What else could happen you may ask?? I asked myself the same thing!
The last week or so my nipples have been a sore pink colour, figured that's to be expected with the trauma they have endured. However since Wednesday they have been a bit more sore and even feeding with the shields they feel like sand paper. I have started using bepanthen as per my ob's suggestion and they have improved a little. I'm paranoid it's thrush, but dd has none in her mouth and my nipples feel ok when not feeding. Could it be a dermatitis? Trauma? Anything else?
Also, I have now had for the third time blood come out of my right breast when dd has latched on, (once without the shield, twice with) and there was pain in the inner side of it after for half an hour. Now when she goes on that side I hold onto the area for a bit until the milk is down and it helps with the pain and so far no more blood. Any suggestions on what it could be?
Third issue is I want to start weaning her off the shields. I have been trying to do this on the left side which is less damaged ( prior to issue 1). However, she seems to do her deep sucking and then a different suck which then she loses suction. To me its like she must deep suck on the shield and then suck the milk accumulated like a straw. She also won't suck as much as she used to, not sure if it's because she has forgotten what to do on a real nipple? How do I retrain her? I really want to lose the shields as I think they could be part of issue 1?
Honestly wish there was better preparation for breastfeeding prior to havin to doing it! Or I've drawn the short straw...
You need to see a skilled and qualified lactation consultant. A lactation consultant can make the whole transition to breastfeeding so much smoother. Just think about it, if you wanted to learn to drive a car you would have some-one in the car, sitting beside you and most of us see the sense in paying an accredited driving instructor. Its great to have these forums for support and encouragement, but very important to see a lactation consultant.
Are you happy with the help you are getting? Sometimes hospital LCs don't have the extensive training that IBCLC qualified lactation consultants have. If you're not getting the right help, it could be worth looking for a private lactation consultant with IBCLC qualifications. If you want a link to the directory, I can PM it to you, or have a look for "ILCA" on google.
Jill Bruce is great in Adelaide. Her email isjill.bruce@internode.on.net Ph 0416 008 775
Hospital LCs generally don't see you far beyond the first weeks, but as you are finding out, things change rapidly. There are some great ABA counsellors and groups in Adelaide as well.
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My next breast feeding issues!
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