3 week postpartum and extremely sore nipples. HELP!!!

My baby girl is now 3 weeks old and I have been exclusively breastfeeding and I can't seem to shake the sore nipples!!  It is making breastfeeding very difficult and I really want to continue until she is at least 9mons or older.  My nipples are very red including the areola and it is even painful to pump!!!  Please, any recommendations would be helpful.  It is really getting me upset because every nursing session is a dreaded one.  I really want it to be a pleasurable experience.  Any advice/??

[holspowell]

LANOLIN, LANOLIN, LANOLIN..thats what i've been doing. For me its been only my left side thats been painful. She's been congested and so i'm thinking thats why shes been having a hard time latching on, because she pulls off HARD when she can't breathe.

I've been applying the lanolin after every feeding and its okay for her. to digest if she does any of it at all. I sooo dread feeding on that side too. :(
Did you breastfeed your first? Hows your milk production? Are you using breast pads?
Hang in there...It'll get better I PROMISE..cause our girls are technically still learning their swallow technique that works for them. To be honest if this is your first, your nipples and areola really have to toughen up...well, more like Callus up...they have to get used to the constant "attention" so to say.
If you need any more help let me know.
I breastfed my son for 10 months and plan to go as long as possible with this one. I'm not giving up...I'm hanging in there with you! Hugs!!

I WILL let you know that the last week, I've even supplemented ONE 4oz bottle of formula here and there....this really gave my left breast a chance to heal...(it has a small skin tear in the side of the nipple), and I was out and about and had no pumped milk supply yet.

[tahariel]

You may want to check with a certified lactation consultant. Your baby's latch may need some slight adjustments. Even the slightest misalignment can cause painful results, especially during those early weeks.

Someone also gave me a pack of Soothies reusable gel pads which can be placed in the refrigerator for additional comfort. Otherwise, Lansinoh Lanolin! Best wishes.

[missy343]

as above lansinoh lanolin!!!!!  THat stuff is gold for sore nipples.  Some people also recommend rubbing a little drip of your milk into the sore cracks/tears and then applying the lansinoh.
You may have problems getting a good latch which is causing a drag on your nipples, so talk to a lactation consultant and get their advice.  
make sure when you take baby off the breast, you break the suction first by popping your wee finger into the corner of her mouth so its not dragging at the nipple.
I know it can be terribly painful and makes nursing really stressful, but if you can persevere it is sooooooo worth it.  The other thing is that if you get the latching and stuff sorted, the nipples can heal quite quickly and then your nursing will be much more pleasant :) good luck

[kelliestarr]

As said above ^