Ok, I finally found the right size horn for pumping but my nipples are killing me and I'm only able to pump 2-3 times a day. I'm managing to give the twins one feeding each of breastmilk. I know that whatever I can give them is better than nothing... and I did get Hope (the tiny one) to nurse twice over the night. I still just want to be able to give them at least 2-3 feedings each from pumped milk or latching on and I can't even finish a pumping session right now. Suggestions?
Yeah, I lathered on the lanolin after every feed or pump for weeks. I also used nursing pads to keep the lanolin from getting on my bras and changed them at each feed/pump. This kept things clean and lubricated. I remember my nipples would sometimes stick to my clothes, and it killed trying to peel my nipples off! I feel for you...I remember taking a shower, just the water hitting my nips was horrific. People told me the redness/soreness would go away after 2-3wks, after my nipples chaffed enough and I go used to BFing...it took me a lot longer than that to nurse/pump comfortably. Hang in there, it will get better. Unless you are suffering from thrush, the redness/soreness will go away. Good luck!
I actually ended up getting a triple nipple cream prescribed. It worked amazingly!!!! It helps a ton. I had bleeding nipples and I about cried every time I had to nurse. Lanolin just did not do the trick or me. I also ended up using a nipple shield because I just could not get my nipples to heal 100%. My twins used them for about a month and then I quit using them. someone at your pedi's office or lacatation consultant there should be able to get you a prescription if you need it.
Ok, I've got Lanolin sitting here next to my pump so I'm going to try that first. The nipple shield doesn't work for me, unless there are larger ones that I can't find because my nipples are too large. That's why my babies don't latch well. I'll try the olive oil if the lanolin doesn't work, I'm about to pump.
Sara the largest size they make for Medela is a 36mm however look up Pumpin Pals, Even when women are too large for the 36mm they often find success with the pumping pals. Be sure to really do a LOT Of breast massage and compression while you are pumping. You will double your milk output. Additionally, be sure you are pumping on the Highest comfortable suction and that may be the lowest setting the pump has If you keep your supply up and keep them breast orientated (lots of skin to skin time) their mouths will grow and they can still learn to nurse.
They've started consistently nursing at least once a day, but they don't get enough and still need something from a bottle after. I am upping my water intake and am now pumping 3-4 times a day instead of 2-3. I am going back to work full time in 6 weeks and have a toddler at home.,.. I don't expect to get them completely on BM but I do want them to be getting at least half and not the current 1-2 of 7-8 feedings. My nipples aren't that big, wow! I am comfortable with the 27mm horns, but the flimsy plastic nipple shield doesn't work for me.
So the trick to the plastic nipple shields (which also come in 3 different sized by the way) is that you wet the rim, and you push the nipple part down super far to kinda make it look like a sombrero. Then you put that part over your nipple and then push down on the outside rrim. when the nipple part pops back out, it will take your nipple with it, creating a nice and secure fit.
