Question:
Raw nipples from breastfeeding - how to treat?
Think.for.your.self
2006-07-26 20:25:01 UTC
Hello. My sis is breast feeding her new born. Her nipples are so raw now that she is ready to go to the Dr - in fact she will go tomorrow. Has this happened to others here? Will she just have to start giving him the formula? Can this be corrected? I guess she is pretty sore.
Thanks in advance!
24 answers:
Yarro Pilz
2006-07-26 20:40:36 UTC
I nursed both of my girls until past their first birthdays.



But when my younger daughter was born, she had a lousy latch-on that was hard for me to correct. She was doing great, gaining weight and eating like a champ, but *I* was a horrible, bloody, raw mess. I had HOLES in each nipple. She would wake up and cry to be fed, and I would cry, too. It hurt so bad I was SURE I was going to have to stop nursing her. It hurt to wear a bra. It hurt to not wear a bra. It hurt to take a shower, or to wear a seat belt, or to hug my toddler. It was awful. (And it WASN'T mastitis.)



But I met with a lactation consultant at the hospital where the baby was born, and she helped me get straightened out. She watched us nurse, and made some corrections to our technique. And she also told me that the baby had an asymptomatic thrush infection, that had spread to me. It took a 21-day course of Diflucan to knock out the infection, and I had to be really careful and vigilant about nursing technique. But we made it through.



I just had to stick with it, even when the going was tough, and keep trying things until I found something that worked for us.



The lactation consultant told me that MOST problems are due to poor technique, one way or another. I went in thinking, "I KNOW how to nurse! I just finished doing this with another baby not too long ago..." but she pointed out that every baby is learning to nurse for the first time. And it's hard to correct your own nursing technique. You think you're doing everything right, but it's amazing how helpful minor adjustments to your position or the baby's position can be. A lactation consultant can also tell you some quick and easy over-the-counter tips to try--everything from Lansinoh to Lotrimin AF--if you suspect something more than irritation due to poor technique. And she/he will be your biggest advocate if it turns out you need support or prescriptions or something from your doctor or insurance company. I can't say enough good things about Dotty at Woodwinds Hospital in Woodbury, MN!



Oh, and I nursed through the misery, but I did, for a few days, pump instead of nursing. I didn't have a problem offering a bottle--my babies were born jaundiced and were given bottles, occasionally, from day 1. So that wasn't a problem. Pumping didn't give me enough time to heal completely, but it was enough to heal the WORST of the damage and make it bearable.
littleangelfire81
2006-07-26 21:23:59 UTC
I agree with everyone else - push through it, it's worth it for mom and baby. I had some sore nipples, too, my son was a preemie and couldn't suck very well. After 3 weeks of going rough, I got a nipple shield. It helped immensely! It helps collect suction and provides a barrier between mouth and breast so it can heal a little. The only caveat: beware that baby may not like to nurse without the shield for a while. It took several months before my baby would go without the shield. Ok by my however! They're rather hard to find - Medela is the best, buy at babies r us. BTW - if she actually mastitis - the lactation consultant will reccommend nursing through it, as the suction can help pull the blockage out. The whole dark area of the breast (areola) should be covered by baby's mouth.

To help insure a good latch: first touch your finger lightly to baby's bottom lip (this triggers the rooting reflex and will make him open wide) and then very quickly put wide open mouth over areola. If baby slides off easy, it's not a good latch. If he's only got the nipple, it's not a good latch. Try different holds. Football hold worked best for me (hold baby head in left hand and baby body in left arm and put on left breast, reverse for other side) it gives the most control for latch positioning. I echo the other answerers: see a lactation consultant, her ob/gyn's office probably has one, or the hospital where she delivered. A Dr. usually isn't much help.

But above all - Don't give up! If she has to supplement some, there's no guilt in that at all (I did it for lack of enough milk), but there's no substitute for the breast.
VixenMom
2006-07-26 21:18:35 UTC
She can try using Lanolin after nursing... to help keep the skin soft & help to heal cracks. Other than that, she will have to tough it out for a few days. Her nipples need to "toughen" up before the pain subsides. There are a couple of other factors she'll need to consider:

1) Does she have a yeast infection on her nipples? If so, this could cause alot of discomfort and pain. Have her check he baby's mouth to see if there's any visible white patches (thrush) on the roof of the mouth. If she can't determine this for herself, have the pediatrician take a look. If this is not the case...

