I am by no means an “expert” at breastfeeding, but I have had my trials, and I’d like to share this with the world, or just you.
People will tell you, or you will read, that nursing is not supposed to hurt, it’s natural. Bull. It hurts a bit and it’s a learning process, it’s not instinctual for mommy. If when your beautiful baby latches onto your breast, you must scream, that’s too much pain. No matter what the nurses in the hospital say, it’s not ok to be in that much pain. I was told that the baby was latching correctly, and to just nurse through the pain, it’ll go away soon. Days later at home I’m suffering with cracked and bleeding nipples. This is not right. I did lots of research over the internet, which I cannot specifically site, but babycenter.com had the best information, and found out what was going wrong that the nurses assumed was fine.
Again, you should not be screaming when your beautiful baby latches onto your breast. Liberally wet your finger with your saliva and gently slide it into the corner of your baby’s mouth and pull your finger gently towards your baby’s ear, this will release his or her latch on your nipple. It’s time to try again. Hold your baby’s head in your favorite position (football hold, cradle hold… ect.) and hold your breast with your free hand in a c-hold or however is comfortable for you as long as all of your areola and nipple are free in front of your hand. Tickle your baby’s mouth, cheek, or nose with your nipple or pinkie finger until he or she opens very wide, then quickly (but gently!) bring your baby to your breast, not your breast to your baby. Get as much of your areola area into your baby’s mouth as you bring him or her to your breast. Does it still hurt? If so, try again. If you continue to fail to get a good latch, try a different position immediately, do not under any circumstances continue to allow him or her to feed if it hurts. If you were using a cradle or cross cradle hold, try a football hold. It may seem awkward to hold your baby this way at first, but just be patient with yourself, you will figure it out, and you won’t hurt your baby. Remember, you’ll get it and this is a learning process. Telling your baby this will help you calm down and your baby also, cause he or she loves your voice.
Are your nipples already cracked and/or bleeding? Let it loose! The more air your nipples get the faster they will heal. After a feeding, try to gently express some breast milk and rub it into your nipples. Then apply lanolin ointment for nursing, Lansinoh is approved for breastfeeding and it doesn’t have to be washed off. Leave your breasts open to the air as much as humanly possible. Your breasts are now for feeding, it’s ok to leave your shirt open, don’t feel shy about it, you are doing this for your baby. Also be sure to sleep with at least your nipples exposed. If you still want some support for your breasts, buy a nursing bra and leave the flaps open and tucked under the band below. If you are in too much pain to nurse, it is ok to give your baby a bottle. Remember you will be able to bring your baby back to breast once you are healed, and if giving him or her a bottle will get you to continue to nurse after you are healed, it is better than giving up all together. A good quality breast pump can help you maintain your milk supply and feed your baby breast milk through a bottle. When using, if you choose, a breast pump, make sure that the opening for your nipple is plentiful (your areola should be the only thing touching the inner rim not your actual nipple) and that you keep the suction low so that it doesn’t cause you any pain. It is also wise to contact your family physician or obstetrician to ensure that you and the baby aren’t suffering from thrush, or any other issues.
Always, and I stress always, remember that breastfeeding is best for your baby so doing anything that will get you to continue to breastfed is best, even if it means using bottles or pacifiers. Whatever you do decide to do for yourself, make sure your baby is healthy. Make sure he/she is wetting and soiling enough diapers daily and that if you choose to use formula as a supplement, contact your pediatrician (even if you haven’t had your first well baby visit yet and don’t know them!) and ask for their recommendation for formula.
