Help with sore nipples

My baby is in the NICU and still has quite a tiny mouth at just 35 weeks (he was due 28 December). I started trying to feed him which works really well but yesterday my nipple had this excrutiating prickly pain that hasn't gone away. I tried warm cloths. I'm not sure if its cause he wasn't latched properly. I started using a nipple shield as his tiny mouth does better with it but 2 days ago I didnt use one on that nipple. Could it be that he wasn't latched properly? Even though the pain kicked in over a day later. He drank properly on that side and has done so before with no nipple shield and no pain. It's like a prickly niggling pain and as much as I tried to massage it, it doesn't go away. Any remedies for this type of pain? I can only visit a breastfeeding consultant on Monday. Oh and I express from home every 3 hours - just doing once a day feeds for him. When I expressed last night, that's when I noticed the pain.

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Could be thrush. Try warm / cold compresses. And I know it's silly but have a bath give them a scrub make sure there's no residue

I currently have a milk blister/bleb and it hurts. Mostly only hurts when I nurse and for awhile after. Also, they just hurt so much with my first. It took about 2 weeks for me to get used to it. It could be his latch too. Or it could be the size of the flange on your breast pump rubbing your nipple the wrong way.

Congrats! I delivered at 35 weeks too… wishing you and your babe all the best 🫶🏽 my nipples were sore for the first couple weeks of breastfeeding. I was paranoid my baby wasn’t latching properly and met with a lactation consultant with assured me my breasts were just getting used to breastfeeding. If you can connect to a lactation specialist, they may be able to offer you suggestions specific to your body and baby. I have gotten milk blisters later in breastfeeding when baby started teething and those reallllly hurt. Many things can cause soreness so its hard to say specifically. I used flexible eye masks that go in the freezer on my breasts when they were sore and it really helped.

Please remember to go easy on yourself babe! I know they say breastfeeding shouldn’t hurt if your baby is latched properly, but after 2 babies and another one due soon, I can confidently say even when they latch correctly it can still be painful. We all have different sensitivities. Sometimes our nipples need to toughen up a little before it feels more comfortable.

Thanks ladies, really appreciate the advice and kind words too. Sorry I should've added, he was born at 28 weeks so I've been expressing for 7 weeks and it's the first type of harsh nipple pain and only came about after he fed properly on it. It's been a long nicu road and a little longer to go! I'll try a cold ice pack actually, that sounds good! And also just realizing that it's normal for them to hurt - thanks for the reassurance :) Monday I'm headed to a lactaction specialist for sure!

Order “silverettes”! They were an absolute life save for me. You can leave them on in between feedings with a little bit if your own milk and they heal your nips so fast… I swear it was night and day for me. Took some time for babe to learn to latch and to get used to how it should feel but those got me through. They are a little pricey ($80) but worth every penny!

Hi girl congrats to you!! NICU life is hard, you’re one tough mama. This will soon all be a distant memory I promise❤️My baby girl was born at 29 weeks and I had some random pains/bleeding but it all sorted out once we both got used to breastfeeding and she was home. At one point I had a clogged duct near my nipple that was really painful and I had to have my partner suck it out. If they’re willing, just position their chin right above where the pain is. The preemies don’t have a very strong suck and the pump sometimes can’t do the trick. Sending you love, if you ever need to talk message me. And don’t forget to take care of you!! ❤️

Thanks @Nina this is immensely useful! I didn't realise that was a thing. Thanks so much for the kind words, I truly appreciate it. Having our boy in the NICU is by far one of the toughest experiences and I cannot wait for him to be home as we near December. I'll definitely reach out to you because I've been searching for a preemie parents support group and it would be lovely to be able to exchange experiences and gain hope from your story! ❤️

One of the first things we've been advised to buy is a set of silver nursing cups. Someone above mentioned Silverettes - I'm sure this is the same thing, though I managed to get mine for under £30. You can get even cheaper but not worth it because the plating is poor quality. Congratulations on your little bundle of joy! Fingers crossed for you to be home for Christmas! X

Thanks @Chloe much appreciated. I'll look up silver nursing cups/Silverettes here in SA! Thanks for the kind words :) We are definitely crossing fingers! In fact I found when I press on the specific sore part above the areola, it pushes quite a bit of milk out so I suspect a blocked duct but will also hear from the specialist tomorrow.

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