Breastfeeding Woes....

Hi everyone...

Well, my baby will be a week old tomorrow and she is very good at breastfeeding. However, I am hurting and I just want to give it up. I hate that noone else can help me out. I know its the best for the baby, but I don't know how much longer I can do it for..Please any advice will greatly be appreciated...Thank you

Hugs,
Shannon

I need more information to help you, where are you hurting? What is causing the pain? 

really the only things that should cause pain are poor latch, clogged ducts or infection.

if your nipples are cracked etc, try using a nipple shield. might want to try that anyway...but yes elaborate on what is so painful and we might be able to help!!

I got some advice once. Everytime you get to that point where you want to quit give it 2 days. It will always get better. I have yet to test this theory but maybe you could try it...? Good luck!!

-Ashlie

That first 2 weeks and especially the first month is the hardest and then it gets so much easier after then.   You just have to hang in there and take it day by day right now.   What is hurting?  If your nipples are hurting, they should be a little sore but not painful.   If it's painful, the baby doesn't have a good latch when nursing.   If it's just your boobs being engorged with the milk coming in, that will get better very soon, once your body adjusts.   Nursing is so worth it, so much easier than bottle feeding (and way cheaper), and is best for you and the baby.   Just hang in there and it WILL get better!  

I tried nursing my 1st child and had tons of problems and he wasn't getting it, so I gave up after 2 weeks.   It ended up costing us (at that time 6 yrs ago, it's more $$ now) about $1,200 for formula for that first year for him.   I hated nursing my 2nd baby in the beginning (she was a great nurser, I just had really bad PPD and had to go on meds for it) and by the 2nd month, I loved it and was so glad I stuck with it!!!  I went on to nurse her till a year and am so happy that I was able to do that for her.

Just keep going, it will get better!!

It's my nipples..they are cracked and hurt...I try to get her mouth open as wide as I can. It looks like she is latching on correctly, but maybe not...Thanks again for listening!

Hugs,
Shannon

Are you using a cream, like lansinoh, after every nursing? It really does help!
I found it painful at first as well, but as Rowan got better at latching on properly, it improved a lot!
Do you have a pump? You could pump and bottle feed every once in a while to give your nipples a break.

no advice but she is precious!!

Oh Shannon #1 that is awesome that she is a good nurser!
The only time I have had pain and it does hurt when Lucas latches on wrong! According to the lactation consultant also told me that is what would cause the most pain so you really have to make sure get her latched on where it doesn't hurt you.

there is also a wonderful cream that the hospital gave me a sample tube of it's purple and it's lanolin you can get it at Walmart or anywhere and you put it on your nipples after every feeding and it will help I promise!

And I like whoever said whenever you feel like quitting give it two more days I like that!

AND we just hit 6 weeks and it is just now getting easier still feeding ALOT but getting better!

This is the one of the hardest things you will ever do but I personally am finding it very rewarding!!

 I do hope that it gets better for you do try the lanolin!!

Oh and she is BEAUTIFUL!!
Hugs
Beth

Try lanolin breast cream for cracked/dry nipples.  I preferred Medela over Lansinoh.  Put it between your fingers to melt it a bit so it goes on more smoothly.  Apply it after every breastfeeding session. and it's safe for the baby.  I would also really encourage you to contact a lactation consultant.  She can watch you breastfeed and help with a good latch.