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It gets way easier. Buy some of those b___st shells and wear at all times w/ your bra . The only way your nipples will heal is if they get air. I also bought a nipple shield and my son used that on my nipple until they healed. Still hurts but not as bad and I think it helped the cut not to reopen and bleed while I was nursing him. Both the shield and shells are sold at Babies R Us and my Target has them too. They are made by Madela. That cream is good too but only to stop the nipple from sticking to the pad. I remember it hurt so bad that I used to almost cry and I'd wedge my foot under the coffee table to stop from screaming. Once he latched on I was fine but that first minute was terrible. I would have quit but something made me feel guilty. I'm very happy now because I save so much not buying that much formula. I go through about 1 can a month to supplement. Good luck and remember you have to do what is best for you.

Lanolin works wonders as well...and it is a safe for baby too. You can pick it up at any drug store...just ask the pharmicist. Good luck.

It gets easier. Right now you might think that it is easier to give up, but remember it is one of the best things you can do for your baby right now. I tried a nipple shield, but never used it more than once. I didn't think it would help toughen my nipples. My son is now two months old and it actually feels good to have him nurse.

I stopped using the shield once it healed. I just found the cuts constantly would break open again when he nursed. Also, it was a little less painful.

I also had the very sore, cracked and sometimes bleeding nipples. It started in the middle of the 1st week of nursing. I used lanolin cream and it worked great. It only lasted a week or two at the most. I nursed for 9 months so it does get easier. If you can make it through the first month you have it licked. The first month to 6 weeks are the worst. Interrupted sleep, sore b___bs you feel like a human pacifier. But I promise you after you baby gets on a pattern of eating and sleeping the sleep streches will be longer and the feedings will be fewer. By 3 months you will probably only need to nurse 6-7 time a day/night instead of the 10 to 12 you are now. Lots of luck. and always remember you need to do what is best for both of you.

Yep -- it gets easier -- nipples will toughen up so don't give in. What will help ALOT is to make sure and air dry for as long as possible after each feeding. Let the milk dry onto the nipple -- this will help harden it. Are you POSITIVE he's latching on correctly? Make sure you CRAM as much of your b___st into his mouth as possible. You should never hear a "fart" sound as he suckles. Just gulping. And be sure and UNlatch him correctly. Don't pull him off or away. Stick a finger into the corner of his mouth and pull it from your b___st to break the seal.

i have exactly the same problem.. and my baby was born on 8/02... i also want to keep b___stfeeding but it HURTS

this lasted for me for about 10 days post birth. I actually had scabs on my nipples and screamed everytime he latched. No one told you it would be this hard, hah?

When the baby latches are one of her lips tucked in?

It doesn't matter if the lips are tucked in or not. What matters is that you see little to none of your aerola once the baby has your b___st in his/her mouth. Probably latching and unlatching are key.

air it out as much as possible.

Thank you 4 your advice. I stuck to feeding her and its all worked out. One day i woke up and it didnt hurt at all. It did help that she slept through the night a few times. this helped me heal. I think it wasnt helping she was feeding every few hours. x

Keep up with it. Your getting close to the worst being over with. I think it took me about 6 weeks to where I didn't cry in pain. I never used creams. It didn't seem to help me any. I also tried the nipple sheild. I used it once and didn't use it again. I really didn't see how it could toughten my nipples. I really wanted to quit. I does get easier and you should be about there. Good luck!!