How To Breastfeed With Sensitive Nipples?

[Anonymous]

Would really keep trying w nipple shields. They literally saved my breastfeeding journey so far - 11 weeks in- and I have somewhat flat and very sensitive nipples. Baby learned to do very well with them

[Anonymous]

I had flat inverted nipple, the IBCLc warned me my baby would “fix my nipple” it was horrendous nerve pain for a few weeks and now I don’t have an inverted flat nipple. If this is you, up to you if you want to deal it got better. Silveretts for after also kept fabric off my nipples. Then I would only nurse about 10 mins each side then break the seal and offer a pinky. Took awhile to get them to take a pacifier.

[Anonymous]

My flat nipples felt better after about 6 weeks.

[Anonymous]

It’s a total lie that “breastfeeding should never be painful.” It is very painful for weeks to months. Then your nipples give up and desensitize. I used a nipple shield but basically exclusively pumped until around 6 weeks. Then it got less painful and she latched better.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My flat nipples felt better after about 6 weeks.

Ditto here. I had intense pain at first and 2 weeks in is where it’s the worst. I forget exactly when it was no longer painful but 6 weeks sounds about right.

My adjustment to breastfeeding was pretty miserable both times. I had low milk production as well and had to pump as well. With my 2nd pregnancy I gave myself a deadline of 10 weeks…if it didn’t work out by then I would stop. By this point we finally settled in and I nursed for 2 yrs

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP - In my experience, even people who don't have sensitive nipples are MASSIVELY uncomfortable during the first few weeks.

No one is going to force you to breast feed, but since you seem like you want to keep going, I'd give it until at least 6 weeks before you decide if it's for you or it isn't.

Also, babies are changing all the time. Just because they rejected the nipple shield once doesn't mean they will a week or even a day later.

THIS

use the shield. Keep trying. Put it on mid feed. I was so sensitive I was physically cringing away from baby when they were hungry, the shield saved my nipples and our ability to breastfeed. There are some that have cut out section so babes face is still making contact. Also there are a few different styles/brands. We liked these and the medela ones.

Like this:
https://www.target.com/p/lansinoh-contact-nipple-shield-with-case-20mm-2ct/-/A-52984868

[Anonymous]

Are you using a fair bit of lanolin? I never pumped without that as lubrication and sometimes would nurse with it if I was sore.

[Anonymous]

silicon nipple shield

[Anonymous]

https://ibconline.ca/information-sheets/all-purpose-nipple-ointment-apno/

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP - In my experience, even people who don't have sensitive nipples are MASSIVELY uncomfortable during the first few weeks.

No one is going to force you to breast feed, but since you seem like you want to keep going, I'd give it until at least 6 weeks before you decide if it's for you or it isn't.

Also, babies are changing all the time. Just because they rejected the nipple shield once doesn't mean they will a week or even a day later.

+100

Obviously you don’t have to breastfeed but I agree if you are committed to it, you should give it 2-4 more weeks.

Agree 100%