[Silver Lining]

Hi, I delivered on 1st Jan 2010. Have been breastfeeding every 2-3 hours for 25-30 minutes on each breast. Baby demands more milk sometimes and I find it hard to feed. My nipples cracked and have been sore since day 4. I was asked to apply nip-care (lanolin). The crack healed within days but the pain is unbearable. Nipples have started to swell. I feel dizzy when I feed. I have also started to vomit now.

I consulted my doc and she gave me capsules to increase breast milk (lactation capsules). Still, I see no changes. Been taking those tablets for 12 days now.

I went to get a second opinion and was told that I do not have sufficient glands to produce milk and also the pores through which the milk flows out is blocked and hence I am experiencing such severe pain. She said there is nothing I can do except that I have to switch to formula milk if pain increases and that within a week or 2, I will not have any breast milk.

Can I get any suggestion? Opinion? Advice?

[rosemcs]

This sounds familiar to what many moms go through. The baby is not latching on correctly and sucking properly. If the pain is unbearable, it would be good to use the pump as much as possible to give your nipples time to heal.

A plugged duct can be helped with warm washcloths and especially in the warm shower, massaging the breast outward to the nipple. It must be done as often as possible before this becomes too serious for you.

You don't have to go completely on the pump, but enough to where your body has time to heal, then you can go back to breastfeeding. It is a difficult transition, but your problem may only get worse if you let more time pass.

Fenugreek, found in the health food store increases milk production and quality.

If the doctor's medicine doesn't work, there is a homeopathic medicine that works really well for a plugged duct. You can ask in the health food store for that. If you get the right one, the pain and the lump should disappear immediately, or within a few feedings.

Make sure you get proper training on how the baby's mouth really needs to be latched on while nursing.

Breastfeeding is not easy at first, but you will become a champion in time.

***I am not a Doctor, but only sharing what I have known to be effective.