Ok... warning this is totally gross. So it all started with a bad latch that I didn't fix while lying down nursing a couple of weeks ago... I ended up with a painful blister. The blister then scabbed over and started to heal.
Then Linus hit his 6 week growth spurt and wanted to nurse 24-7. Now I've got two slightly scabby nips that keep almost healing, but not quite. His latch is good in general, so that's not the problem. I think it's just taking time to heal and it keeps getting exacerbated. I know it's fine to keep nursing, but he keeps spitting up bloody milk and sometimes (rarely) even gross chunks of blood. His poo is black from all the extra iron he's getting. I know he's fine. He's still eating well and putting on weight and happy.
I finally got some lanolin (as opposed to the aloe/shea butter/coconut oil cream I'd been using) and it's helping, but does anyone have any tips for me on how to get these puppies healed ASAP?!
You might also enjoy...
-
what about wearing sheilds? not sure if it would help or if he would like it but it may help with healing process
-
Do you express milk and rub it into the nipples, then let dry? That is very healing to your nipples, any contact with air should help actually, so let the girls hang free as much as possible. Also, it might be worthwhile just to get a second look at the latch (from an LC or something), because if the latch is good, there really shouldn't be damage like that.
-
I would try a shield as well. Or maybe pump and give him a bottle?
-
Thanks ladies! I keep feeling like they're 99% healed and then they don't get the last 1%.
@MrsCastro: and @chopsuey119: I hadn't thought of shields. I'll keep that in mind.
@MsMini: I was thinking about going to the breastfeeding group at our children's centre to see if they had any pointers. I try to rub milk after feeding, but have to admit I'm not great about airing them out. They're just SO BIG that it's awkward not to be supported. But I'll try to be better about it.
-
I had the same issue when she was born. By the time he spit up blood I was done. I had to stop for like 3-5 days and pump that side. It really helped it heal up.
-
Definitely try the shields! When my lo was born he was tongue-tied and in just two days, before we got it clipped, he really tore up my nipples. I would rub breast milk on them and then put a shield over them and they healed in no time. The shield kept my bra from touching them and allowed them to air dry without having to let the girls completely hang out.
-
I struggled with bloody nipples due to latch issues too. It sucks, I feel your pain! My LC recommended a prescription cream called "Apno" that blew lanolin out of the water. It's amazing. Those puppies will be healed in no time. Ask your OB to call you in a prescription. The only thing is not all pharmacies carry it, mine had to come from some medical supply pharmacy that my LC recommended. Perhaps a LC can help you out if you're not sure where to find it. Good luck!
- Google Plus
- Stumbleupon
- Twitter
- Facebook
- Pinterest
- Favorite0
7 comments