OUCH!

[jshannyn519]

I just left a message for the LC at the hospital where my son was born, but I'm hoping to find some answers here as well. I have a 3 day old baby and I'm breastfeeding him. I have 2 older children that I EBF and a birthdaughter that I pumped for as well. I have never run into issues with sore and bleeding nipples like I have now. Actually, "sore" isn't even the right word. Agonized, shooting, excruciating pain would be much more accurate.

I think that part of the problem is that he's not getting the nipple and the areola into his mouth, mostly just nipple. But I can't figure out how to get him to open his little mouth wider and/or to stuff more of the breast into his mouth.

The other part of the issue is that he's kind of lazy and he falls asleep after nursing for only 10 minutes on one breast. And then he'll sleep forever. This is leading to engorgement. I pumped this morning to relieve some of the pressure and I got 2 ounces out of each breast already. Half of the milk I dumped because it was strawberry milk and I'm not saving it since I don't have to.

I know he's getting enough to eat because he has plenty of wet/poopy diapers and his poop has transitioned from meconium to newborn baby poo.

I'm getting to the point where I dread nursing him, which breaks my heart. This is one of the things that I was looking forward to the most about having a newborn. There's just nothing like nursing that new little person and having that time together. I need help or I'm sure that I'll end up stopping nursing because I can't handle this pain anymore!

[neonalee]

I couldn't read & not post, but hopefully someone more knowledgable will come by too.  Could it be a yeast infection or mastitis?  I never had either, so just guessing here...

Have you seen these links?  I realize you aren't new to BF but maybe they will help?

http://www.nbci.ca/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&layout=blog&id=6&Itemid=13

My DS did the sleeping thing too.  I tried everything possible to keep him awake but once he was out I'd let him sleep for a set amount of time then wake him to feed again.  I also let him sleep nurse whenever possible so he'd still be getting some letdown while sleeping.

[Heba]

GREAT that he's getting enough milk as evidenced by the yellow poop, even though he's sleepy.  It can be hard for little ones to stay awake to feed effectively in the early days.  Breast compressions may help him feed actively for longer.  http://www.drjacknewman.com/help/Breast-compression.asp 

Has he been assessed for tongue-tie/other anatomical anomaly which may be impeding his ability to get a good latch?  Might be an idea if things don't improve.  In the meantime, you could try laid-back nursing (if you're not already); www.biologicalnurturing.com has description and a lovely video.  Essentially, you recline (well supported, e.g. with lots of pillows) with baby lying on your tummy, head between your breasts, and baby self attaches (after a bit of head bobbing in the general nipple area).  When baby is in this position, natural latching instincts kick in in a way they do not in the seated positions, typically enabling them to get a better latch.

Please let us know how you get on!

[Heba]

PS I'm sure you already know this and perhaps are doing so, but if it's been 3 hours since the beginning of his last feed and he's still asleep, then don't feel bad about waking him up to feed.  One longer period at night is fine, but until things get established he (and you, to establish supply) will need frequent feeds.

Also, although it won't really help until the cause of the nipple trauma has been addressed, you might find that pure lanolin (e.g. Medela PureLan or Lansinoh) helps speed healing.

*Hugs* hang in there - and hope you get the help you need fast!

xx