on, giving a break for a few minutes then putting her back on the same side will work. There should be a lactation consultant working tomorrow. After all, babies are still born on Thanksgiving!

Don't give up-- I second the idea of La Leche League. You can find the leader near you at http://www.llli.org/webus.html. Give them a call!

My mother in law who is a nurse and mom to five was a huge help to me with nursing so I will give you the tips she gave me and I really hope it helps! When I had my first she actually would have me grab my breast and give it a good squeeze until I saw milk coming out, then I would drop some on my baby's mouth and this would help him want to suck ;) It also helps your milk get to flowing and baby won't have to suck so hard. Then she told me to wait until his mouth was open really wide and shove as much of my breast in there as he could hold, this really helps get a good latch. Another key she gave me was always make sure you bring the baby to the breast, not breast to baby, not totally sure why this helps so much, but boy it really does. Those things made a big difference for me. Maybe you already knew those, but I didn't and it helped alot. Of course what everyone else has said about lanolin is great advice. My new baby is about 1.5 weeks old I put lanolin on after every nursing session bc I don't want my poor nipples to get crazy on me. And also getting the gel packs was a total life saver for me with my second. I got the kind you could either put in the fridge or heat in the microwave, really good relief, so I totally second that advice as well. Mostly just hang in there and know that you will heal up and get better and I know it is so unbelievably hard to let a baby chomp on a super tender nipple, but it does get better. Just really watch if baby is latched on correctly with as much of the breast in her mouth as possible and her lips flared out around your nipple, if not use your pinky in the corner of her mouth to break the latch and try again. Hang in there!!

Kellymom.com has great tips. Also, take a little tylenol to take the edge off. I was not entirely comfortable the first week or so while we figured out DD's latch but once we (because she needs to learn, too). I wish I had been one of those whose kiddo gets it right away, pain free, but that was not the case. However, like Joanna, we got through it.

You should also see if the lactation center has a warm line or if a local La Leache League would have someone on call. If they are on call, they are there for you. Don't worry about calling them. When my DD was first home I struggled. My LC was a godsend. I ended up nursing DD for 2.5 years (my initial goal was 1).

Remember that also have post-partum hormones to contend with so don't make any decisions when you are feeling most stressed.

And lanolin is awesome. Most CVS stores carry it (and the gel) by the baby supplies. In the meantime, try breastmilk. You can also ask your own doctor if you might have an infection. My OB prescribed a compound nipple cream that was OK for DD but helped me heal.

P.S. The first time my first child latched on it felt like someone had put the wand from the vacuum cleaner on to my breast!!! I couldn't believe how strong it was!
Get some pure lanolin at the drugstore and apply to your nipple area frequently....it will not hurt her...make sure that she is getting most of the brown area into her mouth...make sure that your breast is not too ful and tight around the nipple, massage it if necessary to make it supple enough to go into her mouth.....do NOT wait until she is screaming for food...anticipate her hunger and prepare...this is definitely not unusual...and you can get through it and on to the ease of breastfeeding..I did...6x...MINIMAL use of the bottle is necessary......persevere, you will not be sorry, for both your sakes.....I always, in the beginning, would squeeze my nipple between my thumb and forefinger in order to get it in the mouth...also, if she is letting go because she can't breathe, you might need to just put your finger on your breast near her nose to make a little space there.....this is not unusual in newborns......I hope this helps you succeed....I know you can:0)

Call a Le Leche League Leader ASAP Friday... sounds like the latch isn't good or is a lazy latch, nursing should never HURT, but being uncomfortable in the beginning is ok.

Try different positions when you try the other breast... my son had a similar issue. It was due to him not feeling comfortable wioth laying on the other side... so I held him like I did on the breast he preferred and slide him over in the same position for the other breast and he took right to it.

Don't give up - it WILL be better. After talking to a LLL Leader, try to get in to see an actual IBCLC or LC from the hosptial to have her tongue frenulum checked for tongue tie.

There are video clips to show proper latch, etc on www.drjacknewman.com and also www.kellymom.com is always a great source!!

