I have a hole in my nipple

[GinaRae]

Now what? Baby just fell asleep and when I went to put the breast away I saw what looks sorta like a small crevice or crater in the nipple. No bleeding.

I have it out right now, repeatedly letting breast milk dry on the area.

I cannot tell you the excruciating pain there has been in this nipple. Ugh...

***** Update:

I'm using lanolin now and not using that side at night to let it rest. I also talked with the LLL person and when she saw my nipple she felt worried I might get yeast or bacteria in that "hole" so she's going to send me info on a cream.

Also, I took Lachlan today for a chiro adjustment and Cranial Sacral therapy to help his tight/misaligned jaw and see if he can latch better on that side.

[addis_mommy]

I am very sorry!!! Believe me I know the pain all too well.

Mine was caused when Addi got her bottom teeth, one night during a midnight feeding she chewed on me. I was half asleep and didn't stop her quick enough, so the next morning I had this tiny little hole with a little puss in it. Nursing was so darn painful...until...4 days later she actually bit me and ripped the little sore open. I almost passed out it hurt so bad, and this from a mom who endured a 16 hour natural childbirth. I had to give up nursing that side for 24 hrs, gave the sore lots and lots of air, kept breastmilk on it, and used a neosporin type ointment. It still took about a week and a half to fully heal and even a little longer before all the pain was gone. I felt sure our nursing would end over it but I stuck it out and now we're back to wonderful pain free nursing. Oh I also nursed her upside down side lying for a few days to keep those teeth away from the sore. I hope it heals for you quickly b/c I know it is absolutely excruciating.

[wendy1221]

I think it's normal if it's not red or bleeding. My nipples are all nooks and crannies if I look at them closely.

[Blu Razzberri]

I agree with the last poster. I think it's normal. As long as it doesn't look like the first poster's infected bite mark; I think you're fine. My nipples changed after bf'ing DS; and they are more "hole-y" now. It slowly goes away after you stop; but it'll never be the same as before you started.

Worry if it becomes infected or starts bleeding.

[GinaRae]

It's not the normal crevice/hole, that's for sure. I've viewed my nipples closely SO many times because of our latch issues, the pain, etc. Plus, after a little rest, it was looking like it was healing itself - like sealing itself... until he nursed on that side again

Plus I always have pain when he nurses, but now there's pain just sitting here.

That's the "easy side" with the most milk and the easiest hands free hold I have for public breastfeeding. *sigh*

[HarperRose]

Owww.

Try lanolin on it.

[GinaRae]

I'm using lanolin now and not using that side at night to let it rest. I also talked with the LLL person and when she saw my nipple she felt worried I might get yeast or bacteria in that "hole" so she's going to send me info on a cream.

Also, I took Lachlan today for a chiro adjustment and Cranial Sacral therapy to help his tight/misaligned jaw and see if he can latch better on that side.