Hun, what a tough time you are having It's such a shame that mums don't get better help with breastfeeding before they leave hossy.

There are a couple of things to consider here. Firstly, it is mostly likely that your DD is not latching on just quite right yet. This is why it hurts, and why one of your nipples is damaged. Has anyone shown you Baby Led Attachment at all? Often this can help with fixing attachment issues. It is basically allowing the baby to find and attach themselves using their own instincts. Many mums find it works best in a reclined position, and with a calm baby (it won't work if she is screaming with hunger). When she is calm, try placing her between your breasts, skin to skin if you like, but you can both have tops on if you prefer as long as they don't get in the way. Gently support her as she either bobs or lunges towards one side, and allow her to attach herself with little or no assistance. If you would like to give this a go, there is more information here - Australian Breastfeeding Association - Baby-led attachment and the ABA 24 hour helpline - 1800 mum 2 mum (1800 686 2 686, drop the last 6 for VOIP) can also talk you through it if you like. This doesn't always work, but very often mums find that this is the best way for comfortable, pain free feeding.

The other issue is that your nipple has already been damaged on the left side, so that will hurt anyway at this stage until it has healed. Often putting some hind-milk on at the end of a feed and leaving it to air-dry works better than creams. Breastmilk has healing properties and also anti-bacterial ones, so it reduces the risk of an infection getting in where the skin is broken. If you use a cream, be especially careful with applying it, making sure your hands are clean. Germs can transfer into the wound from the cream, especially after a few uses. If feeding from that side is just too painful, expressing is an option although this will probably hurt also as you have found. If you can continue to feed on that side it will help empty the breast better.

The full breasts are also something that can lead to mastitis. Are your breasts always full and hard, even after a feed? How many feeds a day is your DD having and how many wet and dirty nappies? Feeding frequently (usually 8 - 12 times or more in 24 hours) is really important for establishing and maintaining your milk supply going forward, and also helps reduce engorgement. If you are feeling uncomfortably full, it is a good idea to express enough for comfort. If this continues and your breasts are really painful, some mums find a once off full express (getting out as much as you can from both sides) can really help. If you do this a few times it can delay your supply from settling down, but doing it once can help the excess blood and lymphatic fluid to drain away so that when your milk refills it is usually more comfortable than it was before.

All the best with it hun. I know you don't believe me right now, but this is the most difficult time and soon things will be easier