please help!!! overwhelmed by challenges!!

[mommymaemae]

I'm sure you've all heard most of this before, but I can't seem to easily track down the help I need. I gave birth to my twins one week ago today. They had to pulled out by vacuum. Now they won't open wide enough for a comfortable latch AND they are "biting" my nipples. Since I practically have to be nursing all day my nipples are in excruciating pain. I even broke down and gave them formula last night because I couldn't take it. My nipples are two big blisters now with raw pink areola surrounding them. The boys are seeing a chiropractor to help get rid of the effects of the vacuum, but I need something more immediate. Any advice appreciated!

[TurboClaudia]

is your chiropractor doing craniosacral therapy work with them as well? or just body chiropractic?

mama... and congratulations on the arrivals of your newest family members!

as for immediate relief, the unmedicated gel pads intended for burns are supposed to be very soothing on ouchie nipples.

are you working with a lactation consultant who is very supportive and knowledgable about nursing twins?

~claudia

[timneh_mom]

Congratulations on your twin boys!!

I would highly recommend that you get someone to help you... a good LC or a La Leche League leader. There should be groups in Burbank, easily. I'm so sorry you are having so much trouble... it's still so early in your nursing relationship and I'm sure you are all still recovering. I am glad you are working with a chiro, but I agree with the PP that it would be good to have some help with lactation as well... first, to have someone take a look at your latch. Best wishes to you and your new family...

[mayamama]

You can do it!

Congratulations!!!

Amen to all that from above.

Also, just say you can do it. I have flat nipples and nearly always have a painful latch for the first few sucks, but I only had one! I can't imagine with 2 all day! Seek out all the help in your area and don't give up. If someone says they're not sure, ask them if they know of anyone else who can help. In my experience, LLL are true crusaders and will not give up on you. I would not still be breastfeeding if it weren't for my LLL consultant. They are awesome. Good luck and keep on keepin on!!!

[2 in August]

Hang in there. You've got lots of good advice. I haven't checked my local LLL but I have talked to 2 lc's and found a bf'ing support group at one of the hospitals in my area. If you look around there has to be help in your area too.

[mommymaemae]

Thanks so much everyone! I got a nipple shield, which is working as a temporary relief measure, although I don't think it's solving the problem, but at least I can nurse without crying! My chiro is doing cranio-sacral on the boys... he's awesome. I'm definately going to have to hit up the next LLL meeting. Our ped is an LC, but we don't see him for a couple days. Have any of you ever heard of clampdown bite reflex? I just read about it today and think my boys might have it but I don't really know what to do about it. Again, thanks for all the support!

[Love my 2]

You might want to talk to someone at the Lactation Institute, I think it's in Encino, how far is that from you? When I was having problem breastfeeding my daughter, they gave me soem wonderful advice.
Here's their website
http://www.lactationinstitute.org/
The craniosacral therapy should help.

Congratulations to you!

[birthgreeter]

I agree with the craniosacral therapy.
make sure you have them pulled in very well to the breast. That helps sore nipples a lot. A lot of moms think that they have them up close enough and find out they dont. Also some of your breast milk out on the nipple may help the soreness. Remember if they begin bleeding, that you may see blood in the baby's mouth, that will be red, but if it comes thru the stool after digested, it will be dark brownish. dont panic!
some women like to use a vit. E cap. and spread a little on the nipple after nursing. Just poke the capsule with a pin, and squeeze out some of the 'jel' and gently wipe it into the skin, (vit e is healing) Be sure to gently wipe off prior to nursing. And I agree with getting a support person over to your home asap!

[eirual]

I just wanted throw out a reminder about supply and demand as well. I can imagine just how much pain you must be in, we had a very rocky start to BFing too and that was just with one baby. For me when I couldn't take the pain anymore but wanted to get something in to ds I expressed milk into a cup and dropper fed him. Obviously do what you feel is best, but I just wanted to throw that point in the mix- every feeding supplimented is one less time your breasts are stimulated that much less milk you'll make in the near future.

Hang in there and I hope things get better for the three of you!