Blisters on my nipples! Ouch!!

[Karla]

Hi everyone!

Just had my first baby last week. She's feeding well and stuff but my nipples are so sore! I have a few little bruises and some blisters and my nipples are quite hard in places. The midwife didn't check my attachment but didn't seem to think there was a problem. Are these things normal? Will the pain go away?

[Peg]

they are normal for the first few months and generally why women stop breastfeeding

Im going to give you some of the best advice i got...and i wish i got it with my first 2 babies

Buy yourself a nipple guard.

They are fantastic, they prevent blisters and cracks and i dont care what any else says about them. Without them i would have been in excruciating pain but they prevented all of that and I could continue to breastfeed for a whole year.

They are in the baby section of most good chemists and only cost a few bucks. Best investment EVER.

[Barb Glare]

Hi,

If your nipples are damaged and blistered there is a problem with attachment - even if the midwife can't see it! She should have taken your concerns more seriously. There seems to be a lot going right with your breastfeeding. Sounds like your baby is thriving and getting plenty of milk.
This will pass. (Even as an experienced mother - my 3rd daughter sucked up a big blood blister on my nipple - I fell asleep whilst feeding her and she slipped)
Seeing a Lactation Consultant is a great investment in getting breastfeeding off to a good start. Let us know (roughly) where you live (or PM me) and we can help you find som-one.
A nipple shield may offer temporary relief - but you need to get to the root of the problem

[Shanti]

Seeing a Lactation Consultant is a great investment in getting breastfeeding off to a good start.

I second that..... definitely seek assistance from a Lactation Consultant!!! Best $$ I ever spent in those early weeks to help us continue breastfeeding...... and call the ABA !

I've had blisters on my nipples they do hurt! Hope you feel better soon.

[Karla]

Barb, it's really funny that you ask where I am cos I've just moved from Warrnambool!! LOL! I am living in Melbourne now. The hospital where I had the baby has a lactation service that I can use so I will call and make an appointment. I actually think that my attachment is ok now and these blisters are just remnants from the first day or so. My milk has come in now and I'm finding it less painful to feed cos Lorelai doesn't have to suck as hard. Thanks for the advice!