The top half of my nipples have been sore from the get go. Not so much now, than in the begining. Is this normal? It dose not hurt once he is latched on right, but they are just sore in general. Also the top of my nipple useally comes to a point when I am done feeding. Is this why they are sore. My baby has also started curling his top lip in when he latches on. I end up fliping it out for him. Is there another way to correct this?
Try getting him to open wide and then pull him into you. See if this doesn't correct the pulling in of the top lip. When the baby sucks the nipple is elongated and pulled into his throat, so it is no wonder they often pointy after nursing. Remember to keep the baby tummy to tummy with you and his ear, shoulder, and hip in a stright line (when in the cradle hold) and don't lean into him, but lean back comfortably and bring him back to you, using pillows to support where necessary. This will eliminate the soreness from stress to the nipple, encourage a good latch, and prevent backache. To relieve the soreness that you already have, you can try using lanolin in one of the preperations sold for this purpose, so that you know the sheep the lanolin came from were not treated with pesticides. Better yet, just rub a little expressed breastmilk on the nipple and let it air dry. There are so many wonderful antibodies and other healing goodies in breastmilk that it can work wonders. Because it is a body fluid, your body naturally accepts it. One of the best things you can do to promote a good breastfeeding relationship is to give yourself a babymoon! Take baby to bed with you and say skin to skin, just take as much time as you need to explore one another, fall in love, and enjoy this special time.
Sore nipples have to be seen to be addressed properly. Seeing a Private Practive Board Certified Lactation Consultant is really the best way to treat this problem. Lanolin will do nothing, if the baby isn't latching properly. And most lanolin on the market is LOADED with alcohols, aldehydes and pesticides. The ONLY ONE I recommend to my clients is LANSINOH. It is free of pesticides, alcohols ect. BUT, it won't cure the latch. Please, Mrs. E. see a good IBCLC, you don't have to suffer. There could be more going on that you can see from your angle.
maggie is correct, lansinoh, or even breastmilk, won't cure the soreness if you have a poor latch. From what you have said though, (It dose not hurt once he is latched on right, but they are just sore in general.) it sounds like you have figured out the poor latching problems and just need to heal from the trauma that has already been caused. If the soreness persists, I would strongly suggest having an LC or LLL Leader look give a look. Breastfeeding should not hurt!! Best of luck to you. Enjoy that baby!!!