Check out Kellymom.com for breastfeeding help.
Check http://lllwestakronmedina.wordpress.com/ or http://www.lllohio.org/groups/index.html for your local la leche league (I'm not sure where in Akron you are. first link is to the "West Akron" group, second is to the LLL group list).
Also PLEASE get some lanolin! You can get the lansinoh from most any store's baby department but in all honesty ANY PURE lanolin will work. I had chapped nipples during the first few weeks and actually had a bleeding crack on one nipple. AS SOON as I put the lanolin on I could feel a difference and it was only after my son came OFF that side that I realized that IT HADN'T HURT! And that was after only one application of the lanolin.
I'm going to guess that today will be crazy for you but tomorrow take as much time as you can and lop up in bed with the baby, a good book or movie (or two) and no shirt on and take a day just for the two of you. Relax, let someone else take care of your older children (lol easier said then done I know) and your house. The mess will still be there tomorrow ;-) but the benefit of taking a day for nursing will last a long time. Please get the lansinoh first though, it really should help.
ETA: http://www.breastfeedinginc.ca/content.php?pagename=videos has AWESOME information on BF'ing and I would suggest contacting them if you need any more advice/help.

My little boy is 2 1/2 weeks old. We had the same problem and I was to the point of tears every time I fed him because I was so sore. He wouldn't latch on to my left side because that breast is larger than my right and when it was so engorged, it was hard for him to get his mouth on correctly. Pumping and giving her a bottle may just make it worse because of the difference in nipples. She may not be old enough to go between bottle and breast yet. The lactation consultant I spoke with at my hospital said you shouldn't introduce the bottle until 4 weeks for that reason. What saved us was a "nipple shield." Medela makes them and you can get them at a baby store or even Target. It goes over your nipple and acts as a barrier so baby can get a better latch. It took my son a time or two to get used to it but I have used it for over a week now and am all healed up. I continue to use the shields when I nurse because he is used to it and it is very comfortable for both of us. Hope this helps! Hang in there, it gets better, I promise!

My son is only 8 days old and we had latching issues as well. Our consultant had me pump for 3 minutes and then have him latch. Also, my husband watched her help us get the correct latch. For the first few days it took 2 of us and a pump to get him latched correctly. We are doing better now. Good luck.

I remember breastfeeding being painful until the 6th or 7th week. :( But after that, it was painless. :)

Maybe if you tried pumping a little bit before offering the left breast it would be easier for the baby to stay latched. A very full breast is hard for a newborn to latch onto.

I feel sooooo bad for you........breastfeeding is one of the hardest things...I had such difficulty myself. Hang in there!!! My best advice is NOT to use a nipple shield. The baby can't get enough milk with a nipple shield and it may take weeks to transition back to breast. I made the mistake of using a nipple shield with my 1st and when I finally got around to seeing a lactation consultant, she was so adamantly against it and she was able to help me teach my baby how to nurse without it--but it wasn't until 6 weeks that he was fully transitioned. I did a lot of pumping in between there...no fun. :( I cried all of the time. It's normal, unfortunately. If you have any other questions or need any other advice/support, please feel free to send me a message. I'm not an expert but I've been there! Good luck, S.!!!

Don't give up just yet! I had a lot of trouble with my son too. He would get lazy and just "kiss" or "spaghetti slurp" at my nipple instead of actually latching. Then when he did latch it would be like a chomp or a pinching feeling. I also had a problem with engorgement at first so it made my nipple really small and he couldn't latch. The LC I saw taught me use my index and middle fingers to make a peace sign and place my nipple in between it. Then push the excess fluid back and it helped make my nipple bigger and for my son to latch on better.

Other tips from the LC and some that I learned on my own:

-Definitely try rearranging her position; she may be too low or to far to the left or right side of your nipple.
-Remember to keep her tummy pressed against your tummy.
-Support her shoulders and try not to put your hand right on the back of her head because this may cause her to push back instead of going for the nipple.
-If the latch is painful, insert your index finger into the corner of her mouth to break the latch and try again.
-Try to get her to open her mouth really wide to get as much of the areola into her mouth.
-Watch her head position; her chin shouldn't be tilted too close to her chest or too high up. Try to keep it straight or just a tad up.

Breastfeeding takes time for baby and mom to learn together. My son is 3 weeks old now and we're still learning, but it's so much better now than that first week!
I wish you good luck and a happy Thanksgiving!

