The things no one tells you no.:
37 owww my nipples


Mumofsix` featured blog about things no one tells you.

`I thought I would, every now and then,
add a little bit of info that
took me by surprise with my first baby.`

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There's one thing I can say for certain. Sore nipples are not nice!!! I have just been through the reminder after just having my sixth baby, that, even with the best latching on of baby, you are bound to have some degree of sore nipples in the first couple of weeks.

I want to encourage all those that are feeling like giving up on breast feeding because your nipples are too sore. It is so worth pushing through the pain of the first few weeks. The nipples do eventually come right and then you can enjoy feeding your baby. I don't want condemn anyone who has gone to a bottle but for those who really want to succeed with breastfeeding it is so worth it.

I know that having really sore nipples can make you dread a feed that is coming up. I have had times with my first baby where I cried putting her on and I would stamp my feet and grimace when she first latched on. I understand how it can be easy to give up at this time and wonder if it is worth the effort.

For me, I love breast feeding and am so glad I did push through the initial pain and discomfort. The benefits of breastfeeding are huge. You always have milk on hand, you do not need to sterilize anything, it's always at the right temperature, it has major health benefits for your baby and his immunity, it is the perfect food, baby gets used to different flavours in the milk from what you eat ( this may help when introducing solids and stop fussiness with food) and best of all, it's FREE!!!!!!

There are of course benefits to bottle feeding but most of those are convenience benefits that free up the Mum as anyone can then feed baby.

I really encourage you to stick with breast feeding if you are able. I know that there are some who have genuinely tried but were unable to and I don't want to make you feel bad or guilty. The main thing I want to say is don't give up too soon due to sore nipples. It will eventually ease off and you will enjoy feeding your baby.

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12 Comments on 37 owww my nipples


trinity-powell - Wednesday, 8 Jul
You can get a special wax cream, ask your midwife or chemist, it eases the cracks, put it in your nipples, the baby still feeds, and eventually after a lot of pain and discomfort they will toughen up.

peppy29 - Saturday, 16 May
The first couple of days were a nightmare for me. They were cracked and bleeding and I wanted to scream every time he got hungry.

But it finally got better.

jenndmamma - Thursday, 6 Nov
sore nipples have been the common factor with this baby. Clogged ducts or mastitis for 3 months out of the 4 so far. i dont blame anyone for wanting to give up and quit nursing. i just keep telling myself that she will not be breastfeeding forever and take a deep breath and let her suck away. I never imagined that i would be on all fours tryiing to get her little chin pointed in a different direction to clear up clogged ducts and keep the milk flowing but it works. Hang in there you moms with chronic mastitis. Get some sleep hire a babysitter to be with you for while you take a nap and she watches your baby (someone you trust).

-newnaam - Tuesday, 7 Oct
This is definitely something no one tells you, as I was totally clueless that it would hurt to start breastfeeding! I made it past through with the help of a nipple shield and a lactation consultant to talk to, and here we are at 8 weeks! He goes from breast to breastmilk in a bottle just fine, and now I am getting rid of the nipple shield too!

sarena mary - Thursday, 2 Oct
cold cabbage leaves are a cure all for sore breasts
itchy/cracked nipples
magic instant reliefe
keep a cabbage in the fridge
pack one in your hospital bag
seriously

shimmer178 - Sunday, 7 Sep
I had lost alot of blood after delivery and therefore my milk took a little bit longer to come in, the first few days were horrible because she was sucking and nothing was coming out. I pumped while my nipples healed and as soon as the scabs came off i started breastfeeding again and it didnt hurt.

-newnaam - Wednesday, 3 Sep
I've been told to apply Palmer's Tummy Butter to my nipples instead of lanolin cream. (I'm allergic to wool, so lanolin is out for me as well.) It's the same stuff used in pregnancy to prevent stretchmarks, but in butter form instead of a cream or lotion. Has anyone else heard of/tried this, and if so, does it work as well?

stacyandmichaelsbaby - Friday, 29 Aug
You couldn't have said it better. I too, just had my 6th and he is 4 1/2 months old now. Breastfeeding becomes so easy after you get past that hurdle in the beginning, the engorgement goes away, etc. I now rarely get engorged even when he sleeps all night.

sarahanne - Friday, 29 Aug
This blog is perfect for me right now as well. My son, Wyatt, is now 2 1/2 weeks old and I nursed him from day one. My sore, cracked nipples have recently healed in the past couple days. Now it's a great experience!! The only thing is, I do wish I could get that much needed break @ 2am. I've considered getting a pump so daddy can help, but am worried about him getting too used to the bottle's nipple shape and not latching on properly to me. Am I overreacting?? Do you have any experience with nursing and pumping? Love your blogs... you're great! Between you having 6 and my mama who had 7, y'all have the greatest advise. Enjoy your beautiful family!!

JoJoUK - Wednesday, 27 Aug
The timing of this blog is perfect for me, i'm so enjoying breast feeding and so is Theo but it's still a toe curling experience to get him latched on a lot of the time and and my boobs are still ending up rock hard as well from time to time. Then when he sucks it feels like my nipples have roots that are pulling backwards as well as my uterus pains! ouch!!! I hope this all calms down soon.

KristinJazz - Wednesday, 27 Aug
What are some of the things you can do to help heal or prevent sore nipples more quickly that don't interfere with feedings?

Brandi J. - Wednesday, 27 Aug
How absolutely true!! I found after my 3rd baby was born that if I applied lanolin after each feeding that it only was a couple of weeks of discomfort, oh ok horrible pain, compared to the 6 weeks that I had w/ my 2nd child whom was my 1st breastfed baby. I did this w/ baby #4 and once again it was only a couple of weeks before my nipples were healed and the feedings were enjoyable for both baby and I. I plan to do the same after this baby is born. I, like you, love breastfeeding!!! Also, not only are there health benefits for baby, there are plenty for the mom as well! Maybe that can be your next post, alot of women do not know the health benefits that breastfeeding has for them! Also, for me, as I do ecological breastfeeding, it is my form of natural baby spacing, and I have not had a cycle for over 4 years now, there are so many women that I have told this to that did not realize that this was possible!! I love reading your posts, I love the fact that I can relate to many of them!! How are you and that sweet little baby boy??