Bleeding/cracked/swollen nipples?

Question

I had my baby four days ago and my nipples are bleeding, cracked, swollen, and turning purple. Also my areola is bruised. Any advice on how to heal even though my baby is still nursing usually once an hour or two? I’m in excruciating pain every time, but I’m afraid to pump and bottle feed for a day to let them heal because she may not want to go back to the breast.

Answer

My baby didn’t latch more than once a day for two weeks, but he learned eventually, so I think it would be ok. Definitely take a break and pump, even if it’s for every other feed. And see a lactation consultant, that sounds like a bad latch.

Answer

Get nipple shields. They are extremely helpful xx

Answer

See a lactation consultant. That's not normal. Your baby might have a bad latch.
I thought my daughter had an OK latch initially but then by day 2 or 3 I noticed my nipples were absolutely covered in tiny little blisters. Then those blisters all popped and my nipples were raw and bleeding. A few days after that I got an infection so they were raw bleeding and oozing some funky discharge. Turns out baby had a shallow latch. I got her latch fixed and got some ointment for my nipples (all purpose nipple ointment or something like that) and within 2 days my nipples were dramatically improved.

Answer

Definitely like the others say check your latch, but I found nipple shields and cream did NOTHING ended up using gel pads!!! Omg they are amazing, they are expensive (I used meleda from Amazon) but soo worth it and j just re-used them. They feel warm when you take them off but leave them facing up until next time and they are cool again. I would feed then put one on my breast then feed off the next breast the time after and do the same so they were on for a few hours each time between feeds and they saved my life so I could keep feeding and I healed quickly with them especially leaving them on overnight xxx

Answer

Check your latch and use lanolin. It’s normal to have painful nipples for the first couple weeks and if you have a proper latch and use lanolin it they’ll get better

Answer

Lanolin! It's amazing! Use it all the time and plenty or it! Maybe use a nipple shield until it's healed? 😊

Bleeding/cracked/swollen nipples?

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