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To the pain.... some breastfeeding questions
So baby #2, we'll call her D, is about 6.5 weeks. After being born at 7 lbs 9 oz, she is probably about 11 lbs at this point (was almost 10 lbs at her one month check up and has grown since then.) so I doubt there is any issue with the amount of breast milk she is getting.
But here's the thing - my nipples still HURT, and have even started bleeding a little recently. My first thought is that it's a latching issue, but the nurses at the hospital confirmed we were fine, and I guess I thought she would be getting insufficient milk without a good latch, but maybe that's not true? And what's weird is that it was initally just the right side that was an issue, so I just tried adjusting my hold with her on that side since it didn't feel as comfortable at first, but now it's both sides.
So I thought maybe thrush, especially since even the areola are irritated now, but D doesn't have any of the tell tale white spots in her mouth. Can babies have thrush and not have the visible signs?
I love breastfeeding, and want to continue, and would honestly just tough it out for as long as I could. But I am getting ready to return to work and will need to pump, and the few times I've used it at home, it's hurt even more than when D nurses (that's actually what caused the bleeding initially.)
Maybe I need to contact a lactation consultant. Does anyone know if home visits are typically covered by insurance?
I breastfeed with my first daughter too, but didn't have these issues, so I feel like a newbie again!
But here's the thing - my nipples still HURT, and have even started bleeding a little recently. My first thought is that it's a latching issue, but the nurses at the hospital confirmed we were fine, and I guess I thought she would be getting insufficient milk without a good latch, but maybe that's not true? And what's weird is that it was initally just the right side that was an issue, so I just tried adjusting my hold with her on that side since it didn't feel as comfortable at first, but now it's both sides.
So I thought maybe thrush, especially since even the areola are irritated now, but D doesn't have any of the tell tale white spots in her mouth. Can babies have thrush and not have the visible signs?
I love breastfeeding, and want to continue, and would honestly just tough it out for as long as I could. But I am getting ready to return to work and will need to pump, and the few times I've used it at home, it's hurt even more than when D nurses (that's actually what caused the bleeding initially.)
Maybe I need to contact a lactation consultant. Does anyone know if home visits are typically covered by insurance?
I breastfeed with my first daughter too, but didn't have these issues, so I feel like a newbie again!
Tags: breastfeeding, consultant, lactation, thrush
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by DonnaKat on -
Definitely see someone ASAP. I had a similar issue and didn't get in soon enough and ended up with mastitis. The infection got in through the open skin on my nipples (TMI I know), so if you are bleeding this could happen to you, too. I just went to the lactation consultant at my daughter's pediatrician.
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Permalink Reply by zenmom on -
With my second child, I had similar issues. I had a blocked duct and then - for whatever reason, I don't know - ended up with severely sore and cracked nipples. They were so painful, I was literally IN TEARS and, while Lanisoh cream helped a little, they just would NOT heal.
So, finally, when he was a few weeks old, I had to take a break. I pumped as much as I could as often as I could (and as gently as I could) and the baby got bottles of breast milk supplemented with a few times with bottles of formula to allow myself the time I needed to heal. After a couple of weeks, I was able to go back to solely breast feeding and, fortunately, the baby had no problems with the transitions.
Good luck!
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Permalink Reply by DLBK on -
You can also try contacting your local La Leche League for suggestions.
Pumping hurt at first and then my nipples got used to it--but I didn't have a lot of problems. I think it makes sense that it would hurt a lot if you're already hurting.
Good luck!
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Permalink Reply by G.G. on -
You have my undying sympathy! I breastfed until El D was almost 2. And pumped for many, many, many of those months...
I 2nd DK - if you can go see someone stat to get cleared up whatever may be going on with the nips. I had an old school LS and she recommended I use a dab olive oil on my breast pump shields to give sufficient lube... I never had a problem with the drying/cracking or pain after that... El D never had a problem with the trace amounts OO on my nips when he breast fed...and if I did feel a littel dryness or whatnot I would put a little OO directly on my nips.
Good luck. Keep us updated.
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Permalink Reply by Mamaluv on -
ok, I just called and left a message for her pediatrician to see if I should bring her in to check for thrush, but was told that unless I can see white spots in her mouth that they wouldn't do anything.
mcglory, how did they determine it was thrush in your case?
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Permalink Reply by Boring User Name on -
It always seemed unclear to me as to whose speciality breastfeeding fell. I don't recall being offered any help at the six-week appt. But, nevertheless, I have learned from friends more proactive than me, that yes, the gyne is the way to go.
mcglory13 said:My symptoms. I went to the gynecologist. That would be my suggestion for where to go. Your boobs are his/her business.
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Permalink Reply by Herasmus B. Dragon on
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A friend of mine has been having the exact same story with her 8 week old son, and a lactation consultant just diagnosed a tongue tie. He's getting that cut on Fri. She's been hurting and bleeding because he was having to suck so hard to make up for the incorrect tongue position. The pump's suction just made it worse. Check it out with an LC. I met with one several times at her office while Ebay was still in the NICU, and I was never charged. I think she was paid by the hospital to be available to patients.
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Permalink Reply by Bigkrygowski on -
I was going to suggest tongue tie as well! I tell you what: we were seen by the LC in the hospital and the Ped in the hospital, but it was my local La Leche League leader that caught our son's tongue tie. I had a similar experience and thought it was just a bad latch.
Call around, most LLL leaders are certified LCs and are happy to help you over the phone, or even get together in between meetings. And they're free!
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Permalink Reply by Bigkrygowski on
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Oops. This is BunnyKrygowski. I guess the hubs is still signed in.
Bigkrygowski said:I was going to suggest tongue tie as well! I tell you what: we were seen by the LC in the hospital and the Ped in the hospital, but it was my local La Leche League leader that caught our son's tongue tie. I had a similar experience and thought it was just a bad latch.
Call around, most LLL leaders are certified LCs and are happy to help you over the phone, or even get together in between meetings. And they're free!
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Permalink Reply by Mamaluv on
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I now have an appointment tomorrow with my ob/gyn, but will definitely follow up with an LC if she doesn't feel that thrush is the issue. will keep you all posted!
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Permalink Reply by kommishoner on -
hope it gets worked out! I'll second the suggestion above for lube when you're pumping. If you're pumping at work I'd recommend olive oil. I used Lansinoh and it was a bitch to get off the nipple shield things.
Mamaluv said:I now have an appointment tomorrow with my ob/gyn, but will definitely follow up with an LC if she doesn't feel that thrush is the issue. will keep you all posted!
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Permalink Reply by G.G. on
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Good to know I wasn't the only one walking around smelling like a small side salad. :)
kommishoner said:hope it gets worked out! I'll second the suggestion above for lube when you're pumping. If you're pumping at work I'd recommend olive oil. I used Lansinoh and it was a bitch to get off the nipple shield things.
Mamaluv said:I now have an appointment tomorrow with my ob/gyn, but will definitely follow up with an LC if she doesn't feel that thrush is the issue. will keep you all posted!
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