breastfeeding cream, which one to buy?

Gingham_Ribbon

CAE wrote: »

I agree that the first 10 seconds of a feed were somwtimes painful, but that was usually because a feed was overdue.

Nine were painful at the start because the cracks would open and I'd start bleeding again. My oldest fed every half hour to hour for the first few weeks. (He was a very large baby and gained an enormous amount of weight in the first few weeks which he seemed to need for huge growth spurts which took him off the height chart by the time he was 3 months old. (He's still taller than those bloomin charts, but he's stick thin like his dad!)

clairec79

Another midwife saying use the expressed breastmilk and get your latch sorted.

I did buy some breastfeeding spra stuff when expecting my first, think I maybe used two sprays then realised I didn't need it

sarymclary

I breastfed 4 successfully, and recommend rubbing some breastmilk over the nipple/areola after each feed. It doesn't mask the smell of Mum for the baby, and really does work. Your nipples do need to toughen up a bit during the first week, and I invested in a set of nipple shields but didn't really have to use them more than once or twice. I got cracked nipples with DS1 just because I wasn't sure how to ensure he was properly latched on. Get some help in the hospital before you leave. Just make sure Sprog is held horizontal to you, has his/her mouth wide open and move them towards the breast, not vice versa. Ensure they have as massive mouthful of nipple area as possible (including the areola) before they latch on. They suck so hard (like having a Dyson attached) that they draw the nipple right to the back of their throats, so they really can take a lot into their mouths. This prevents them sucking just on the nipple, as this is how they invariably get cracked.

Good luck, and oh, how I miss breastfeeding!!!

mark13

Lanisol.. as used by my partner.

callow

The best advise I got from a La Leche League meeting when I was pregnant was that breast feeding is not meant to hurt.

They said that if after the first 10 seconds there was still pain then the latch was not correct. You need to delatch (use your little finger in the baby's mouth) and try again.

At the beginning there were times when I had to do it 10 times before I felt comfortable. Although it took time, I never needed any creams etc, just fresh air. I loved breast feeding and fed by first daughter for 16 months and my second for 2 years and 4 months.

All the best.

RoxieW

I'd agree - If there's pain on the nipple then the latch is not correct. You shouldnt get soreness of nipple. You will get some pain in the breast when feeding - can be quite sharp when the milk 'comes down' but there's nothing you can do about that. Good luck!

onlyroz

I wouldn't buy any creams just yet - wait until you've started the feeding then if you experience trouble discuss your options with the community midwife/health visitor/GP or whoever else is providing support in the first few weeks after birth. I'm sure they'll be able to advise better on which creams/remedies are good than any of us.

I used Kamillosan but I can't really remember it making much difference, and the smell wasn't too nice. Sore or hard boobs can normally be fixed by massaging them whilst the baby is feeding, or when you're in the bath (particularly if you think you're getting clogged milk ducts). Sore nipples usually indicate an incorrect feeding position - and if you need advice then the midwife etc should be keen to help and advise.

Chell

The problem is you don't always know that the latch is incorrect till it does hurt. I am breastfeeding my third child, born last Thursday. I am in agony with one breast despite relatching DD each time it hurts.

I've used Kamillosan in the past as it softens and stops the cracks, I found that the breast milk rubbed over the nipple didn't work. On another forum I've been told to try the other cream mentioned as it is much better.

inkie

The problem is you don't always know that the latch is incorrect till it does hurt. I am breastfeeding my third child, born last Thursday. I am in agony with one breast despite relatching DD each time it hurts.

Chell, have you had your community midwife check the baby whilst feeding? Get them to have a look if they haven't already as there are certain things that are indicators of a correct latch.

Colin2511

ok I am on hubbys id here (ie I am not quite a colin) :rolleyes:

first child I was about to give up and used nipple shields, ok they reminded me of the clear suction pads used to keep sunshades on the car window, but it meant that I did not want to curl up and cry when DD1 latched on, - whilst the first midwife was all sniffy about this, I had a good old fashioned one at home that said if using this meant I would keep going then who was she to disagree? (with DD1 as I had never been around kids I was trying to listen to all their "advice")

I never used cream, but you need to use what is right for you, I prefer breast feeding as its cheap, and I am lazy as it is far easier at 3am to get a boob out than to faff with a bottle .....but PLEASE do what is right for you and your baby, don't let others tell you what is best.

by no 2 I had the shields at the ready but did not need them, by child 3 I think my body reverted to "baby mode" cued up the milk at the slightest sound from a nearby baby :rotfl: