V e n t

[Skywalker]

After my left nipple bled today and both nipples hurt to feed on, I just started to feel so angry and frustrated. Of course I want to do what is best for my baby, and that is breastfeed. He's gaining weight well, having lots of dirty and wet diapers, getting antibodies from my breastmilk, etc., but I'm in pain every couple of hours 24/7 and that SUCKS. I know I'm supposed to feel all warm and gushy about the subject of breastfeeding and it's supposed to be this magical time but the ONLY magical time is when he's done feeding and I'm sitting him up to burp and he looks all drunk and smiley and lets me kiss his warm little face. That's the reward, but see, I only enjoy breastfeeding when it's OVER. When it's happening, I feel pinned down, unable to move, in pain, grumpy, etc. We have to use a breast shield and he often fights being in his carrier so it's not necessarily an option to plop him in a carrier and try to breastfeed on the move and I don't want to get into pumping again because that was a NIGHTMARE that ended with me getting engorged. I feel like the only two options I have are to persist or to ween, and I want to make it to at least 3 months of age, hopefully 6 months, so I'm just going to persist, but this SUCKS. S - U - C - K - S. We went to the specialist who said his tongue tie isn't significant enough to clip, but his mouth is still small enough and my nipples are still flat enough that we still have to use a breast shield and I'm constantly having to clean it, constantly losing it and frantically trying to find it (I have three and even though I try to keep track I lose them all the time) and it all just sucky sucky sucks Seriously. Nature, thanks a LOT for making breastfeeding so f-ing hard. There's my vent. That's all. Lol

 

[HBGirl]

I don't particularly like breastfeeding either to be honest. I just like it more then bottle feeding. I also have flat nipples and use shields. I have 12.

 

[gaves99]

Couldn't have said this better tonight. She was doing so well.. and in the last week has the night time fussiness. DH just took her to living room bc I need to sleep some! Drained and feeling burnt since I don't know how to make her stop crying. I have an appt tomo with lactation to see if it's something else too like reflux since she's spitting up a ton too. Good luck sky!!

 

[sheldonsmommy]

The first couple weeks of breastfeeding are very very hard!! I didn't have any specific problems, but clusterfeeding made me feel so trapped. I can tell you that by 8 weeks I was feeling closer to normal and my nipples were healed (thank you Lansinoh!) I was able to pump a bit of extra milk in the early days so I could get a break now and then when dh would feed lo, and it was great, I recommend it to anyone if you are able to pump extra milk now and then.

If it's important to you, persist! It will get easier (then sometimes harder, but mostly easier). But don't feel guilty if you need a different solution to keep yourself sane

 

[sept2010]

It does get better honestly... After about 8 weeks things slowly started to settle in terms of pain etc. didnt experience this with my first lo though!

 

[TXJen]

Not sure if this will help, but I have been using Polysporin on my nipples and it has helped a lot with cracks and bleeding, which has made breastfeeding much better. He's still cluster feeding so I am still sore, but it's not as bad as it was before. My LC also said you don't need to wipe it off before feeding the baby which is nice for night feedings. She also said if it stops working that I can try a triple nipple cream (I think it might need a prescription though).

 

[gaves99]

Went to lactation yesterday and glad I did. so i have a forceful letdown on right breast causing her to unlatch since she can't suck, swallow and breathe correctly. It is also causing her to bruise my nipple since she gets frustrated so it's where some of the soreness is. Also think she has reflux as she's back down to same weight as 2 was ago... I have a Dr appt tomorrow morning to see what the Dr wants to do about weight and reflux.

 

[meli1981]

Def talk to a lactation consultant if you want to continue shell help you heal your nipples so feeding is more enjoyable....i used jack newmans all purpose nipple ointment...it was a damn miracle cream! With my second daughter i had cracked and bruised, bleeding nipples as her latch and suck were super strong. My nipples were healed in a matter of days! It has antibiotic, antifungal, and anti inflammatory properties in it! Miracle i swear!

 

[Mrs HM]

One day at a time...before you know it you'll have hit six months and you'll be so proud of what you have achieved all by yourself.

If you have any more kids it'll be easier next time too, not without issues as I'm 12 days in with #2 and I've already had a blocked duct and cracked bleeding nipples, but you know how to fix it and deal with it.