New pain while nursing

[kelly]

DS is 4 weeks old. We went to see an LC at 1 week due to improper latch, I was getting blisters and cracked nipples. We cleared that up right away, but now for the past week I am feeling a serious burning pain around the nipple, not on it, when DS latches on and for the first 30 sec or so. Once he settles down into a rhythm the pain stops. There are no sores on the outside, but my entire nipple/areola areas are very sensitive all the time. It is getting to where I find myself holding my breath and dreading the latch b/c I know it will hurt.

So, is this due to the strength of his suck? DD2 struggled with a very weak suck for weeks, maybe this is just how DS feels? If so, what can I do to decrease my pain? Someone mentioned nipple shields - I hate to use anything plastic between us, but if it lets me heal I might consider. Will it improve as he gets older? Thanks for any input.

[CookAMH]

Do you pump? You could try resting that nipple (is it just one or both?) by pumping for a day, airing it out A LOT, applying lanolin, and feeding on the other side. That has helped me in the past with a sore nipple that wasn't really explained. It usually went away after a week or so, and you said this is bothering you about a week.

I would also check for indications of thrush (white splotches in baby's cheeks).

[mom2happy]

Originally Posted by kelly

DS is 4 weeks old. We went to see an LC at 1 week due to improper latch, I was getting blisters and cracked nipples. We cleared that up right away, but now for the past week I am feeling a serious burning pain around the nipple, not on it, when DS latches on and for the first 30 sec or so. Once he settles down into a rhythm the pain stops. There are no sores on the outside, but my entire nipple/areola areas are very sensitive all the time. It is getting to where I find myself holding my breath and dreading the latch b/c I know it will hurt.

So, is this due to the strength of his suck? DD2 struggled with a very weak suck for weeks, maybe this is just how DS feels? If so, what can I do to decrease my pain? Someone mentioned nipple shields - I hate to use anything plastic between us, but if it lets me heal I might consider. Will it improve as he gets older? Thanks for any input.

This is how thrush started for me.
I posted earlier today about this.
At 5 weeks of nursing my 3rd baby I realized the pain was getting worse every day.
Today I really looked at my nipples and they look just like the descriptions of thrush and sure enough there are white blotches in babys mouth.

Are you having painful letdown too?
Posted via Mobile Device

[kelly]

Yes, letdown is often a stinging sensation. We have an appt with our family doctor tomorrow - I will have him check for thrush, but I can't see any white in my baby's mouth right now.