Ok.... First off, if you are having nipple trama like that, it is usually due to improper positioning. I want you to have your husband go out tonight and go to maybe a "Walgreens" if you have one and get some Soothies. These will help with the healing of your nipples. You can NOT use Lanolin while using these. I then want you to try getting at least three pillows and place these in front of you and your daughter on these while feeding her on your right side. Make sure she is tummy to tummy with you. If you are free to take your shirt and bra off while feeding her tonight, do this. It will help with positioning her. Hold her head VERY FIRMLY when she is feeding. I also want you to hold the breast in a "C Hold" the ENTIRE time you are feeding her. DO not let go of the breast once she is latched. Then when switching to the left side, try the football hold. AGAIN HOLD THE BREAST THE ENTIRE TIME. Make sur eyou have three pillows under her and her stomach should be under your arm pit. Tonight, try feeding her with her tummy to your chest while you both lay down in the bed. Have your hysband place a pillow behind her back so that you are VERY close once she gets on. Again, make sure you are holdind your breast the entire feeding. I would hold off on the bottle. It is just going to cause one or both of you to give up. I am telling you, it is ALL due to improper positioning of both you and the baby. When feedin gher sitting up, you need to be in a straight back chair or on the couch or sitting up in bed and your shoulders should NEVER come off the back of the chair/couch. If you are at ALL leaning forward, this is causing the problem. Hope this helps. You can message me if you want.

So sorry you are having trouble! A good lactation consultant should be able to help you. Joanna, I am sorry not true that breastfeeding hurts, and "you don't care what anyone says". I am nursing my third child, exclusively, he's 7 months old now. It is NOT painful. If it is painful, something is wrong. S., you have some great advice below. If you're determined to breastfeed, do not introduce a bottle yet, one week is too early.
If you don't want to breastfeed, THAT IS OK TOO!! Nobody should make you feel bad if it is better for you to give formula to the baby. Formula is also healthy and plenty of babies get formula and do fine. So choose the best thing for you, your baby and your family.
Happy Thanksgiving and good luck!

With my second I was having latching issues. First lactation consultant could find nothing wrong. Second one fixed it over the phone! Some wise words I got were...."if it hurts, you're doing something wrong" she was so right. I wasn't used to holding a newborn to nurse and I was not holding him in the right position. It took weeks and weeks of me removing him (when he latched on wrong) and relatching. I would say by week 10 we had it going on! I never had scabs/sores, etc.. and that was only because I was persistent on getting him to latch on right. It's work but you can do it Momma! Be sure to express some breast milk and put it on your nipples, it will help with the healing.

Best wishes!
M.

Call a lactation consultant ASAP. Then go to the store and buy the gel packs that go over your nipples. Put the in the refridgerator. LIKE HEAVEN! Sounds like she is not latching properly, maybe tongue-tied? Good luck, don't give up!

Contact a lactation consultant - I had to use one for my son cause I got shingles after I gave birth and it screwed things up. They really love what they do and you're not taking tons of time out of their day. Helping nursing moms is a calling for them and they may consider it a blessing to help someone who's so in need. Google different holds, positions, how their mouths work, etc and see if you can find some helpful hints - I found this site with pictures - http://www.breastfeeding.com/helpme/helpme_images_latchon...

Good luck!

YOU CAN DO IT!!!!

If it's any consolation, I had a serious infection for FIVE MONTHS, the pain was excruciating, my breasts were streaked with red tracks, my nipples looked like someone had taken a knife to them, and I had to go through a LOT of antibiotics...but I kept with it because it was just so important to me since I had failed with my first child. After it all cleared up, it was great. Now 18 months, and still breastfeeding, and loving it.

YOU CAN DO IT!

Chances are, your latch isn't correct. That's the main thing that causes pain. There are other things you can have evaluated (particularly tongue tie in your child) but I would really practice your latch first. Wide open mouth, nose pointing towards nipple, clamp your breast with your hand shaped like a c, and nipple should extend to back of mouth if latched properly. You'll know. A shallow latch can cause a lot of damage and pain.

