bleeding bitten nipple wound!

[tracyo77]

Ds bit me last night when he was nursing. It didn't bleed last night, or this morning when he nursed on that side again, though it still hurt like heck!! This morning, when I went to pump though it began bleeding so I only pumped one side. This has happened before, but the problem is, my supply is already slipping and I am worried that while I wait for this thing to heal it will slip even further! Ds is 8 months old and eating more and more solids...I know this has to do with the decrease. I am taking fenugreek but what can I do with a broken nip in order to maintain or even increase supply?? I have lanolin on it now to soothe it..hoping it heals quickly!

[whitnessforhim]

If it feels ok to nurse on that side then I would just nurse on that side like normal. With him only being 8mo. breastmilk should still be his main source of nutrition. How much solids he gets throughout the day is entirely up to you. IMO If his solid intake is interfering with nursing then I'd limit/decrease his solid intake and nurse more to increase my supply.

[tracyo77]

I will try to decrease, but the little bugger is so hungry when he eats! He is burning so much energy with all of the standing, crawling, scooting and playing he does that I don't want to short change him. Plus, I have had to supplement with formula for a while now - a decision that I had a hard time dealing with, but have had to come to accept since I couldn't produce/pump enough to ever satisfy is appetite since I returned to work. I always nurse before solids, but if I am only pumping 2-3 ounces total then I know he isn;t getting much more than that which is definitely not enough on its own!
I will do like you said and nurse on that side as soon as I get home..I guess it was just the major suction of the pump that made it bleed. I just have my heart set on making it a year and I am watching my milk slowly fade away. :(

[KatieLou]

Try a new nursing postion on the breast. A lot of times that can relieve the pressure to the wound. (((hugs))) Ds bit me many times, so I feel your pain, but rest assured, your DC will outgrow this.

[Nipple_nectar]

Ugh~ I am sorry you are having such a difficult time! I also have a biter, so I know your pain:( I have a product that heals nipple trauma really fast, it's called silverette and it is a pair of pure silver cups that you literally place on the nipple between feedings, I have had open wounds close overnight, with no residual pain, it is simply amazing! You can check it out here: www.breastfeedingheaven.com

In the meantime, offer the traumatized nipple last at each nursing session, until you are healed, that way, the agressive suckling at the beginning is on the other nipple. Using lots of lanolin and fresh air as much as possible will help healing. Make sure and use lanolin before AND after each pumping session and try to keep the suction low.

As far as your pumping output: have you tried angled horns? Check them out here: www.pumpinpal.com Have you replaced the membranes lately, on your pump?

Lastly, try not to worry about how much breast milk your baby is getting, it sounds like it is the majority of his nutrition and he is getting all the priceless benefits, so, pat yourself on the back, your doing a great job, nursin momma:)

[tracyo77]

Thank you for the suggestions! The silverettes sound awesome! I have replaced the membranes recently so it's not that. Those angled horns look interesting. Do they really help the flow? Do they help with letdown? I'll have to research them some more.

[Nipple_nectar]

I have experienced a higher output with angled horns, I think they work better. The silverettes ARE awesome:)