Expert: ruth kraft - 1/23/2009

Question
I am having such difficulties trying to nurse my newborn.I have been at it for 2 weeks.After latching her she seems to slip from that position and end up on my nipple.As a result I have bleeding cracked nipples that I cant even put her on.I dont want to give up but I am miserable and loaded with guilt over all this.I have tried everything.any suggestions would be a help

Answer
there is something wrong with the position of the baby  to cause him to slide of the nipple as he is... without being able to see him in person nursing, there isn't much i can do to diagnose.

my suggestions are first , find a lactation consultant ( should be one at the hospital you delivered at ) or a la leche league leader, or a doula who knows breastfeeding really well to help you fix the latch problem. it should be rather easy to find someone today.

make sure when the baby is latched his mouth gets onto the nipple only . when holding him , in whatever position, make sure his belly is facing yours.  this is the most common mistake women have , the latch is perfect but the position is not...  please go to
http://www.drjacknewman.com/ and watch his breastfeeding position and latch videos.... they will give you a good visual. then have someone come and evaluate what you need to do to fix the issue you have as well.

Now, for your nipples to heal, after nursing, let them air dry as much as possible. if you can go around the house bare chested for 30 minutes after you nurse at least each time, please do so. preferably longer or in indirect sunlight. that will help them heal too. After nursing, don't wipe away any any excess breast milk, if you can rub in on the parts that are sore and bleeding and let it dry there. breastmilk has antibacterial healing qualities that is better than any neosporin dreamed of, and don't fear if the baby  gets a little blood in the milk it wont affect him.   keep them dry as much as possible,  you can purchase some breastpads called soothies which have gelatin in them and are reusable and are very soothing for most women, after the cracks go away then start putting lansinoh pure lanolin on after every time your nurse or pump.  

If the person who is helping you figure out latch , gives you the right information and you follow it, you should feel 75 percent better in 24 hours. then each day it gets better and better.

It will only get worse and frustrate you till you give up if you don't get it fixed now...

I hope the best for you... I know its hard.. stick it out and you will both be much better off... but it is urgent to get fixed for both of your cases.

Ruth Kraft
www.honoringwomen.com