Really TMI Q for those that BF re: the first week PLEASE HELP

So since the second day of BF - it has not been fun. I saw a lactation consultant in the hospital a few times and I am pretty sure he is latching correctly at this point. But it hurts like heck - especially when he first latches on - I swear I see stars. Also, my nipples scab up sort of in between feedings - so it is almost like his initial latch is pulling off the scab everytime. My q is -

Would it be hurting EVEn if he is latching correctly?

Is it maybe because he didn't latch correctly in the beginning and this is a recovering wound?

Is it bad for him that he is ingesting this scab stuff?

What can I do to help this? I've been rubbing olive oil on after every feeding but so far this has only helped minimally.

Thanks so much in advance - SO SORRY for the WAYYYYYY TMI

Re: Really TMI Q for those that BF re: the first week PLEASE HELP

He sounds like he as a shallow latch- I would see another lactation consultant. We found out actually from our Ped that she was latching on too low, meaning not enough nipple went into her mouth. When she got her to latch correctly, it was like heaven.

So I don't think he is latched correctly- it shouldn't hurt this much or bleed or scab over. Please see someone else asap- do you have a place to go in your neighborhood? I was lucky- my consultant lived right down the block and would come over day and night the first week- she was a God send/\.

Hang in there and don't give up yet

Re: Really TMI Q for those that BF re: the first week PLEASE HELP

Check the latch. And always use your finger to break the suction. I went through a very painful period about 2 weeks after with bleeding and scabbing. My toes would curl when she would latch on. She was latching on correctly (saw a LC at the ped's office) but she might have unlatched wrong a couple of times and caused the "wounds" to my nipples. I just had to nurse through it until it healed.

Get lots of air to your nipples. Let them completely dry after nursing. (I hung out bare-chested many, many times.) For some reason, they hurt more if they are wet when you cover them up.

Use Lansinoh too, that helped me a lot. You don't need much at all. In fact, I never bought any. I just used the tiny sample packet I got in my hospital goodie bag.

Hope it gets better soon!

Re: Really TMI Q for those that BF re: the first week PLEASE HELP

i agree with the above posters about visiting another lactation consultant. definitely recommend using lansinoh and air drying, but i would also express a little milk onto the nipples, rub that in and then air dry. breast milk has healing qualities.

good luck and i hope your pain is over soon.

Re: Really TMI Q for those that BF re: the first week PLEASE HELP

Posted by CkGm

He sounds like he as a shallow latch- I would see another lactation consultant. We found out actually from our Ped that she was latching on too low, meaning not enough nipple went into her mouth. When she got her to latch correctly, it was like heaven.

So I don't think he is latched correctly- it shouldn't hurt this much or bleed or scab over. Please see someone else asap- do you have a place to go in your neighborhood? I was lucky- my consultant lived right down the block and would come over day and night the first week- she was a God send/\.

Hang in there and don't give up yet

Re: Really TMI Q for those that BF re: the first week PLEASE HELP

Everyone here gave you great advice. The only thing I can really add is that I had a deep crevice in one of my breasts from an incorrect latch. It was terrible...I actually have a scar now. What helped me was changing the feeding position. It got much better if I feed DD using the football hold. It didn't hurt nearly as much. It was also okay if I fed her laying down so experiment.

I know how painful it can be. Hang in there and good luck!

Re: Really TMI Q for those that BF re: the first week PLEASE HELP

I agree with air drying and lansinoh. Also, are you engorged still? I found that if I hand pumped a little, it made latching easier in the beginning weeks.