Help for my SIL please!

Hey ladies! Just wondering if anyone can offer some advice for my SIL who is nursing her first little boy. He is 2 months old now, and latches fine on one side, but not on the other. Her one nipple is cracked, bleeding and very sore, and nursing is really painful! Got any suggestions? The little guy will start nursing and then slip off constantly on that side. He is a little bit tongue tied, but since he can nurse well on the other side, they didn't think that was the issue. I've suggested having that tie snipped anyways, just in case, and then trying to pump the one side and nurse the other for a while to let the sore side heal. She's afraid that he won't nurse well after he's had a bottle. She's considering trying a nipple shield. I also suggested that she take him to a chiropractor, because I've heard that if baby favours one side over the other, it can be because of neck issues from the birth, and the chiropractor can help.
I'd welcome any other advice or suggestions to pass along to her. She's really determined to nurse this baby, but the constant pain is getting to be discouraging.
Thanks!

I'm sorry you're sil is having trouble. When I had difficulty attaching well on one side (i had blisters) I found changing hold worked well. I used the traditional cross body hold on my left boob( which was attaching well) and the underarm/football hold on the right one. It meant he was facing the same way for both sides. Hope this makes sense!

I would try the nipple shield, just on that side. I used the medela shields just on one side for a couple of weeks

I too would suggest she try a nipple shield, I used them (for a different reason though) I couldn't get the Medala ones where I live I found the Pidgeon ones to be good.

I also think your suggestion of a Chiropractor is great, my second son had a bit of a rough birth and his neck and shoulder were out, I know where we are in victoria there is a chain called Kiro Kids but I'm sure there are other ones around that specialise in children.

I was going to say the same as control freak. Worked for us. GL

Thanks so much ladies! I'll pass the suggestions along to her, and hopefully she can get some relief! :)

I only bf for the first few weeks but a nipple shield was so so good! I had bleeding nipples and it gave them time to heal and hurt way less than previously. Def worth a go! GL

Dear Cricket,

I think it would be very worthwhile for your sister to see an experienced lactation consultant. It is important to get a good understanding of what is happening and why in order to know how to address it. Many people worry about spending the money, but it is a worthwhile investment in a happy and ongoing breastfeeding relationship. Often these problems are caused by several factors (if it's was just one thing she would solve it easily) so I think it's likely that the tongue tie is having an effect, and this can be easily addressed. It is possible that that nipple has become infected and that is causing it to breakdown continually.
YOu are a great support to your SIL - let us know how it goes

Cricket, my first DS was born with a tongue-tie and I would say it's certainly a possibility that it is related. It is also worth noting that tongue-ties can cause other issues down the track too, such as speech difficulties and tooth decay (as the tongue can't clear food from the mouth properly), so there are other reasons also to consider having it snipped. It is a very quick and simple procedure.

I would also second the suggestion of a Lactation Consultant. That can really make a huge difference. In the meantime a nipple shield could be worth a try also.

SIL did actually talk to a couple of lactation consultants (it's covered by our public health insurance in Canada) but it didn't sound like they had any great solutions.... :dunno: Maybe they weren't all that experienced. Apparently she's doing everything "right" but he's just not latching well on that side.
Anyways, she got a nipple shield, is going to try other positions, and is seeing her doctor next week to ask about the tongue tie.
Thanks again ladies for all your suggestions and help! Much appreciated. :)

Hey Ladies! Just thought I'd let you know that the nipple shield worked beautifully! She's all healed up and nursing is going well! :) Thanks all!

Great to hear :D