2) Is she having problems with latching on? When the baby doesn't latch on properly, it can be excruciating. Have her try the following before she starts nursing:

- express some milk out with thumb & index finger so that the nipple (areola) becomes a bit softer. This will allow for an easier latch for the baby and less trauma on her nipples.

- she can try using a nipple shield which helps protect the skin from further damage. Try not to use it for too long (baby can get confused).

- If she can afford it, see a lactation consultant (they charge about $175 in NY at least). She'll be amazed at what she can learn from them.

- She can pump her milk and feed it with a bottle until her nipples heal (but I think she'll probably face the same problem).



I speak from experience (I'm still nursing my 1 year old w/teeth... Ouch!). Don't give up on nursing until you've tried absolutely everything. I went through 3 breast infections, 9 weeks of pumping every 3 hours and bottle feeding... all the while still trying to have him latch on with no success and lots of cracks in my nipples... and many, many nights & days of crying because I couldn't get it right and it hurt so bad. Finally, I just bit my lip... and dealt with the pain for about a week, and finally it happened! The pain was gone, and I was nursing the way I had imagined it.

I say if I could do it, anyone can. I hope my comments bring some comfort and help. I know I made it sound like hell... (and for me it was just that), but it's the truth and I'm glad I didn't give up.

She can also contact the La Leche League and speak to a volunteer in her home town. They will give her some good advice.
?
2016-11-01 08:10:15 UTC
Raw Nipples
toricp3
2006-07-26 20:40:54 UTC
Coat nipple with breast milk after nursing. Let air dry. Then have Lansinoh (however it is spelled) handy. Change nursing pads often. Moisture on irritated skin does not help. After a couple of days, this should clear it up. Make sure baby is latched on properly. The baby's mouth should be over the nipple and most of the areola. That is the main cause for sore nipples. Good Luck and hang in there. I just saw that someone said to stop nursing and give the baby a bottle. I you want to continue to nurse, please don't. It will confuse the baby. It may be uncomfortable, but it is well worth it.
Mom2Ab
2006-07-26 20:32:03 UTC
How old is the baby?



The first 3 weeks is a little tough on the nipples. But that goes away. Putting some breastmilk on the nipple and allowing it to airdry helps. The breastmilk will act as an antibacterial agent. Some of the nipple creams need to be washed off before nursing...why not just use what you have.



If the baby is older. She should go to a lactation consultant to make sure the baby is latching on properly.
Momto6
2006-07-26 20:36:58 UTC
SILICONE BREAST COVERS

I have nursed 5 babies and have struggled with awful raw, sore nipples. Please encourage your sister not to give up though!!! It will pass in a few weeks. I have found something that works wonders though...prevents the scabs and makes it bearable...they are silicone breast covers. I have seen them in Wal-Mart these days. She can also call a lactation consultant...should have been one in the maternity ward at the hospital. The doctor probably will be a waste of time. She can't take a break...her milk supply will dry up and baby will be weaned. Plus the engorgement on top of sore nipples would be extra painful :-( Breastfeeding is worth it...it will become a wonderful time for mother and baby :-)
Taryn
2015-08-18 23:25:57 UTC
This Site Might Help You.



RE:

Raw nipples from breastfeeding - how to treat?

Hello. My sis is breast feeding her new born. Her nipples are so raw now that she is ready to go to the Dr - in fact she will go tomorrow. Has this happened to others here? Will she just have to start giving him the formula? Can this be corrected? I guess she is pretty sore.

