Crackked and bleeding nipples

[Bri'sgirl]

My DS is only 3 1/2 days old, but already my nipples are cracked and bleeding.  Every time he nurses, I feel like someone is literally taking razor blades and cutting off my nipples.  This is my third baby that I've nursed and each one has hurt so bad for the first 2 months or so.  It's been 5 1/2 years since my last baby was born and I seem to have forgotten so much in that time.  I will not go to formula and am determined to continue breastfeeding, so I really need some advice. 

First, does anyone know if I can use coconut oil on my nipples, rather than lanolin?  I use CO for most skin problems, and I know it is wonderful, but not sure if it's ok for baby.

Second, I remember getting a tip from a lady the first time I breast fed, but it was 9 years ago and I can't remember it.  It made the whole difference with the success of my breastfeeding that time.  Can anyone give me any good tips for a good latch?  Maybe something that was the one tip that made the difference for you?  DS has been checked for tongue-tie and he doesn't have it.  Also, I've been told that my nipples are not very long, so some of the tips online are hard to follow.  They all say to get the nipple to the back of the mouth, but mine just doesn't go that far.

I've been feeding him using the football hold, which worked really well for my other babies.  Is there a hold that you favor and what it is that you like most about it?

I know I've asked a lot of questions, but it's been a frustrating few days.  Does anyone just start breastfeeding and not have any problems?  I feel like I should have the hang of this, since this is my third time! 

[greenmulberry]

I had this problem, oddly it was way worse in one boob, so I am not sure if I was latching her different or not, but I found that switching to football hold was more tolerable for me.

I also found I got a much better latch if I made my nipple erect prior to latching. I would encircle my areola with my thumb and forefinger and give it a squeeze, and maybe tickle the end a bit. This made a BIG difference for me.

I also aimed the nip at the roof of the back of the mouth.

Lets see, also, if I found the top lip was pursed, it worked better for us if I just took my finger and flipped her lip out rather than relatching.

I dunno about the CO, I used lanolin.

I will say, it did get better gradually.

[gemasita]

I am not sure but I would think the CO would be fine for the baby to injest.

Someone told me about the "nipple flip."  Search for it on You Tube.

There's also the "nipple nudge" which is supposed to help flat nipples.  Maybe you can google that.  I think LLL recommends it.

Like you, I had problems getting DS to latch deep enough and had tons of pain for many months and the bleeding and all.  I think DS mouth just finally grew.  I never knew exactly why we had so many problems.