What are the ways to relieve nipple pain caused due to improper latching by a newborn?

Question

Hello doctor,

I had a normal delivery 15 days back. My milk supply was very less for the first four days. However, now it is getting better. My baby boy sleeps continuously during the daytime and does not even take a feed, but during the night, he cries continuously and expects a feed without a gap. Also, I have tried to make my baby latch properly; however, he is only latching the nipple and not the areola. As a result, my nipples are very painful, and I am unable to sit continuously. I also had nipple pain during my first pregnancy.

Kindly help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern and would be happy to help. I suggest you breastfeed, followed by feeding with a bottle and nipple after every breastfeeding. That way, the baby will gradually learn, and also, you will get some time off. Also, I suggest you express milk, see how much is coming, and, if possible, feed this milk to the baby. If the nipples are painful, do not force yourself to express the milk. Also, you can use a nipple shield if the nipples are cracked.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.