Thanks in...
J
2006-07-27 07:23:47 UTC
She shouldn't quit nursing if she really doesn't want to. Raw nipples are the hump you have to go over to get to really good nursing. However, she might want to get some help to make sure her baby is latching on correctly also. In the meantime, Lanolin works wonders on raw, cracked nipples. She'll heal up in a day or so if she uses it.
mick
2006-07-26 22:19:34 UTC
Lansinoh can be a life saver , also breast sheilds . they are hard plastic and have a hole for your nipple to fit in and it takes pressure of a bra rubbing up against them . i used both of these and it did wonders .

also if she is going to the doctor tell her to take the baby and speak to a lactation consultant . she may not be allowing the baby to latch on properly , it is something you must learn and is not something that automatically happens . to get a baby to latch on properly they need to have as much of the breast in their mouth as they can . they need the part past the nipple . if not the baby is gumming the nipple while feeding and OUCH!!!!

tell her to stroke the babies cheek to get him to open their mouth wide . also check to see if the baby has white dots on his tongue . this is thrush and is very painful . if it is thrush the baby needs drops to get rid of it and so does your sis .

the hospital where she delivered or the local wic office has breastfeeding help . call either or both and see if someone can meet with her to help her out . giving formula when your heart was set on breastfeeding is very upsetting and unneccessary at this point until some medical reason calls for it .

i think she just needs some help !

good luck and please update us
Lisa
2006-07-26 20:37:30 UTC
ok if the baby is not latched on correctly..this will cut up her nipples. tell her to get as much of her nipple into the babies mouth as will fit or there will be pain. Do not use soap to wash nipples just water. there is a cream she can use it Lanolin u can pick it up at anydrug store in the baby isle. Also if she has Thrush(yeast infection in nipple) it can be painful..check the baby's mouth for white crusty stuff that looks like rotten milk...thrush can transfer to baby's mouth...and remind her to change her nursing pads frequently to prevent this and other infections
Cadysmom
2006-07-26 20:33:20 UTC
I've heard of this problem before. I myself never experienced it, but my breastfeeding consultant in the hospital gave me Soothies, something that was new on the market at the time. I was told they are very expensive, but are quite worth it, as i gave mine to a friend who was ready to give up on breastfeeding due to the extreme pain. They are a gel pad that lasts 1-3 days, and you put them in the fridge or freezer for added comfort. They also absorb leakage as a normal breast pad would, so that's an added bonus!
Jade
2006-07-26 23:02:49 UTC
Congratulations to your sister on the new baby! I hope she can get the hang of breastfeeding soon. Here's some information from a book of mine, that I think your sister might find helpful.



"Sore nipples



'Breastfeeding is something I always wante dto do. But my nipples have become so excrutiatingly sore, that I'm not sure if I can continue nursing my son.



At first you will wonder if your newborn will ever catch on; then before you know it, he's suckling so vigorously your nipples become sore, even painful. The problem is not uncommon, and in fact most women suffer from at least a little nipple soreness before breastfeeding becomes well established. But in the vast majority of these women, soreness peaks at about the twentieth feeding, nipples start to become less tender, and nursing becomes more comfortable. For some women, the nipples get worse before they get better, cracking, becoming equistively tender, and sometimes bleeding. Nursing sessions can become very difficult.



Fortunately, there is relief at the end of the tunnel for these women, though sometimes not for a month or six weeks. In the meantime, these precautions will help alleviate the discomfort.



Be certain your baby has most of the areola (the dark area around the nipple) in his mouth while nusing, and not just the nipple. He will need more breast below the nipple in his mouth than above, so you will always see the areola where his nose is. His chin should be tucked into the breast. Not only will his sucking on the nipple alone make you sore, but he won't get much milk. If engorgement makes it difficult for him to grasp the full areola, express a little milk manually or with a breast pump before nursing to reduce the engorgement and make it easier for him to get a good grip.



Expose nipples to air whenever possible, but especialy after nursing. Just lower the blinds and leave the flaps of your nursing bra down as you go about your business at home.



Remove any waterproof lining from your bra (again, to encourage air circulation) and don't insert waterproof pads



If only one nipple is sore, don't favour it by nursing more on the other one. But do first on the less sore one, since your baby's sucking will be most vigorous at the beginning of a feeding session. If both nipples are sore, alternate the breast you start with at each feeding.



