u/kittypeets626

I’m just in tears writing this because I don’t know what to do. At the hospital they told me to wait to pump or give a binky until breastfeeding is well established or at least a month. I really want to do what they’ve told me, but my nipples are in so much pain.

My son wants to eat all the time, every minor inconvenience he wants the boob. Every time he falls asleep and I try to lay him down he wakes up and wants the boob. He’s inconsolable until he’s eating. Everything that touches my nipples feels like glass. Some days or times of day I am totally okay, but the rest I just cry every time he cries for the boob because I am not ready and it hurts so bad, but I can’t stand to leave him crying it out.

They told me at the hospital that he has a tongue tie, I have an appointment with a lactation consultant on Monday. Monday feels forever away while I feel like this. I saw some pictures and videos of tongue ties and my sons doesn’t look as bad as those that require surgery, and I’m hoping I can do exercises to help him work his out.

I started with the gel pads for some relief, I used them up. I took a hot shower and used a soft cloth as a warm compress. I’ve been using silverettes which I think have helped me more than anything else. After he feeds, I squeeze out a little milk and rub it on my sore spots before I put the silverettes back on. I try to go braless sometimes too and have my nipples exposed to the air while it’s not weird (my MIL is staying with us for a while). I have some sample nipple cream, but the lactation consultant advised against using it because it could cause a yeast infection. I’m of course taking ibuprofen and Tylenol alternating.

Honestly, I think breastfeeding is the hardest thing I have ever done, harder than giving birth. Maybe that’s just my body trying to forget trauma. I just don’t know what to do, I feel like caving and giving him a binky so I can have a break but I don’t want to make things even harder for myself for longer.