We just had our second little girl and she is doing wonderful at nursing. The only problem I am having is a really sore nipple. One is fine, but the other one is so sore it hurts all the time. It has been bleeding a little too. She seems to be latching on really good, but to get started it is unbearable pain. What can I do to help it to heal so it is more comfortable for her to nurse on? Because it hurts a lot less to just pump than to let her nurse off it.
Put Lanolin on your nipples after every feeding. It is safe for the baby and for you. It really helped me out during the first couple months. Warm compresses in between feedings may help alleviate some of the pain as well. Contact your local La Leche League and they can help you tremendously.
I would keep pumping the sore one and discard it there is blood in it and once it heals enough that it dont hurt you can start nursing her on that breast. Let her nurse on the good one and pump the sore one. You can use warm compresses to relieve the pain and also they sell this cream to rub on it, cant remember the name but I got mine at walgreens I think.
Good Luck
I got Mastitis when I was nursing my son, so you can always call your OB and have her take a look at it, or just watch for any redness on the breast inself.
hello-
i too experienced the same thing (cracking and bleeding). i used lanolin and these little reusable silicone disks that you keep in the fridge and place on the nipple area after feedings. i got mine at the hospital, but i saw them at target as well.
my nipples toughned up in a week or two. press on if you can. the pain will pass.
Lanolin was a life saver for me. I also bought it at Walgreens. At the time it was in a small purple tube, it was 100% lanolin. You only need a tiny amount. It's so thick so rub a little into your fingers first and then put it on. Your daughter can nurse while it's on too, I think. Congrats on your new arrival.
I agree with the others. Lanolin is the best. As long as it says pure lanolin, any brand is fine. And it is safe to nurse through the lanolin. You should only need it for a bit.
If your breast does get a red spot, is hot to the touch, or you get a fever, see your OB right away. I got mastitis twice with my little one, and it was always on the side he had a harder time nursing from.
Congrats on having your 2nd baby! How wonderful. maybe pump first, and then let her latch on. She probably has a strong latch and you want to make sure it's all in her mouth and not just a small part. It will get better if it's only been a few days. Maybe put a warm compress on before starting, but I had that and she just had such a strong suckle, I had to make sure the nipple went all the way in. It would stop after a few moments. I just had to grin and bear it. But your nipples have to toughen up, and I always had a favorite side too. My were cracked and scabbed, so it happens, use some of those nipple creams in between feedings to keep them moisturized and help healing.
