newborn-wearing w/sore nipples?

[ommom]

hi all

i'd like to babywear (so i can be mobile) + breastfeed but my nipples are very sore and don't like to be squished, chafed, even touched. i'm wondering what y'all's fave solutions for this is?

we were given a moby wrap for the baby shower but i haven't been able to tie it rite.

the dr. sears sling is great but too big for her (her chin squishes to her chest) and it is good for walking but not breastfeeding.

she is about 7 lbs.

thanks

[Bluevalley]

try wool

I was really sore too at the beginning. warm compresses helped and lanolin and wool pads. the wool was really healing. try hear for alternate wrapping techniques

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[paulamc]

I feel for you! I had the same problem, and it only got worse when I came down with thrush. The worst part for me was not being able to wear my baby.

For you, the soreness should subside soon if it hasn't already. I HIGHLY recommend you try the Moby a few more times until you get it - it's really not that hard to tie once you practice a few times. We just adore ours and are still using it daily at 4 and a half months. But it was difficult back when I had the nipple soreness.

When it got really bad, I bought some of those shells that you put over your nipples so nothing but air touches them.

http://www.amazon.com/Medela-Soft-Sh.../dp/B000058DPN

This helped tremendously. I was able to wear the baby when wearing them, but it's not as cuddly for baby since they're hard (the inside that goes against your skin is soft, but the outside part is hard like a shell). They're not perfect. You have to empty them periodically if you leak, and take care not to lean over too far or the leaked milk will spill onto your shirt. Also, after wearing them for a while they can get a little uncomfortable. But between that and protecting my oh so sore nipples, it was certainly worth it for me.

But actually, for you, assuming you don't have thrush, I recommend you try Soothies or something like them.

http://www.amazon.com/Soothies-Gel-P.../dp/B00005BTKP

I got mine at Walgreens. They are made of gel. You can put them in the fridge first so they are nice and cool, then stick them on. With these on, nothing brushes against your nipples at all. It provides a thick protective barrier so you should be able to babywear in relative comfort.

Good luck and congratulations on your baby!!!