Hi all,

Baby is almost 2 weeks old and I have been exclusively expressing since about day 4, when they realised he had lost too much weight and hadn't been feeding properly.

The lactation consultant (she was fantastic) at the hospital spent a long time with me, and we basically worked out that if it wasn't hurting, he wasn't getting any food - hence the pumping. We tried a shield but it was still painful.

I'd really like to get him onto the breast, but I don't even know the cause of the pain to be able to address it. Here are my symptoms - has anyone else experienced these, and what was your outcome?

I've always had sensitive nipples
Letdown = painful but bearable
Pumping = generally a little bit unpleasant, but bearable. I tend to be able to have the speed at the maximum (although always start on minimum), but the suction I can barely get off minimum. In fact, we accidentally had the suction on max at one point, and the pain was exactly the same as when he sucks.
Breastfeeding = excruciating. I'm in tears within about 5 seconds. I tried him on again yesterday and had to take him off after 1 suck. I have described it as someone sticking a very sharp small knife into my nipple/areola every time he sucks.
Supply = plentiful
Nipples = healthy - no cracks or grazes.

I've looked into possible causes, in particular thrush and Reynaud's syndrome (vasospasm). I know attachment is correct - several midwives have confirmed this. I don't think I have thrush, and baby certainly doesn't. However, I did have antibiotics in labour so it's not impossible. I don't think I have Reynaud's, as I haven't really noticed colour changes. However, when I lived for a while in a very cold part of Australia, I had terrible trouble with my feet and hands going numb (for hours at a time) from the cold, and it was very painful.

Thanks in advance for your help!

Surprised xo