Breastfeeding

I totally feel your pain I was like this with my first breastfed baby 2 years ago. So one thing I will say is if it is hurting it sounds like it's a latch issue as it really shouldn't hurt, if you have a breastfeeding clinic near by definitely go along and get them to check if baby is tongue tied or has any tensions after birth which could be affecting the latch. I'm assuming you will be taking the baby to see midwife on day 5 where they will weigh them? That will indicate if they're getting enough milk.
My baby is 7 days and day 3-5 she was constantly on the breast cluster feeding, she will suckle for a few minutes then fall asleep then go again, which is totally normal
You are doing a great job but definitely reach out to breastfeeding team/midwife x

You are not failing! Absolutely not. Not an expert, I have a 5 day old but they were 10 days overdue so fully cooked if that makes sense.

Is the latch deep enough, are they getting a big gob of boob or just the end? If the nipple is coming out flat it's not deep enough. If not call NCT for advice ASAP or just a friend who has done breastfeeding to help you shove pillows in the right place! It's horrible when it's sore!

I put nipple balm on whenever I get out the shower, just as a matter of course now. I also have some of the gel, cooling nipple covers. I used my first set on cluster feed day and it helped so much!

I had a terrible day and night of cluster feeding where it felt like she wasn't getting anything, drank LOADS of water and have nutritious meals and then bam, my boobs were rock hard and so full of milk. They are now so full I squirt her in the eye and the other boob leaks into her legs when she's feeding.

It will come, it's all new, we are all learning. You're doing amazing!

I would second going to a feeding clinic and getting some in-person help. We all have different size boobs and nipples and sometimes it’s just trying a new position for feeding that helps you and baby connect ♥️
Keep going and doing what you’re doing, absolutely not failing - it’s just very hard especially the first time as your nipples are so tender!

What I would say, is the creams or balms never helped my nipples. I got some silver nursing cups and expressed a little bit of milk into them and wore those and within 24 hours any cuts or sores were healed enough that it wasn’t painful anymore. Xx

I echo everything said above. Breastfeeding is a skill that definitely takes you and the baby to learn.
The only thing I would add is that it can be hard for them to latch properly when your boobs are rock hard so hand express a small amount to make it easier for them and wipe any milk droplets off your boob and her mouth so it’s dry to get a good seal.
I found these incredibly useful with my first. https://www.instagram.com/olivia_lactation_consultant?stkn=MTExcGs2b3o0dzI4cA==

https://www.instagram.com/mother.shaheda?stkn=aGtka21id3h3YWk2

Does she have jaundice? That can make them sleepy. Look up breast compressions, it can keep them feeding a bit longer before they fall asleep. Day 4 was the worst day ever for us. I was stupidly tracking feeds then and I fed him 31 times it was hell! Its gotten better day by day and now day 17. Hang in there (if you want to- no pressure either way!!) but speak to your midwife and make sure baby is gaining weight and doing the right amount of wet and dirty nappies x

I had the same with my first 4 years ago , she was constantly on the boob and felt like she wasnt getting anything. I changed the latch a little bit as my little one liked to latch on the nipple more ! But it will get better , if you have a BIBS group near you might be worth a visit. I have a 6 day old and cluster feeding made me feel the same again but you got this. I breastfed my first for a year and hope to do the same this time. Please dont put the pressure on yourself that you are in some way failing. Its bloody hard , but give yourself grace. You got this. X

Speak to your midwife and ask to see a lactation consultant. I recently had an appointment with one and they helped so much with the latch and feeding position of my LO and gave me tips about how to tell if they are swallowing a good amount etc.

Have you reached out to Infant Feeding Team?

I’ve found when they’re so little you need to really help them to latch deep. I make a c-shape with my fingers at the base of baby’s head and guide her to the nipple. I also find it helpful to push my nipple up towards the roof of her mouth as she’s about to latch and also give her a little push behind her shoulders to make sure it’s deep enough. I breastfed my first for 2 years and I still struggled going back to feeding a newborn because you forget they don’t know how to just sort themselves out - so definitely don’t feel bad about it!

I'd ask to see a lactation nurse to check if the latch is correct. I have baby 5 and had to see one as daughters latch was lazy and my milk took some time to come in. We had to go in hospital at day 3 because of dehydration (we had a home birth so this was a shame for us) but with some top ups and then seeing the lactation nurse we are the win. We were told to do the cow girl feed. So baby sits up right on your leg you want to breast feed from. You let the baby latch on by rubbing the nipple on the baby's nose, let the baby reach with a wide open mouth and the baby will take the nipple plus some of the breast too. You'll know if baby is feeding correctly because after the initial 10-15 second nipple pain, it shouldn't hurt. And also baby is swallowing every suck to swallow for the first part. Then it slows down. It may be a pattern of suck,suck,swallow. Then maybe suck, suck, suck, swallow. But if its just sucking and no swallow then it's not on right. Keep an eye on wet nappies also. 6 or more a day.