Let nature - not cosmetic companies - take care of your nipples. Nipples are naturally protected and lubricated by skin oils. Rubbing hind milk (the milk that comes at the end stage of each breastfeeding) over your nipples is recommended. Clean the nipples only with water when you bathe - never with soap, alcohl, tincture of benzoin, or premoistened towelettes. Your baby is protected from your germs by antibodies in your milk, and the milk itself is sterile.



Rotate nursing positions so a different part of the nipple will be compressed at each feeding.



Relax for fifteen minutes of so before feedings - listen to music, watch TV, catnap, do relaxation exercises, have a hot drink, hand express to allow the milk to flow and moisten the nipple - to banish the tension that could inhibit milk let-down. Or try a glass of wine or beer occasionally to enhance let down. Warm breast soaks or a warm shower priod to nursing sessions may help. When baby goes on, take four or five deep breaths and slowly exhale to relievethe initial tenderness.



Check your nipple shape when baby comes off the breast. If it always looks squashed, see expert help"



I am also going to add on to what the book says, by saying that it might be beneficial for your sister to invest in some nipple shields. They are relatively inexpensive, and will be a great help in protecting her nipples.



I hope she starts to feel better soon!
mylittletribe
2006-07-27 07:34:26 UTC
I can't add much to all the excellent advice you've gotten already, but I did want to add that a simple home remedy to soothe the nipples is to brew 2 tea bags (black tea only, you need the tannins), let them cool, and place them on the sore nipples. This soothes cracked, sore nipples and you can repeat every hour as needed.
2006-07-27 01:40:51 UTC
There are many possibilities. She should talk to an expert--and doctors are *not* experts on breastfeeding. She needs to call a local La Leche League Leader (see sources section below). You can't do it for her, because they will need to ask her specific questions that you may not know the answers to, and in order to protect themselves from crank calls.
jacqueline
2006-07-26 20:33:12 UTC
Try the Lanolin that was suggested above. You can also buy it at Babies R'us. Try to buy a breast pump and alleviate some of the discomfort. I had the same discomfort, but once I got "over the hump," it is the best thing that I have ever done-and I just made the 6 months mark.
2006-07-26 20:28:04 UTC
There is a cream called Lansinoh that she should get. It is in a purple bottle, and you can get it at a drugstore or Wal-mart. It works wonders, and is not harmful to the baby. It is made just for sore nipples.
adgmonkey
2006-07-26 20:39:28 UTC
Sounds like it might be a "latch on" problem. Use the nipple cream someone else wrote about. She can also ask the Dr. about getting a nipple sheild. It helped me a great deal for the first month, until they healed and my babies learned to latch on better.
billyandgaby
2006-07-26 20:29:02 UTC
This is normal. The doc can;t do anything really. Skip it for a day or two so her nip can heal will help the situation, but the baby may like the formula better and not go back on her. IF you use a bottle, use the lowest flow bottle you can find and make the baby really work for it. this will make sure the baby wants the boob after.



It will heal eventually. Tell her to stay strong. It really is for the best.
2006-07-26 21:33:31 UTC
The baby may not be latched on properly at feeding times. I had that happen to me with my first child and once I learned the way to get my child to latch on properly things went fine. Try the medicine that was mentioned as well. It wont harm the baby and it does work wonders.
justmemimi
2006-07-26 20:43:39 UTC
Tell her not to give up...because that's just the beginning. She can even breastfeed through a mastitis. Pain to the max....but she has to be strong and not give up.
Jay P
2006-07-26 20:29:24 UTC
buy a breast pump so she can rotate and give her nipples time to rest and get use to their new functions, most clinics/hospitals will rent them to her too
2006-07-26 20:30:16 UTC
this happened to my sister. she needs to go to the doctor. they can give a prescription that will help. but keep an eye it, it can develop into mastitis, and that's not good.
I want to know more
2006-07-26 20:29:40 UTC
a breast pump would be a good option or one of these http://www.thebabybungalow.com/avstnipr.html http://www.thebabybungalow.com/amnipshiel.html


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