10 days old baby, cracked nipples, fussy when latching...help!

[Fiver]

So sorry it can't be done sooner.  I can't forget the pain of feeding a LO with a TT.  I also cried a LOT in the first 9w of her life (yes, it took that long to work out what was wrong and get it divided), but that first feed after it was done was like feeding a different baby.

You CAN do this.

[ZacsMumme]

Hugs honey, the pain is unbearable isn't it. are you taking ibuprofen and paracetamol to help take the edge off? - it doesn't stop the pain but I do think it helped a touch.

Hang in there xxx we are all here holding your hand

[Me.and.my.two.boys]

I can't quote on my phone but what Sara said - paracetamol and ibuprofen defo help take the edge off!

My DS1 was TT and I have up bf because I was having so much of a tough time - I never had BW and no one IRL helped either, I'm glad you have some help and support even if your still finding it tough.

[Marie-O]

Yes I'm taking ibuprofen and tynelol for the pain.
Actually we are doing a little better since few days ago that baby finally accepted the nipple shield. It hurts a lot less and if she's clamping I can't feel it. My only concern is that I think she's not getting enough milk with the shield. I'm afraid my milk supply will decrease that's why I rented a double pump (symphony) so I pump after each feed and give what I pumped as a supplement.
I'm exhausted by doing this I have less time to do anything else....but we do whatever it takes, right?

My nipples are not healing as fast as I would have liked, I'm doing everything right (I think): using Dr. Newmans cream, gentian violet 1 a day, nipple shield, breast shells. It's been 17 days now and the skin still looks very soared. Will they eventually heal without having to give up breastfeeding all together??

[Fiver]

They will heal.  My left nipple is still a slightly bent shape even 2 years on, but the pain reduced almost straight away after the tie was divided.

Some people find some degree of success with an exaggerated latch (just do a web search for it) so that more boob is going into the mouth to start with.

As for the shields, try to make sure you're getting as much skin-to-skin contact at the breast with them as you can.  It may mean turning them by 90degs from what the instructions say (depending on which brand you have).  Skin-to-skin in general makes a big difference too.

Not much longer

[*Ali*]

Are you leaving them to air sometimes? That heals the wounds more quickly.

[Me.and.my.two.boys]

Yeah I walked around topless for about a week! Lol!

[*happy*]

Me too!
God,the pain of BFing with cracked nipples...i will never
ever forget it.so many hugs to you.x

[Marie-O]

Hello girls, a little update.
We took DD2 on Monday with the dentist expert in TT for an assessment. She was indeed TT from the tongue and upper lip.
While the doctor (pretty amazing doctor btw) was explaining all the problems babies and moms suffer from BF'ing with TT I had so many "aha" moments that finally explained why we are having such a problem with Bf'ing.
All we were experiencing, part of the TT issues are: Cracked nipples njot healing, dry lips for baby, low milk supply, poor latch, upper lip pinching breast, gassy baby from all the air she swalows, etc etc.
They did the laser procedure, it was very fast and DD2 did great. I can tell the difference in her mouth she can open wider and is able to move her tongue freely in all directions.
The latch is still very painfull as my nipples are still opened and cracked. I still have to use the nipple shield.

I'm going to see again my lactation consultant tomorrow so she can help DD2 re-learn how to latch effectively w/o bitting mom.

I'm so hoping for this to be the solution, it makes sense that things have to improve from now on...fingers crossed. I just need my nippes to heal FAST.

Thanks for all your support!!

XX
Marie

[*Ali*]

Fab update. I hope you heal quickly now.

[Shiv52]

Amazing update xx
 
You are doing such a great job to persevere through all this to BF xx

[Fiver]

Great job!  So glad the dentist was knowledgeable and willing to divide the TT/lip tie.

Did the dentist give you any 'exercises' to do with your DD to help stop the TT from adhering?  They didn't do that with my DD, so I think it did reoccur a bit. 

In the meantime, just try to go back to basics - big open gape before latching her on, pointing the nipple towards the back/top of her mouth and get as much breast in there as you can

[Erin M]

Great update!  Hope things continue in a good direction.

[ENMS]

Great news

I agree with Amanda re: exercices. I have a link with some exercices if you're interested just let me know.

[Marie-O]

Yes they showed me 3 excersices I need to do 8 times a day to prevent the tissues to adhere again.
Back to basic it is! Is still very painful though...my nipples are still oppened. I wish there was a miracle remedy to regenerate and close the skin in 1 day