Breastfeeding When It Hurts

Breastfeeding for many woman can be difficult, especially if it is starting to become painful. I remember when I first started I thought I would only last a few weeks but now 6 months later, I can tell you, that I am proud to say that I made it and you can too! In my experience, talking to friends, family, and our doctor, women just do not have the support they need to continue. If you're in pain, the area around where the baby latches can become very dry, chapped and blistered...this hurts!!! I have been there and wish I had someone to tell me what to do! After countless nights of research I found a safe and comfortable routine of breastfeeding, bottle-feeding and taking care of your precious breasts.

I was to the point where I could not have my baby latch on because it hurt so much. I was desperate for her to take a bottle, in which she started to refuse as I decreased my pumping sessions, and felt more comfortable breastfeeding outside of the home. So here is what I used and a typical schedule for us, I hope it helps someone else!

1. Get some great nipple cream!!! My absolute saving grace when I truly thought I could not breastfeed any longer. The best brand in my opinion is Lansinoh, Lanolin its in a purple box or tube). Apply after every feeding and in the evening before bed. Its a thicker yellowish cream and does NOT need to be removed before feeding...although my daughter did not like the taste. By the next feeding she could not taste it.

2. My baby wakes at 4am still, I feed usually one side only for only about 5-10 minutes, baby goes back down. Cream goes on the nipple and around it, I go back to bed.

3. She wakes at 730am feeds on opposite breast for a few minutes but usually won't eat for another hour or two before her next nap at 10 am. I PUMP at this time...my milk usually flows quickly earlier in the morning. I get about 4oz-5oz from both breasts. I leave the milk to dry on my nipples, learned that in a breastfeeding class and it really does make a difference. Why waste any liquid gold?!

4. Breastfeed at 915am on and off till about 10 am then she goes down for a nap in her crib. Nipple cream goes on and it is instant relief. After just a couple of days I was a milking machine again! My nipples were sore but not unbearable to feed, it was not bad at all. Everyone is different so take what works and tweak it as needed.

5. Enjoy your angel and remember you are giving them best start in life. Truly a blessing.

Namaste.