latching issue? (graphic)

So my son is 4 days old and perfectly healthy in every way, I however am not adjusting to his feedings, my nipples are completely hamburgered, I have two blisters on one and one on the other, he pulled the middle completely out of the one with the two blisters, it looks like there's meat coming out! (sorry tmi) I have talked with my BF peer councilor and even sat and had her show me exactly how to make him latch on right, that was two days ago, its a little better now, but I am dreading every feeding because of the pain, I know the longer I make him wait though the worse it will be, so I get it to him promptly, I was wondering is there anything I can do to not make it hurt so much on the initial latch on? I have tried a breast pump, and holding a warm cloth on the nipple right before feedings, but it still hurts so bad...any advice is greatly appreciated!

Is it mastitis??? I had a horrible case and didnt go to the dr when I.got the abcesses/blisters because I thought it was normal and they ended up rupturing.horribly, had to have an emergency shot on my ass.

Try and be pro-active with his feedings... Offer it to him alot even when he may not be hungry, this way he won't be ravenous and dying to eat (causing you more pain). He will be alot more relaxed with his latch and it won't hurt you as bad when he eats.

Quoting E.P. Mom:" Try and be pro-active with his feedings... Offer it to him alot even when he may not be hungry, this ... [snip!] ... dying to eat (causing you more pain). He will be alot more relaxed with his latch and it won't hurt you as bad when he eats. "

great advice.
Also, lanisoh between feedings and letting your nipples air dry if you can. (Obviously not when you are out   )

<blockquote><b>Quoting mommy287786:</b>" So my son is 4 days old and perfectly healthy in every way, I however am not adjusting to his feedings, ... [snip!] ... and holding a warm cloth on the nipple right before feedings, but it still hurts so bad...any advice is greatly appreciated!"</blockquote>



You may or may not want to try using nipple shields the up side is that that it will help reduce the lach on your nipple the down side is that he will not want to latch on the nipple by itself after and you will have to break him from the shields

Quoting Lotusmama:" great advice. Also, lanisoh between feedings and letting your nipples air dry if you can. (Obviously not when you are out   )"

I do use this, I put it directly on my and the breast pad, I have seven other kids and the oldest three are boys, so letting them air out is almost impossible, but I do go to my room with the door shut for a bit but I have already had them barge in on me a few times...Its more me then them they dont care I feel incredibly awkward though

Quoting JanieNixon:" <blockquote><b>Quoting mommy287786:</b>" So my son is 4 days old and perfectly healthy ... [snip!] ... the down side is that he will not want to latch on the nipple by itself after and you will have to break him from the shields"

I heard of those...do they work well? how are they used?

<blockquote><b>Quoting mommy287786:</b>" I heard of those...do they work well? how are they used?"</blockquote>


They work. They don't take all the pain away. But they do help you nipples heal. You can get them for like seven dallor a piece at baby's r us or target Walmart ext. They are plastic things that help with cracked or inverted nipples

<blockquote><b>Quoting mommy287786:</b>" I heard of those...do they work well? how are they used?"</blockquote>




I've been using the shields since week 1 with my LO.
I've been breastfeeding for 12 weeks now, he will only take my nipple without the shield if he is super hungry but will stop when he realises that the shield isn't on.
Do what works for you and your LO. The shields are a life saver for me!

Quoting Elysia Werth:" <blockquote><b>Quoting mommy287786:</b>" I heard of those...do they work well? how ... [snip!] ... will stop when he realises that the shield isn't on. Do what works for you and your LO. The shields are a life saver for me!"

Thanks I will give them a try, I dont mind if he wont nurse with out them, as long as he is eating and healthy I happy : )

Quoting Elysia Werth:" <blockquote><b>Quoting mommy287786:</b>" I heard of those...do they work well? how ... [snip!] ... will stop when he realises that the shield isn't on. Do what works for you and your LO. The shields are a life saver for me!"

My daughter was the same way until she was about 6 months old you have to break them from the nipple shields. what worked for me was that I would start feeding her with the shield then I would take the sheild of and eventually she would just take the boob w/out it. my problem was that i would always misplace it and she would be hungry and that is why i had to break her from them how ever they were a life saver.