Planning to bf, a lot of help needed!!!

[kat1988]

I'll try to keep it short... My eldest is 3, I tried to breast feed with her but only lasted 4ish days as it was so freaking painful I cried every time I fed her and absolutely dreaded it! I asked for help at the time from midwives who said latch and nipples etc were fine and she was just cluster feeding and it would pass. I'm now pregnant with no2 (only 6ish weeks so still lots of time) and I would love to b/f as I know it's what's best for him/her but I cannot take that pain again so I really need to know how to tackle any issues before I face them! I've already looked into nipple shields but I don't know much about them, any advice? Also although I tried repeatedly I couldn't see a lactation consultant or anyone that specialised in breastfeeding last time, does anyone know where I could find 24/7 support if needed (except for u lovely ladies!) last time the nights were the worst but no one seemed to listen when i said I was struggling, even when still in hospital. I've already been in contact with a couple of local groups but they're meet-up-once-a-week types so won't be ideal for HELP ME NOW moments! Any shoves in the right direction greatly appreciated xxx

 

[tinselcat]

I struggled with the pain, but one piece of advice I was given was count to 10 (or for the first minute) and then the pain subsides a bit.

I had nipple shields.. I think you need to experiment to find which is the best shape/fit for you & baby. Probably easiest to buy a selection from local supermarket. They definitely helped with some of the issues for me (including bleeding nipples, urgh)

After a while of breastfeeding, the initial pain does go away. I think it's worse if you have flat/inverted nipples.

There are often local breastfeeding groups (midwife may be able to direct you to one?) or I have heard of organisations like La Leche - https://www.laleche.org.uk/. I wasn't discharged until 6 days after giving birth as baby was losing weight & we were struggling to bf. He had a tongue tie though & needed an operation to fix it. I think if you're struggling the hospital staff should help - I was given some tubes & equipment to do finger feeding with so that he was at least getting some nutrition whilst we broke in on the breastfeeding (took 3 & half weeks to establish, but then we kept it up until 13 months until he started teething & weaned himself off immediately).

Good luck xx

 

[kumber]

Make sure you get checked for tongue tie by more than 1 mw as that can make it painful. Also, Lansinoh will be your new best friend. Apply regularly and liberally, it makes a huge difference

 

[ruby2015]

Kumber is right about Lansinoh- apply before and after every feed. Your nipples WILL get ridiculously sore and it's like torture when it's at its worst but it really does pass eventually. The national breastfeeding helpline is fantastic- helped me when I had various problems- gave loads of encouragement and advice. I used nipple shields a couple of times in absolute emergencies when I really didn't think I could take the pain. I think it all settled after 2-3 weeks. Good luck!

 

[Sharcaz]

Hey Kat My little boy's 5 weeks and I'm breastfeeding - agree with Kumber that the lasinoh nipple cream is a must!! It's expensive but well worth it and it lasts a very long time! No need to remove before feeding either

I know your situation is different to mine as you have a 3 year old too - but I transferred to a midwife unit after the birth and stayed there for 2 nights until my milk came in. Every time I fed the mw came to check the latch was ok. The pain started on day 2 and it was excruciating when he latched on...I asked mw and she said that for the first 10 seconds it'll be sore as hell then it should settle which it did. Knowing that that was normal helped me loads and just a couple days later it was so much better and by 10 days there was no pain when he latched whatsoever We are being assessed for tongue tie next week though as he loses latch easily and clicks while feeding.

Don't know if it works but a mum from my baby group recommended applying the nipple cream regularly 1-2 weeks before birth to prep the nipples. May be worth a try?

Oh and Congratulations xxx

 

[babybee]

Hiya Kat!! Long time no speak. Congrats on the pregnancy news!!
As for breastfeeding, latch makes a big difference however unfortunately midwives aren't always the best at being very supportive with that. They're breastfeeding training is usually minimum. Some hospitals have bf peer supporters available in the postnatal wards, so may be worth asking about that? It's great you have support groups and I totally get what you mean with the 24/7 help. NCT, Breastfeeding Network, Leche League all have numbers you can call and although not for 24 hours a day, they are still helpful: https://www.nct.org.uk/branches/nor...breastfeeding-support/breastfeeding-helplines
Since E was born I've since trained as a bf peer supporter and we always recommend vaseline over other nipple creams as they heal the nipple inside and out whereas the nipple creams just heal on the outside. I would apply it religiously before and after each feed. When my 2nd daughter was born, I did this and the nipple pain lasted 2 days. My first daughter the pain lasted for weeks.
I'd also youtube a few videos on how to get a good latch so you can see what to look out for...Dr Jack Newman is a good lactation consultant to youtube as he's very clear.

Goodluck hun!x