Bf advice x

I have to use nipple shields otherwise the latch isn't happening and I also had to express and give expressed milk in bottles for 2 days cos I needed a break. Make sure after you shower you let your nipples dry and also after a feed. Hope this helps

Nipple shields! Instant relief from the pain for me, hope they work for you too! Cream did nothing for me. People are so opinionated about breast feeding and there’s con’s to using the shields (apparently they mess up supply) but I found them brilliant and they let me keep going. Good luck xx

silver cups

I have a 18 day old baby and I am exclusively breastfeeding. The first week was hard as I couldn’t get the latch right and I dreaded every time it came to feed time as it was so painful, but now he goes on easily after getting help. Have you tried different positions? The rugby hold is how I got him to latch properly. Also guide your nipple into baby’s mouth. So hold your breast and make nipple touch their nose making them open wide their head should tilt back and and then bring baby to nipple. They should have most of your areola in their mouth and bottom lip should be out. I also check if my baby has a double chin it shows their mouth is open wide enough. If your nipple is wedge shaped or lipstick shaped when you take them off then the latch wasn’t great. As soon as it hurts I would remove baby and try again. I know how hard it can be, but you’ve got this!! Nipple shields are good if you are in pain, and it lets your nipples heal but once the pain eases then try doing it without.

Hey angel. Can you not pump and bottle feed?

Use your own milk for nipples. Also try to fit whole nipple in baby's mouth x

@Lizzie S I think my milk is just coming in as I’ve woken today really full x

All I can say is that I PROMISE it all just falls into place and gets better. Ignore everything that says “breastfeeding shouldn’t hurt” - it’s total bull. For some people anyway! It eases though, your body gets used to it and before long you’ll enjoy it. Hang in there! Also, if you do decide to stop breastfeeding then that’s also perfectly OK! Don’t put too much pressure on yourself

Nipple shields have really helped me with both the latch and pain!

Koala silver nipple shields have helped the pain so much for me. It’s more just slight uncomfortableness when first latches then pain goes, as nipples have finally started healing

Have you had her checked for any ties? I spent the first 2/3 weeks in absolute agony before finding out she was really restricted with a tongue tie. I decided to pump to allow my nips to recover as I was absolutely dreading her feeding. She now pretty much only has expressed milk in a bottle with the very rare feed directly from me. I am a bit sad that our journey didn't work out like I'd hoped but expressing has been the best thing for me in terms of my own health. We have to look after ourselves too! Xx

The first week is like that! Don't worry persist the pain does go

For instant pain relief tho get some cabbage leaves in the fridge or freezer and put them in your bra! This got my through the first week xxx

The first week of breastfeeding was way worse than the rest. I bought the silver cups to soothe my nipples in between, used reusable bamboo breast pads which were softer than the disposable ones, and the Elvie catch cups to catch my let down but also mean nothing was pressing on my nipples. Try find a breastfeeding support group or lactation consultant near you. And also just know it gets better. With regards to baby getting enough food, keep an eye on if her soft spot has sunk, and how many wet/dirty nappies she has. If they’re okay she’s probably feeding enough :)

I went through the same situation, it does get better the lansinoh nipple cream worked a dream for me I even applied it just before she fed as well as after. Are there any groups you can go to? I went to a breast feeding support group and that really helped, ask your health visitor or midwife if they do something similar near you x