I am so sorry you're having such a hard time! Breastfeeding is often very painful in the beginning, but it's usually a sign that your baby is not latched on very well. Your nipple should not be scabbed. The pain will lessen after a couple of weeks (3-4, tops).
Motherlove Nipple Cream is the best I found. Much better than lanolin. You can put it on before nursing because it's safe for the baby. I've gotten it at Whole Foods before.
To help her latch, put your hand around the back of her head and tilt her chin up. Put her lower lip at the bottom of your nipple and scoop her head up around over so her top lip comes around the nipple. If she doesn't get a good latch, take her off and try again.
If she falls asleep nursing or just doesn't unlatch on her own, put your pinky in the corner of her mouth, between her gums, and gently loosen the latch/suction so that it doesn't hurt when you pull her off.

If nursing is important to you, try everything you can to make it through the weekend and get help on Monday. Maybe you can also call the hospital where you delivered and see if there is someone on site that you can go see. It's possible they will have someone scheduled to work even though it's a holiday, because there will be new moms delivering babies tomorrow that need help.

Good luck and congrats on your new baby girl.

So sorry!! You might leave a message for a lactation consultant and ask them for a ASAP visit Friday. In the interim, pump, pump, pump!!

In the meantime, I suggest this to help. It is magical. All Purpose Nipple Ointment.

http://breastfeeding.about.com/od/nippleproblems/qt/tripl...

I nursed my two kids for a combined total of 31 months!! This stuff saved me in the first month or two after birth. You need to have your OB write a prescription and go to a compounding pharmacy to get it (there are plenty of those around, but you can't usually go to a CVS type pharmacy). My LC gave me the name, and I was able to call my after hours nurse to get filled. I found lanolin and other creams worthless.

Good luck, keep at it. Keep pumping. Even if you have to supplement, that doesn't mean you won't be able to keep nursing or even nurse exclusively later. So don't make yourself anxious over it. I hope you get some help in a couple of days.

I used an independent LC, and frankly, she probably would have come on Thanksgiving to help me! My hospital LCs were never any help, even in the hospital.

It is frustrating when they latch on to only one side. I've had that happen with my last son. It hurts and you get tired, but that's the position they feel the most comfortable (just like your favorite side to sleep on at night). The best you can do is (1) apply lanolin to the soreness (2) pump your milk (3) find other ways for the baby to get comfort not associated with eating (especially if he is not totally dependent on nursing to get food..i.e he uses a bottle. You can try singing, rocking, moving, etc to get him to nod off if that's your goal and just pump your milk and give him in the bottle.

I am so sorry. With it being a holiday, I agree that the best thing to do is to pump today, ask the peditarician on call for what pain med you can take, and ask the hospital/clinic when the lactation consultant will be available.

Does your left feel the same as the right? I am so left-handed that my babies tended to favor one side because of the way I was holding them on the other...I think they felt awkward. But we got it figured out.

I hope things get better! I support you!

Yes I went through exactly what you are going through. It was probably one of the most painful things I have ever dealt with. I was doing everything right. I had NO latching problems and my milk supply was normal. I just had to tell myself my nipples are just not used to being sucked on half the day. They have to "toughen" up.

I was bound and determined to get through it all. Nursing was so important to me and I just wasn't going to give up. I used a ton of lanolin, I expressed some breastmilk and put a layer of it on my nipples to soothe the cracks, I walked around the house wearing nothing up top for my nipples to get some air and I nursed, nursed, nursed until my body got used to it.

I don't care what anyone says, breastfeeding IS painful...even if you do everything right. But, I promise you, it's totally worth it!

It is okay to call the hospital--there is always someone on duty. When my kids were born and in the NICU the Lactation Consultant was also a nurse. It is worth a try. If you can't get hold of anyone keep pumping and try again on Friday. Neither of my kids did well on the breast but I pumped for months with each one. If you have an electric pump and are sore, start on a low level of suction and then after a minute or 2 you will be less sensitive and can increase the suction. I did meet one woman in La Leche who said she nursed both her kids on one side only and had enough milk so it may yet work out for you. Good luck.

Don't give up! It hurts for up to a couple of weeks, but then its amazing :-) Both of my sons preferred my right breast, and would nurse twice as long on the right side than the left...

Ice your breasts after feeding, and try using Lansinoh nipple cream...

Good luck :-)

I went thru the same thing, I used lanolin and that worked wonders and had to pump the side he didn't nurse off, I ended up having to nurse off one side at a time one feeding off one side the next off the other side and pump the side he didn't nurse that helped as he got older and drank more he would nurse off each side but only about 15-20 min each