Nipple advice please

[Tigger87]

They're so sore they're cracked, bleeding and painful. Jake is now 4 days old, he latches well most of the time, but there's a few feeds a day where he just gets SO annoyed and desperate, he kind of licks at my nipple, throws himself at it a few times, before finally latching. I get so scared of the pain I'm pulling away at times and this morning it took is 45 minutes to get him on. I use lanisoh after every feed, my milk came in yesterday and he's getting much more regular with his feeds but... How do I keep doing this until my nipples toughen up? I know I have to, I can do childbirth so I can definitely do breastfeeding, it just feels like SUCH a long haul at the moment.

When does it get better? (If you can honestly tell me day 5 for everyone, I will cry tears of happiness!!) any helpful advice???

 

[knopk@]

If they are cracked and bleeding, there is a good chance his latch isnt right. Have you been shoen laid back nursing? Which position are you using? Is one side better than the other? My boys had good latch but it was painful for a couple of weeks. Do take paracetamol and let the air to the nipples.
Big hugs, I would go to BFing cafe and get an opinion on the latch x

Tapatalking so cant see signatures

 

[Tigger87]

My mums a community midwife and she's been coming in to watch him. His latch is ok now, but I think we did a few bad ones. He also lunges at me and latches himself badly when we're trying to get it! No one ever tells you how hard it is to get that bit right!

We've been doing lying down feeds in the afternoon in bed, they're probably the best (I still chicken out as he's about to latch sometimes and pull away though!) and then cradle hold whilst in an upright chair is working well.

I'm gonna try and let the air get to them and see if that helps us, thank you

 

[knopk@]

Its really hard because they are learning too. I used to hold his head(back of his neck) to latch him on, have you been shown how to do it? I found it was the best way as i had more control and could unlatch straight away if he got it wrong. I could only shower in a bra first couple of weeks but its so worth it in the long run.
xxx

Tapatalking so cant see signatures

 

[Tigger87]

I have been shown how to do that, and admittedly I don't do it all the time.... He gets really angry when I do that, likes to be able to throw himself at the boob!!! Will try and remember to do that though. It's really nice to have that bonding time, it's just getting him on that really makes me do a sharp intake of breath!!!!!

 

[SpinSugar]

Careful not to use too much cream, sparingly is best
Get some breast shells, that way the nipples can get air to them and heal without you having to walk round topless (i found the cold air was very painful!)I think the cracked side nipples lasted a week or so.
I also took regular painkillers to feed!
Xx

Mummy to my beautiful girl born 9/8/13

 

[Bonfire Bride]

Just reading your post took me back to the first week or so of breastfeeding. It was so painful I would feel it in my toes and they would curl right up. Olivers latch was perfect and my nipples also bled and cracked. This was due to him using me as a comforter as well as for feeding. Your nipples will soon toughen up - just a few more days hun. Try not to flinch when he's going to latch as this could put him off feeding.

You're doing amazingly. The pain WILL subside xx