Nipple pain/sensitivity question

[mmheartspb]

Hi ladies. I have a 3 week old and I was told that the nipple pain/sensitivity would decrease by now but mine hasn't. We have a good latch and try multiple positions. I also use lanolin A LOT! They aren't cracked or bleeding just really red and raw looking. Is this normal? Any ideas to help them toughen up?

[nursefrizz]

I'm not an expert by any means, but I think my nipple soreness lasted a little longer than 3 weeks. Not a ton longer, but I don't think it was completely gone by then. I used lanolin & those lansinoh gel patches. The gels helped so much. Congrats on the new baby!

[kfran84]

I agree with nursefrizz on everything. I remember getting way more comfortable after the 6 week growth spurt.

[Deleted]

Congrats on the new LO! It does get better! A good portion of the pain for me was due to a shallow latch that fixed itself as she got older.

[jessa1228]

Mine took a good 8 weeks to ease up.

[melody330]

Jan 31, 2015 15:34:48 GMT -5 mmheartspb said:

Hi ladies. I have a 3 week old and I was told that the nipple pain/sensitivity would decrease by now but mine hasn't. We have a good latch and try multiple positions. I also use lanolin A LOT! They aren't cracked or bleeding just really red and raw looking. Is this normal? Any ideas to help them toughen up?

I wouldn't be trying to toughen them up. Definitely get the latch looked at by an IBLC. In the mean time, make sure LO has a deep enough match by trying laid pack positions.

Air drying after rubbing breast milk on them helped with the soreness.

[lavwana]

I'm at the two week mark. Mine aren't hurting or bothering me unless someone touches them, or squishes them accidentally. I've been doing as much time with them out in the air as possible which I think helps. Going around all Day with a shirt and bra on is more uncomfortable. I know sometimes nipples hurting can be thrush though so if it's still extremely painful I'd probably get them checked.

[ellabee]

I took me 5-6 weeks for all of the sensitivity and discomfort to decrease. I think around that time babies mouths also get a bit bigger and can make even a good latch more comfortable. After 6 weeks nursing just felt like a tugging sensation without any of the soreness/sensitivity. It will also become better around that time when showering... I remember having to shield my nipples in the shower and dreading accidentally rubbing them on the towel when drying off. That went away for me around the same time too.

[sctiger]

Lanolin never did anything for me. The pain didn't go away for me until I used Jack Newman's cream. You'll have to get a prescription from your OB but it's so worth it! And of course check to make sure your latch it good.

[casey]

I'm also not a lanolin fan. after a feed, try expressing some bm, rubbing it around your nipples, and then letter it air dry. After that, consider using coconut oil or earth mama angel baby nipple butter. Or just, let it be with air drying. You could be sensitive to lanolin ... Or maybe your nips need a bit of air.

[hedgehog]

My first thought is poor latch. Have a LC check latch and look for tongue tie or other possible causes.

Is there a chance you have a skin sensitivity to lanolin? Maybe try another type of nipple cream (I'm a fan of MotherLove nipple cream).



ETA- by 2 weeks, my nipples had fully healed and I didn't have pain, so I would think approaching 6 weeks is indicative of another cause.

[rayray007]

With DD three weeks was probably the worst point for nipple pain. I was at the point where I thought we were doing well so I became lazy and casual about it, nursing wherever and whenever and not really paying attention to the latch. I realized I was letting things slide so I recommitted to it- excusing myself to the bedroom so I could really pay attention to the latch etc., and it was by 4-6 weeks that it actually became easy and I didn't need to try so hard anymore. (I won't tell you about my current babies (twins), because they are 10 weeks old and not easy yet).

[spacedew]

I recommend the laniosh gel pads. You can place them in the fridge so they are cold before you apply them. Hang in there.

[mmheartspb]

hedgehog casey I never thought of the sensitivity to lanolin! Thank you! I'm going to try earth mama nipple butter until I can call my OB on Monday.

[mmheartspb]

spacedew I Love those! I have 2 so I don't have to choose one side over the other lol

[mmheartspb]

rayray007 thank you!

[mmheartspb]

sctiger I'll be calling my OB on Monday Thank you!

[Deleted]

Yeah it often takes longer than two to three weeks to get where they aren't sore from constant use

Rubbing breastmilk on after feeds works best.
Lanolin is ok lots of moms find it useful
You can be allergic or sensitive to lanolin so the non lanolin nipple cremes like earth mama nipple butter or Kerry's herbals miracle salve are good

Lots of people use dr newmans all purpose nipple ointment with good results.
I will caution however that it really shouldn't be used unless you have damaged nipples that need help healing when other means don't work.
Apno contains an antibacterial and an anti fungal plus usually a steroid creme and pain reliever creme. Overuse of antibacterial and ant fungal can make resistant and decrease effectiveness of these products over time

It's really not a good idea to use it if you don't have wounds or nips that won't heal where it might be bacterial or thrush.

Don't forget that cool compresses reduce swelling and inflammation. Motrin also helps with swelling and inflammation. Warm water soaks speeds circulation which can speed healing. Fresh air and sunshine is also good but don't flash the neighbors.

[mmheartspb]

@amyg you are awesome thank you! I love that you are here and always so great with info and advice *hugs*

[tatorhead328]

Mine hurt until around 4-5 weeks, I think. At around 6 weeks, I finally started enjoying breastfeeding. My nipples were so sensitive before baby that it took a while to get them used to it.

[mmheartspb]

Well ladies I don't have thrush or any infection. My latch is good and so is the positioning. For now the dr and lc said to make sure I'm using lanolin at each feeding and through out the day. It should go away in a week or so if not I have to go back to the lc.

[ashanne88]

Feb 2, 2015 13:49:19 GMT -5 mmheartspb said:

Well ladies I don't have thrush or any infection. My latch is good and so is the positioning. For now the dr and lc said to make sure I'm using lanolin at each feeding and through out the day. It should go away in a week or so if not I have to go back to the lc.

Glad you had it checked!  I would still use BM and let air dry (as pp suggested) and then follow with lanolin.   Hopefully any pain goes away soon!