Cracked painful nipple from pumping

[A_khan25]

My baby doesn't latch properly, so I pump the milk out. I got carried away as my milk supply decreased. I pump for 40 mins to 50 sometimes. And I use the silicon haaka pump..for past few days, I was getting pain. It felt like My nipples were sore. But last night, my nipples were very painful and I saw few cracks on them. Also, they were puffy from some places. The shape got somewhat back to normal but it still hurts when my shirt touches it. At first they were burning but now it feels very sensitive and painful.

[specialmom]

Eh, this brings back memories.  I had one who breast fed like a champ and one who didn't.  I bought and used a lot of lanolin which definitely helped and I also 'air dried'.  We supplemented with formula with my baby who didn't latch and I had to pump more.  He's a healthy, strong young man now so don't fear if you supplement with formula that you aren't going to have a healthy kiddo.  My exclusively breast fed baby is the son that has allergies and is smaller.  :>)  

Let us know how it is going.  I admire you for being such a good mama trying to do the best for your little one.  It can take time to figure it all out but it will be fine in the end.  hugs

[A_khan25]

Thank you so much for the positivity. I was feeling like a failure that I couldn't breast feed my child. You know how society is like. If a women can't breastfeed then they think something is missing from you. Although, my mom supported me and is still supporting me. But I felt bad about myself that I'm not able to give my child what is best for him.

[AnnieBrooke]

Have you had access to a lactation consultant? It seems like if not, it's high time to find one. Call your ob/gyn and ask.

In the meantime, try cold cabbage leaves; wrap them on your breasts to ease the pain. Also, get online and order a tube of pure lanolin, it's great for cracked nipples.

I know I've advised you before on talking to a lactation consultant about the baby's latch. It's not hard to get it right, but new moms often need help figuring out how to get the baby to do it. It would be so much more convenient than all that pumping.

Good luck!