Extreme nipple pain...help!

[mommy23girls]

I'll start out by saying this will probably be a lengthy thread.....sorry!! My DD is 2 1/2 months old. At her 2-month Dr. visit, she weighed 8 lbs, 9 oz -- a gain of only 7 oz. since her 1 month visit. Doc wants her back for weight check on the 26th. If she hasn't gained a pound, he wants me to start supplementing. I DON'T WANT TO!! So, she seems "fussy" in between feedings, just not happy or satisfied for very long. I was using a nipple shield to feed, but as of 3 days ago, stopped it (YEA!!!!!) and she seemed to latch on fine without it. My problem is my nipples hurt sooooooooo bad now that she isn't using the nipple shield. How long will this last? One nipple has started to bleed actually. Is it just my nipples getting used to BFing without the shield or am I doing something wrong? Also, I pumped 4 hours after I fed her (I know I emptied at that time because I pumped right afterwards and got just drops) and 4 hours later, I only got 2 oz. when I pumped. Should I be producing more than that? I know TONS of questions.....but I'm freaking out and sooooo confused!! HELP!!

[KerryS]

I really think you need to get in contact with an IBCLC for an in-person consult. Nipple shields, if used incorrectly, can cause decreased milk supply and slow weight gain. I suspect that might be part of the problem with why your baby isn't gaining appropriately. It's NOT normal for nipples to be bleeding and cracking, and I can almost guarantee that your baby is not latched appropriately. I wonder if maybe she has something like tongue-tie. A lactation consultant should be able to help you with appropriate latch, make sure there isn't anything going on that would interfere with a good latch, and can help you come up with a game plan for getting your daughter gaining the way she should.

In the meantime, I would recommend you try to pump after every feeding, then turn around and give your baby whatever you're able to pump, even if it's just a little bit. This will help with milk production and it will also help with your daughter's weight gain.

Good luck and please see a lactation consultant in person!

[Nipple_nectar]

ICAM! Call the hospital where you gave birth and see if they have an LC on staff. IBCLC is better= Internationally Board Certified Lactation Consultant, they just know more.

It was probably the shield that caused a decrease in the milk transfer. Another way to check on her input, is to track her output. You need to see a minimum of six wet diapers in a 24 hour period.

Supplementation of expressed breastmilk can only help your situation, AS LONG as you choose a BFing friendly feeding alternative (http://www.kellymom.com/bf/pumping/alternative-feeding.html). Do make sure you do this as your baby is in danger of developing nipple confusion (http://www.breastfeeding.com/all_about/all_about_confusion.html).

I used a finger feeder to supplement my infant daughter and it was very easy to use. What type of pump are you using? I would switch to a hospital grade pump as it is stronger and designed for all day use.

There are many things you can do to avoid supplementing, so try not to panic. Getting baby's latch evaluated ASAP will be crucial ina good plan to help baby gain more quicker.

For pain management: using Lansinoh lanolin before and after each pumping session and after every nursing session. You can use up to 600mg of motrin for pain and I also recommend two products to help out: the silverette is a pair of small, pure silver cups that you literally place on your nipples between feedings are simply magical! You can read more here: www.breastfeedingheaven.com and also www.soothies.com

Come back soon and let us know how you are doing:)