Breastfeeding pain…..?
My son turned 2 weeks old on saturday and I am trying to breatfeed him. He sucks so hard he has worn a blister on his upper lip and has caused me a great deal of pain. I have been pumping on the times that he is not breastfeeding and I am getting so discouraged because of the pain taht I think I want to just give him a bottle from now on. I have tried all the ointments and creams and nothing seems to be helping. When I asked my lactation consultant about it she said he was latching properly and that some babies suck harder tahn others. Anyone have any advice for me?????
I have an appointment at the doc about his blisters for him today. I am trying to find out how to make my nipples quit hurting so i can continue breastfeeding and not give up completely on pumping and give him formula.
Despite the fact that your LC said he’s latching properly, it sounds as if that might be the problem.
Truly, if nursing hurts, then something is wrong, even with a hard suck. The baby isn’t sucking on the nipple, but is latching on behind the nipple including much of the areola and then compressing the milk ducts behind the nipple. Also, check to make sure that his lips aren’t rolled inward around the nipple. They should be turned out. This can cause pain even with a good latch. When you latch, wait for him to open wide and then aim high so he gets as much of the areola as possible.
A milk blister on a baby’s upper lip isn’t uncommon and goes away fairly quickly.
I would go back to your LC and have her watch you nurse. Try out different positions and make sure that he is latching well behind the nipple. Check to make sure his lips are out.
I know it can be trying at times, but try to stick with it as best you can. It gets easier the longer you do it and it’s a great choice for your baby. You and he are still just getting to know each other and working out all the kinks.