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06.13.08, 08:44 AM General Topics
14 replies
Is it normal to have burning nipple pain for hours after breastfeeding? Everyone tells me something different. I'm having a really hard time with BFing. I knew it would be tough, but not this tough. [ Reply | Watch | Flag ]
General Topics 06.13.08, 08:44 AM Flag
 

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Have you only just started bf? Sometimes it takes a while to toughen up to it or maybe the latch isn't correct and the baby is sucking on the wrong bit! [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.13.08, 08:46 AM Flag
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db is 10 days old. i've seen two lactation consultants and they both say latch is great. i never thought i would but i have been supplementing with formula, pumping, etc. also i am being treated for thrush but i'm not sure i have that. it's just so hard. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.13.08, 08:48 AM Flag
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It might be the pumping making you sore, it did me! Do you need to pump? I have a friend who just found it too painful and decided to give up. It does take a while for things to settle down and become more comfortable. GL [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.13.08, 08:52 AM Flag
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pumping and nursing both do but i can tolerate the pumping. i'd really like to give her BM for as long as possible just don't know if it's worth it at this point. hopefully things will turn around. mostly i'm pumping to try to preserve some supply. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.13.08, 08:57 AM Flag
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I have had the same problem. Breast feeding was excruciating and my latch was perfect. My nipples cracked and bled. My son constantly fell asleep while nursing so there was a lot of latching on and then falling asleep, then latching on again. When I finally got to the point where I could pretty much tolerate the nipple pain, I got severe mastitis (infection of the tissue around the milk ducts) and had to exclusively pump due to the pain. You would know if you got this as it includes a fever and extreme pain in the breast, swelling and severe redness of the whole or part of the breast. I have had a hard time going back to actual breastfeeding versus the exclusive pump since my second bout of mastitis and near continuous yeast infection of the nipple. A few suggestions: try a lower setting on your pump. Use a very small amount of olive oil inside the cone of the breast shield (the cone part) as a lubricant. It does help. Pump for a shorter amount of time but more frequently if possible. The shorter time will cause less "trauma" to your breast and you will find that you can go longer and longer as you get more accustomed to it. It also increases your milk production. Heat and/or a shower before pumping are great if you have the time. Definitely gently massage your breast while pumping. If you think it is just an issue with getting used to it the above will help BUT you might have a yeast infection/thrush in the nipple. You may or may not have whiteness on the nipple. You can have a vaginal yeast infection at the same time. Your baby does not need to have thrush in his/her mouth for you to have a yeast infection in your nipple. The pain is burning on the nipple and piercing inside the breast that seems to be worse AFTER you pump rather than during it. I went to a breast specialist who recommended a dose of Diflucan which helped for the short term but the yeast infection came right back. My OB said I could put Monistat directly on the nipple as long as I gently washed my nipple before pumping and did not actually put my nipple in baby's mouth. The other option is Gentian Violet which you can get from your pharmacist for about $2. Its cheap and works well but is messy and will tinge your milk slightly blue. Do an internet search on Gentian Violet if you want to try this homeopathic approach. From your description it sounds to me like you have thrush/yeast infection of the nipple. I have it still and find that it never really goes away. The breast specialist I went to said I may just be susceptible and to make a decision about breastfeeding. I'm still pumping and it's been 12 weeks. My son is doing great. My breast still hurts most of the time but that is just the way it is for me. Breast milk certainly is the best thing and you feel great giving it to them. It also helps you get back to pre-pregnancy weight. Make sure you are drinking enough water/liquid as that helps too. Sorry to go on for so long but I do think you can do it if you can just get over the really bad part. It does get better although I can not tell you that it will ever be completely painless as it never has for me. I started feeding my first son who is now 3, formula at 12 weeks when I went back to work and he is also happy, thriving and doing perfectly. Do what is best for you, your child and your life. Don't be guilted into breastfeeding if you are miserable. A happy mommy makes a happy baby! Good luck! [ Reply | More
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General Topics 01.14.09, 08:36 PM Flag
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[ Removed by moderator ] [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.13.08, 08:48 AM Flag
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how long? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.13.08, 08:49 AM Flag
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I never had ANY pain, it shouldnt necessarely hurt! [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.13.08, 08:50 AM Flag
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I had pain for the first week or so... but - as unhappy as it makes me to say this - your nipples have to toughen up a bit... [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.13.08, 08:52 AM Flag
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i know but i'm having more than i can stand [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.13.08, 08:56 AM Flag
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You are the exception - for 99% of women the first 2 weeks hurt alot. The let down alone feels like lighting going off and then there is often chapping, etc. till get the latch down right (remember to point straight down the baby's throat) [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.13.08, 09:02 AM Flag
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thrush? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.13.08, 08:49 AM Flag
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ita [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.13.08, 09:53 AM Flag
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do you have lansinoh for your nipples? it WILL get better, but you should avoid bottles if at all possible. Give expressed milk with an eye dropper or medicine cup so baby's suck doesn't get confused. If you WANT to bf, you can and you will get through this. I had cracked, bloody nipples for 3 weeks and ended up nursing for almost 3 years. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.14.08, 09:35 AM Flag
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