How long for sore nipples

[prone_to_wander]

How long can I reasonably expect to have sore nipples?
DS is 9 days old. Our latch is good (midwife and lactation consultant approved). He has great weight gain and I feed on demand. But I honestly have to work myself up to place my nipple in his mouth. Those first sucks are painful and then afterward...no issue. So how long can I expect this pain? I know they are toughening...but maybe a guideline so I have some light at the end of the tunnel.

Also...he likes to do this pulling/pushing thing to get a different (shallower) latch. And then I have to re-latch him and the pain begins again. Any ideas to persuade him to be gentle to my poor little nipples?

[sparkysgirl]

my first one had such a strong suck, good latch, but still had really sore scabby nipples, she was almost two weeks old before they healed. I remember that pain, i would dig my toes into the carpet everytime she latched! Trying different positions really helps, do a different one for each feed so that baby is not rubbing the same spot everytime. soothies are nice for comfort in between, keeps those tender nipples from rubbing on your clothes

[momtoTnT]

I'd give it some more time He's still learning

I had two very different experiences with each of my kids. My first (DS) I was sore for probably 6 weeks - I know it went on for a lot longer than I thought it would - we had thrush issues, and I didn't know WTH I was doing (neither did he!) until that point - when magically it got better. I did have to unlatch/relatch often (even after 6 weeks) with him though.

My second (DD) was maybe a week or 2, if that. She had an amazing latch from the minute she was born and I honestly don't remember ANY soreness (but I'm SURE I had some!).

[GoJoJo]

My soreness lasted 14 days I think? Maybe slightly longer.

It was frustrating b/c I heard somewhere 'if the latch is right it won't hurt' - bogus of course. I had LC and sister (and husband who attended bf'ing class with me) checking my latch obsessively during that 2 weeks.

Sounds like you're on track - just make sure and break that suction w/ your pinky or whatever to reposition if he doesn't have enough nipple in his mouth. Shallow sucking just cannot be tolerated right now. He'll get it!

I used Lansinoh religiously - applied to breast pad directly so I wouldn't have to touch nipple - after every shower. I liked the lanolin b/c you don't have to wash off for feeding. I'm pretty sure you do have to wipe nipple off before feeding after using Soothies - no way I was going to do that in those early days!

Hang in there!

[jenrett]

Just came here to ask the same question...my LO is 12 days now and I'm hoping the soreness will go away soon!

[gaudynight]

I think it lasted 2-3 weeks with DD1.

[campbellsoup]

I would expect sore nipples to feel better around 2 weeks if latch and positioning are correct.

Does your baby have a smaller mouth? Even if baby is latching properly, small mouth can mean baby is not getting enough breast in her mouth to make nursing comfortable for you. Unfortunately there is no quick fix for this. Baby has to grow. But they grow very quickly. Make sure you wait for baby to open as wide as possible. Show baby how you want her to open wide. Babies love to mimic!

And relatching when they slurp off may not be fun but is a very good idea. Do you have a strong letdown? Maybe baby is sliding off because he can't handle your milk flow when you have letdown. You can try taking him off when you feel letdown or notice he is trying to adjust and letting some of your milk spray out into a blanket and then reattach.

I second the recommendation for rotating positions. Do it religiously. Left cradle .... next feeding .... right cradle .....next feeding left football ..... next feeding ...right football ....next feeding ..... left side position..... etc. If you have a blister on your foot with new shoes, you wear another pair until you have "broken in" the new ones. Same idea.... don't want to keep rubbing your sore spots raw.

It says everywhere that moist healing is the way to go. I think Lanolin and soothies are excellent and so many moms have found great relief with these products. But.... if it doesn't seem to be working for you .... you might try making sure your nipples get air and sunshine (not alot .... you don't want a burn on that area! ouch!!) I was personally a dry healer. I tried lanolin for about 8 or 9 days and then switched it up. I was feeling much better by day 10. Maybe a coincidence?

Last thought ..... you could take some advil during this time to take the edge off. You don't want to use that to cover up a problem but .... if positon and latch have been looked at and OKed and you are just treading water until we get going .... might help.

Good luck!

[Heba]

Also if baby is having difficulty staying attached, you might like to try "laid-back" nursing positions such as those decribed at www.biologicalnurturing.com or http://www.breastfeeding.asn.au/bfinfo/bla.html