During pregnancy I was given Lansinoh lanolin for my breasts. I thought this would come in handy as I would be breastfeeding my child and had heard horror stories of painful nursing. Luckily, I never had to rely on my Lansinoh very often. However, there were times when my nipples would become severely cracked and nursing was extremely painful. This is when the lanolin became a lifesaver. I would apply this in a thick layer over the affected area, then cover with a nursing pad.
What I noticed is that the Lansinoh brand lanolin would soften the area so that it could start to heal and stop bleeding. When my baby went back to nurse on the affected breast, it wouldn’t be as painful as if it were just dry. Lanolin is safe for babies to taste, as long as it is just a thin layer on top of your areola and nipple. It doesn’t really have a taste and it is 100% natural. It doesn’t have a scent, which surprised me for some reason. It is very thick and sticky, which I suppose is extra moisturizing for the cracked skin underneath. I noticed that the cracked area would heal in a matter of days, with the assistance of Lansinoh.
Be aware that if you are strictly vegan and wish for your child to grow up the same, then lanolin is not right for you. It is extracted from sheep’s wool. However, if you don’t mind using it, I would recommend the Lansinoh brand as they claim it is the purest form of lanolin available on the market. As a natural mom myself, I prefer to have purer forms of natural baby products. I occasionally still use this as I am an extended-breastfeeding mom and found a little really goes a long way!
For more straightforward, no-nonsense breastfeeding advice and product reviews from real moms, visit http://www.sexynursingbra.com/blog – because nursing moms are hot! Carrie Huggins
I agree about Lansinoh Lanolin being a great product and would add that it’s easier to find these days (I’ve seen it in Target) but if you can’t, Medela sells a similar product that is equally good (though if there’s only one brand at a “box store”, it’ll probably be Lansinoh anyway, or at least that’s what I’ve observed). As an aside, if you have serious nipple cracks or pain, ask your dr about prescribing “all-purpose nipple ointment” (http://www.kellymom.com/newman/03b-treatments_sore_nipples_breasts.html), which was invented by a dr. but a lot of other dr’s may not know about. Finally, for persistent nursing-related pain, please see a lactation consultant or check out the La Leche League (don’t just ask your dr or child’s ped, as they may not actually have a lot of breastfeeding know-how).
Yes, there is no reason to keep going on in pain. Many times the position may just be wrong for you but you don’t know it.