I have an 8 day old and we are breastfeeding. Or attempting to anyway. My milk took ages to come in then I was chronically engorged and couldn't drain my breasts properly. This lead to an infection. I've been feeding heaps, pumping, running bm on nipples, lanolin, olive oil, ive made headway on his latch and I'm now on day too of antibiotics. I feel so disappointed, like my body has let me down. I'm wondering for anyone who has been in a similar situation- do the antibiotics help with the pain/ healing of the scabs? Or just make them uninfected? The thought of feeding gives me anxiety because of the pain.. giving him formula isn't really an option as I'd still have to pump and that is equally as painful.. my poor shredded nipples need some advice...
8 Replies
Poor you! Breastfeeding is so hard. If you haven't already I would go and see a lactation consult asap - they are worth their weight in gold. Ring your community centre at your local hospital tomorrow and ask for an appointment if you can - they usually get people in as soon as possible xx
Oh hun - so normal. No one tells you how hard and painful breastfeeding can be! You're doing so well. You can also try ringing Australian breastfeeding association on 1800 686 268 - they are really helpful. I found rite aid hydrogel breast discs very soothing as well
During my antenatal classes with boy#1 my midwife advised that if we had any painful lumps from engorgement we could use our *whispers* vibrator on them while expressing to rattle the lumps out. Can I tell you, it really works! I found hand-expressing the lumps too painful. I bought a hand-held vibrating massager ($10 is from Big W) exactly for this purpose. Sometimes when my beasts were too full, the Lil guy couldn't get a good latch, he would just try feed off the nipple (*cue toe curling*) so my advice to you is 1) get a vibrating thingy of some description on those hard lumps 2) express a tiny amount before a feed to soften them for bub 3) attach Bub 4) Reattach Bub if bad latch 5) Roll your shoulders back and relax. You can do this! Just because it's natural, definitely doesn't make it easy!!!
I really feel for you. This was me with both babies for first few weeks. I know you are disappointed but look how amazing it is that your wonderful body has grown and birthed a baby and is making all this milk (sounds like lots!) for your little baby! It's doing an amazing job and so are you. You have had a really hard time. Worse than some other mums with infections you poor bugger! It will change just might take a bit longer. Do you have enough support? Is someone giving you cuddles and cups of tea? The pain at first, especially if your nipples are sensitive can be so so bad. It should get much better. They toughen up. Until then, is ok to take panadol and/or ibuprofen for pain. Lots of good advice from other mums here (yes to airing, lact consultant, breastfeeding associated, nipple shields). But also rest! Your body needs to recover from the infection. Is like a cold in your breasts. Can you get more practical help, food delivered etc? Even though these days can be so hard, you are doing so well and reaching out. I went on to breastfeed for over a year with both after two rough starts. I hope you can get the support you need and it all starts to ease. Have you had a big cry? Helps with the infection healing. Good luck mama! Hats off to you warrior woman!
This might be helpful to give you some ideas why mums are talking about latch. If the latch isn't deep enough, there is friction on the nipple and it hurts. Also means it doesn't drain fully which you mentioned. There is a series of these re natural breast feeding. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=-hhCz65lhP4
Stick with it. It hurts like hell for a while but your nipples will get used to it over the next few weeks. I have one great tip. I had to have antibiotics after my third child and he became very unsettled. This is because his gut flora was wiped out by the antibiotics as they go through the breast milk. Wait until you have finished the course and then start a course of probiotics to replenish yours and the baby's gut flora as they also pass through the breast milk. The one thing no one tells you is how difficult breastfeeding can be. It's supposed to be the most natural thing but it's not always the easiest. No the antibiotics won't help the scabs to heal they will just help the infection. Another great product for the nipples is paw paw cream which is also great for nappy rash. Just make sure it's Luca's. safe for bubs as well. Another great tip is to get a nipple shield and express a small amount of breast milk in the top and place this over the opposite breast to the one you are feeding on. Breast milk has antibacterial properties so helps prevent further infections. Hope this helps and all the best.
I can relate. Feeding was pure torture for the first month or so. I use to count how many attempts it took for bub to latch. Sometimes it would take 90 goes at first - with each attempt excruciating. I would be in tears each feed. The counting helped as each day it took fewer attempts and also it helped me know only about x more attempts and he'll latch on. Kind of gave me the will to keep going as I knew when he was getting closer to latching, plus I was encouraged to keep going as I could see each day was a little easier than the day before. I also said to myself, "just one more day!" every time I wanted to throw in the towel. One day at a time! It does get easier! We went on to feed until he was 2. Just thought these strategies might help. At the end of the day though, as long as bub is fed it doesn't matter. Do what you've got to do! All the best!
I haven't been through this, but my son couldn't latch properly. I tried everything, but myself and my little man were very upset, i had mid wives try to bully me into keep trying to breast feed, until i snapped at them finally.
I just want to let you know bottle is totally fine it DOES NOT make you a failure. Dont feel bad if you are in too much pain to continue breast feeding. You can still bond with bottle feeding. You are doing great mumma.