Help my breast are killing me!

[pageantbrats]

I am using my sisters account because I need an answer quickly. I had a preemie baby 6 weeks ago and she will not take from my breast even after a session with a lactating nurse. I still wanted to breastfeed so I have been pumping for her to eat. My problem, is my nipples are bleeding and it hurts so bad when I pump that I just cry. My doctor told me to feed her the milk I had already pumped and take a break from pumping, but it has been almost 24 hours and my breast are so full and it hurts so bad to pump and there is so much blood! HELP WHAT DO I DO!

[TayNRobbiesMom]

Manually express if you can. there are different techniques you can use...google manual breast expression.

There isn't any really "tugging" on the nipples w/ man. exp. so that shouldnt hurt too bad.

[madelsmama]

You might want to post this on the general board to receive more traffic.

You absolutely cannot go 24 hours without expressing milk. Doing so puts you at risk for mastitis and plugged ducts, not to mention it possibly affecting your supply. Milk production is 100% based upon the law of supply and demand. If you're not expressing milk, your body interprets that as a signal to produce less. Your doc gave you poor advice. :(

Are your nipples bleeding and painful FROM pumping, or from breastfeeding attempts, and the pumping exacerbates the wounds?

If the wounds are FROM the pump, that should not happen. Try using larger flanges for your pump.

Manual expression is a pretty good idea. Here are some instructions.
http://www.breastfeeding.com/helpme/helpme_images_expression.html
http://www.askdrsears.com/html/2/t024900.asp

Get those breasts emptied, girl!!! ASAP!

Please, come post on the general board, perhaps we can help get baby to the breast!
Manual expression is a good suggestion.