The Nipple Deal

[redsoxdoula]

Yah...so I'm pregnant. Doesn't seem real...this is a SURPRISE. My little guy is only 13 months and I'm afraid he's gonna have to grow up too soon. Anyways, here are some of my issues (don't laugh, everyone has issues!!!):

Bfg with my son was such a negative experience...flat nipples, mastitis....ween way too early. BFG is a sensitive subject for me.
So, I really want to put my best foot (or nipple) foward with this one. I think they're called Shells or Breast Sheilds (NOT NIPPLE SHIELDS)...I heard you can "wear" them during your 3rd trimester to encourage your nipples to draw out. Has anyone done this? Or has anyone else have any other tricks?

Also, I'm trying to convince my husband of doing a homebirth. I had a fourth degree with my son and would prefer to birth in water at home to protect my perineum. Any luck trying to united husband?

Congratulations everyone...I wish you all thee best!!!!!

[pianojazzgirl]

Sorry, I don't have any experience with breast shields, but I wanted to wish you a happy and healthy nine months and much luck with nursing this time around!

[stacyg]

Congrats! I don't have any advice either - did you cross post in the breastfeeding forum?

[go4it]

Again, no personal experience with nipple shields, but I want to wish you luck. I had not much success bf'ing my first 2,and then the 3rd time, it just CLICKed and it went - and is STILL going - perfectly.

So just know it can be different with different kids. Doesn't always have to be a nightmare.

For me, the best thing in establishing bf'ing was to think of it as a FULL TIME JOB. Which sounds like a cliché, but it really worked. Like if I had an infection or sore nipples or whatever, it was frustrating bc I kept thinking, "the laundry isn't getting done, the dishes aren't getting washed" but sticking with it, full-time at first, eventually made all the problems go away.

Yeah, I know I just said it went perfectly, and then said my nipples were in AGONY and my boob was hot and swollen and achy and whatever... those are normal hassles. I'm sure knowing they will be over soon will help me next time.

I am praying for a next time.

[redsoxdoula]

It's good to hear that the third time was a charm for you. Hey BTW, can you guys help me with all of these abbreviations.

Like DH, DD...just lay it all out!

[flapjack]

DH= darling husband. DD- darling daughter. DS- darling son, DSS- darling stepson, etc. FIL= father-in-law and so on. SO= significant other, DP= Darling Partner.
There is, or was, something called Niplette available over here which does the same job- but because you've breastfed before (which you have), the erectile tissue in your nipple will be more responsive this time anyhow and your boobs will recognise the hormonal instructions to produce milk more easily.
Was your son checked for tongue-tie, btw? That could explain some of the problems the two of you had.

[2crazykids]

Originally Posted by redsoxdoula

Yah...so I'm pregnant. Doesn't seem real...this is a SURPRISE. My little guy is only 13 months and I'm afraid he's gonna have to grow up too soon. Anyways, here are some of my issues (don't laugh, everyone has issues!!!):

Bfg with my son was such a negative experience...flat nipples, mastitis....ween way too early. BFG is a sensitive subject for me.
So, I really want to put my best foot (or nipple) foward with this one. I think they're called Shells or Breast Sheilds (NOT NIPPLE SHIELDS)...I heard you can "wear" them during your 3rd trimester to encourage your nipples to draw out. Has anyone done this? Or has anyone else have any other tricks?

Also, I'm trying to convince my husband of doing a homebirth. I had a fourth degree with my son and would prefer to birth in water at home to protect my perineum. Any luck trying to united husband?

Congratulations everyone...I wish you all thee best!!!!!

Love your username...GO SOX!!!

Anyway, yes, not in your DDC but I have had lots of experience with all the above.

I used the medela shells in the last trimester of my 2nd pgncy. I was really glad I wore them, they did the job of drawing out my nips, buuuutttttt they did cause me to go into early labor twice in my last trimester and it had to be stopped with terbutaline (SP?). Labor was successfully stopped both times, but if felt like I was in labor for 4 weeks!!!!!!!! I kept dilating the entire time. It took no time for me to be complete when she finally came about 2 weeks early.

Luckily, she was able to latch on great and bfing was AWESOME!! I still had to use a finger-feeder supplement and pump after every nursing to bulid up my supply as I had supply issues too (along with gigantor tits!), but that was nothing compared to what I went through with #1.

I think they are great, use with caution. If you feel crampy while wearing them take them out, drink some water and rest (I was also dehydrated, which is why I went into labor too).

And don't worry about your kids being too close in age or your little one not having a baby time. Mine are 11 months apart and they are just like twins and love each other dearly. You are going to have a great time! It's a wild ride though!

HTH, pm me if you have any other ?'s.

Ivana

[lactivist]

I think breast shells are a great idea. There is also the Reverse Pressure Softening trick that works so well for flat nipples and is super easy to use.
http://www.kellymom.com/bf/concerns/...cotterman.html You also know what to expect this time and will be much more prepared. You are already doing the research so this time around will be much better. Plus each baby is different and some really make breastfeeding a lot easier than others. I am more than happy to help you throughout and give you any information you might need. Congratulations!
Wendi

[jmhammond]

I had/have flat nipples, and wore breastshields AFTER my son was born for the first week or so. It really seemed to help. The only downside is that in all the pictures of me with the newborn, my boobs have these wierd bumps on them...the breast shields.

Your determination and SUPPORT of DH or others will be the biggest factor in success! YOU CAN DO IT!!

[nankilicious]

Ive heard of moms pinching or stimulating their nipples to help them draw out before a feeding, or using an ice cube...at least in the beginning. I think flat nipples are "better" than inverted nipples- flat nipples can often be "trained" to stick out more. And babies breastfeed, not nipplefeed, so with some more info and support this time around, you are more likely to have success.

I recommend checking on kellymom.com and searching "flat nipples" and mastitis and plugged duct, to get a better idea of how to prevent them next time. Probably the flat nipples and maybe an ineffective latch contributed to the mastitis.

ALso, call a La Leche League leader-phone calls are free and they have tons of info. You can find a local leader via llli.org http://www.llli.org/WebUS.html

Good Luck