Does it get better?

[Sophie_P]

My little girl is 3 days old and I'm currently breastfeeding. I'm finding my nipples really really hurt and both have a scab/cut on them. Is this pain just temporary and does it pass? Also, I find if she's been on the boob and I try and settle her she screams. Does this mean she's not fed enough?
Thanks xxx

 

[HL28]

Yes hun it does get better!!! It takes real determination but to help have u tried lansinoh nipple cream? You put it on before and after every feed. Put loads on it doesn't effect baby and can really help your nipples!!! 6 weeks are the hardest weeks but I promise it gets easier and it's worth it hun. You're doing g amazing. You need to let baby feed as often as they want to to establish your supply and in the evenings it is completely normal for them to cluster feed. Sucking also is their main comfort hun. Xxx

 

[Nat26]

Firstly congratulations The first thing is to make sure lo is correctly positioned and attached, have you seen a breastfeeding councellor - is there a support group in your area? I promise that your nipples will heal - does it just hurt initially when you start feeding or does the pain continue all through the feed?

In the early days being with you breastfeeding is so reassuring and she probably feels most happy with you. If she wants to be permanently attached I know it is exhausting but she will be establishing your supply - It does settle after time but every baby is different. Relax, stay in bed sit in front of the telly and let other people help where they can. If people come to see the baby let them make you a drink, get you food, do the dishes whatever needs to be done! Most of all enjoy this time it goes so quickly xxx

 

[ScotchEgg]

It gets better and when it does it's pure magic.

 

[babyem]

Ask your MW just to check for lip and tongue tie just to make sure its not cos of an incorect latch

Lansinoh is a life saver! Expensive but soooo worth it!

 

[Sophie_P]

Thanks girls, had a bad night lastnight, she didn't want to settle even after a feed.

 

[HL28]

They often are more awake in the night I'm sure it's something to do with hormones. Hope you get some rest today xxx

 

[purpleslurple]

YES, YES, YES the first few weeks are horrendous but get past that and it's amazing!!! We aren't told how hard it is, that it can hurt and it's exhausting - you aren't doing anything wrong, you and baby are just learning and once you have it cracked it's beautiful!

Best tip I was given is to put on the lansinoh cream after every feed and then cover your nipples with cling film - it stops the cream rubbing straight off and keeps your nipples moist.

 

[Sophie_P]

I've been breastfeeding as normal and topping up with formula (the odd ounce) and seems to be going okay as she still is making my supply come through & I can get some power naps xxx

 

[tiggy85]

It will get better Hun. It is so hard to begin with. The first 6 weeks were a constant worry is baby getting enough, crying after feeds, occasional pain.

But I was only assured by weight gain and nappies and that's the only thing you have to worry about. If their putting on weight and having enough wet nappies then they are fine. Babies can cry after being fed for lots of reasons, mainly discomfort (stomach pains) and they can give off more feeding cues even after being fed as they want to be comforted.

Plenty of lansinoh and determination and knowing that it will get better.....I know it doesn't seem like it and the hours pass slowly when it's tough but it will get better!

 

[Becky1]

You're doing so well and like the others have said it does get easier! I remember really struggling and I said I'd get to 4 weeks then have a serious think about switching to formula - but I didn't as it had got a little bit easier.

Nothing prepared me for how tough it would be but the rewards so outweigh those tough first weeks. No messing around with making formula up for starters

I was told not to top up as your baby suckling is telling your breasts how much milk they need - if lo is being topped up then boobies won't know how much milk is needed and won't produce enough. It takes a couple of days for them to catch up.

Good luck hun ) xx

 

[Samantha55]

Keep going, you're doing great!!!! It DOES get easier but you have to persevere! Lansinoh is good, I found placing a warm flannel on my breasts after feeding helped also. 4 weeks wasn't turning point when the pain only lasted a few seconds after latch but by week 6 it was completely pain free. 14 weeks in now and going strong.

Definitely ask for support and go to support groups, I've only just started going but wish I had started going much earlier on.

Good luck! X

 

[Leeslocket]

My lo is 8 weeks and I breastfed her whilst doing my chores (in a sling) half the time I don't even notice she's feeding! It's amazing but I remember the agony of the first week, definitely get the cream and before feeding, breathe deep and relax. And remember you got through child birth so this is nothing!!! Keep with it because honestly it is worth it!!

 

[Esperanza84]

Make sure se has as much of your boob in her mouth as possible, iykwim. She is not suppose to suck only your nipple - that will make you really sore. I know a website with great instruction videos on latching and different bf positions. I can post a link in a bit

 

[Esperanza84]

Just read the English description and press "watch video" to watch it in English. These helped me a lot:

http://ammehjelpen.no/video

 

[ChloeSmith]

It really does get better. It's a skill you both have to learn but soon you'll be doing it in your sleep and having to check if lo is still latched on . I had real issues and it did take til about 6 weeks but it's sooo easy now!

 

[Sophie_P]

Thanks ladies, think I've caused nipple confusion, my LG doesn't seem to want to latch.

 

[ScotchEgg]

Oh dear. Is it improving since yesterday? SR seemed to go through phases where he wouldn't latch when he was tiny, it was so scary - I thought he'd starve!!!

 

[Sophie_P]

She had 10 minutes on the boob lastnight.

 

[Pumpkin9]

Just a thought but might be worth investing in some nipple shields. I've only just started bfing but my nipples (one particularly) have been really sore. I've used lansinoh but found that the shields are helping take the edge of the discomfort. Can be abit tricky to use but it's been my saviour over yesterday.