Re: Breastfeeding Questions

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**Congratulations! I had a baby girl too, on April 27th.

I am trying to breastfeed >but I am so sore from doing this. What can I do to get rid of the sore,
>cracked nipples that I have now?

**First, your nipples *will* heal! It does get better! I know what you're going through, I had flat nipples to begin with as well.

There are several things you can do to promote healing. Apply a drop or two of breastmilk to your nipples and gently rub it in, air dry. I've applied several coats (apply, let dry, apply, let dry) of breastmilk at a time. Your milk is an amazing substance, and nothing will promote healing faster than this. Expose your nipples to the air as much as possible, and don't let them stay next to damp breastpads for any length of time.

Be sure that your baby is latching on correctly. You local LLL can help you with this. Often an incorrect latch is responsible for sore nipples, although I think in your case your pain is the result of the drawing out and stretching your nipples are undergoing.

One more thing, thrush can be responsible for sore nipples as well, especially if your baby also has thrush.

>I do not want to give this up, but I am so sore and miserable everytime
>she starts to eat.

**Don't give up! It will soon be a memory, trust me :)Be strong and determined, after all, you endured labor! You can do anything!

One thing you might try is a clear silicone nipple shield. Since you are already giving her a bottle and she doesn't seem to be suffering from nipple confusion, this might be a better option for you. Then your baby will be getting all of her milk directly from your breasts, and your breasts will be protected from the worst of the pain, while still allowing her to nurse. Don't use the shield for very long though, just to get you over the worst of the pain. In fact, don't use the shield at all unless you feel you just can't take it any longer! Babies can get "addicted" to the shield the same way they can to a bottle, making it harder to nurse them without it.

>Also, how long should she be eating?

**Your baby recieves much more than nutrition from nursing with you. Most newborns will nurse every 2 hours from the beginning of a feed to the beginning of the next feed. But along with your milk she is revelling in your closeness. She is nurtured by your softness, your warmth and your fragrance as she drinks in your love as well as your milk. I know it's hard right now, but for your baby it is the best she'll have this side of heaven :o). You will be so happy you stuck with it when a couple weeks from now you are all healed and nursing is painless.

wishing you the best!

--
Robin

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