She's killing me!

[MommaCrystal]

This is my 3rd baby. She is 5 days old. I nursed my others for 2 years each. She is only nursing on the nipple. I can't get any more in there. Her mouth just doesn't seem big enough and my nipples seem HUGE!

It hurts so bad!

HELP!

[pbjmama]

Get to an LC or have one come to you asap. Is it possible she has tongue tie?

[sonicfrost]

My son was like that, seemed he would only nurse on the nipple, and it felt like a clothes pin pinching down every time he would suck. I went to a LC and she gave me a nipple shield and it worked wonders! I even used it for 4 months I tried every few weeks to nurse without it, but it always hurt, up until a few weeks ago. Now I can nurse him without it pain free. I suggest a nipple shield.

(and yes, I know, they're only supposed to be used short term, but my other options were enduring pain or formula, and I did not want either.)

[MommaCrystal]

This is my third baby. She does not look tongue-tied to me at all. I can't even fathom going for a nipple shield. I'm so used to carefree nursing for at least 2 years. I've never met an LC that was helpful in the slightest. I've always just worked things out on my own.

The idea of going all night tonight... I'm just beside myself. I just don't know what to do. It hurts so bad.

[PatioGardener]

Originally Posted by MommaCrystal

The idea of going all night tonight... I'm just beside myself. I just don't know what to do. It hurts so bad.

PAINKILLERS! What ever you normally take (ibuprofen? tylenol?) - seriously! Totally helped me get through the first week with my new ds. We had to nurse side-lying for the first week and I just could not get a decent latch. He grew, I healed and it did get better, but until them ibuprofen and acetaminophen were my friends.

[MommaCrystal]

Yeah, she was a c-section. I'm already on percaset (sp?) and ibuprofen. Every 4 hours! I hate it because they make me feel sick.

[MonkeysRUs]

Chiro or CST from a practitioner used to working on babies may help. Sometimes with a C-section, something has happened during birth that makes it difficult for baby open wide and suck effectively.
I would also suggest contacting your local LLL and asking for a referral to a good IBCLC. Unfortunately, not all LCs are the same, but a good one can be very helpful.