We hear you, mamas! Getting breastfeeding basics under your belt can be tough. That's where we come in. Join the conversation for expert advice, when and where you need it. Led by Tinyhood Breastfeeding Expert and Board Certified Lactation Consultant, Beth Sanders.
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Dana C.
Sounds stressful! In addition to the sleepy nursing sessions are you also pumping and bottle feeding? Can you share what a typical day looks like in terms of nursing/pumping/bottle feeding/etc... |
I am exclusively pumping for my daughter due to poor latch. I recently started experiencing pain in my nipples and breast tissue. My breast are tender and getting shooting pains going towards the armpit nipples are sore milk supply is down tremendously. My daughter was just seen for her one month check-up and did not have Thrush but from what I've read I believe I may have it in my breasts.
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Dana C.
Hi, Jeanie -- sorry you are in so much pain. It could be thrush -- baby wouldn't necessarily show any signs since baby isn't latching. I would recommend calling your OB/midwife in the AM for an exam. In the meantime, I would also check the online fit guide associated with your pump to make sure you are using the correct size breast shield. Is it a medela? https://www.medelabreastfeedingus.com/assets/file/1908488_RevA%20Breastshield%20Sizing%20Tool.pdf |
I have sore nipples baby is only 6 days old can't even touch the nipples what should I do nothing works
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Dana C.
Hi, Sana -- congratulations! Usually nipple soreness peaks around day 3-7. Have you tried expressing a little colostrum/breast milk and rubbing on your nipple and air drying? |
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Dana C.
Yes! But, I can't give you an exact timeline since every baby is different (no matter how they feed!) It also depends on how we define "sleep through the night." |
My baby is now 3 weeks old and every time she latches to the right breast I have stinging/stabbing pains for a few seconds and then resolves. It is also tender to touch but no reddened areas exteriorly. The left breast has no issues. Could this be mastitis or yeast infection? Should I contact my doctor?
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Dana C.
hmmm! |
My son is almost 3 weeks and the pain from breastfeeding is getting unbearable. I have tried different holds and even though it seems that he has a good latch, I still have a lipstick shaped nipple when he is done feeding. I’m worried that not only will the pain not go away because the latch isn’t correct, but that he’s not getting enough milk at each feeding. He wants to eat about every hour, though I’ve been trying to stretch it to two hours because it hurts so much. One of my nipples has been cracked and trying to heal for two weeks and the other is starting to crack where there is a ridge from him feeding. I have shooting pains and sometimes my nipples get so sensitive that even putting on a shirt is painful. I’m not sure what I’m doing wrong! Is it possible that his mouth being small is affecting his latch? I’m starting to feel really defeated and thinking about strictly pumping and bottle feeding because every time I feed him I’m in tears.
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Dana C.
Oh, no! I'm so sorry you are in so much pain. Soreness can be normal in the first few days but pain at week 3 signals us that we need to recheck/work on the latch. And the compressed, lipstick shaped nipple also tells us that latch is too shallow. |
Hi! I breastfed my son for his first year.
And now I am pregnant with twins, I was wondering what are the advantages and disadvantages (if any) from breastfeeding from the breast vs pumping exclusively?
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Dana C.
Congratulations, Christina! And, great job nursing baby #1! |
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Christina Dana thank you so much for your input! I really appreciate your professional advice. This helps set my mind at ease. |