How do I overcome Breastfeeding nipple pain?

I am a first time mum and my little girl will be 3 weeks old tomorrow. I am breastfeeding but it has been a real struggle with sore and cracked nipples, then mastitis and I am still having some trouble as I keep getting shooting pain through my nipples, which are still very tender and sore and my nipples are permanently errect which is uncomfortable and sore.
I am sure she is latching on properly as have had a couple of different midwifes come and check and she is doing well and putting on weight.
I have tried Kamillosan cream and the lanosinh cream and I've tried cabbage in my bra but nothing seems to help.
Has anyone else had the problem with the shooting pains and errect nipples?
Any words of advice would be greatly appreciated as I really don't want to give up but it is really getting me down.... thanks.

I had very bad nipple pain for about the first four weeks, it seemed to happen in different stages. First off I had cracked and very sore nipples so that the whole feed really hurt. It then went so that the beginning of the feed and afterwards my nipples almost burned (horrible!) but eventually it settled down and now there is no pain, just a slight burning sensation when my milk lets down. Keep at it if you are determined to breastfeed and it will go away I promise. Its worth giving La Leche League a ring as they were very good with me. The erect nipples will eventually sort themselves out too - I guess it's a bit of a culture shock for your breasts and it takes some getting used to. The cabbage leaves in the bra is more for reducing your milk supply so be careful with that one. I find that changing my breast pads regularly really helps and keep your top off as much as possible (don't go braless as your nipples will rub more on your clothes). If you';re really determined then stick with it - good luck whatever happens

It will settle down eventually - I remember the agony well.

Apart from soothing creams, in between feeds, if possible, keep breasts uncovered, as the air will help to heal any cracks and soreness. Also, alternate putting hot and cold flannels over the breasts.

Have you tried expressing the milk instead of directly breastfeeding? Can be a bit tricky to begin with but it will give you some relief and your daughter won't be losing out on any goodness.

However, if you really need a break, bottlefeeding isn't the end of the world.

I would call a lactation nurse. They come to your home for free. Just call your local hospital for the information. One thing I know they sometimes do is have you pump your milk, attach a tube to the container holding your milk, tape the other end of the tube to your finger, and then use your finger to feed your baby the milk. This way your nipples have time to heal and the baby will still have a real skin feeling so they don't lose the ability to breast feed.

When breastfeeding the first time I used kamilosan and it worked wonders. It does go away with time but if it is becoming unbearable try using a nipple shield for a short time - this will give you some relief but don't over use it as it reduces the skin to skin contact that is important for both of you

i had the same problem.I had bleeding nipples too.It took around 4 weeks for me and then it was all painless.i used to cover my nipples with the breastmilk everytime.Keep your nipples exposed to air.Work on proper latching.I am sure in a short time things will be sort out.Just dont lose hope coz breast milk is very much beneficial for your baby.If you are having too much pain try expressing.also try heat pack for the sore nipples.

mothercare have alot different things that might help

i used water on a flannel in between feeds that helped sometimes hurt for a bit but after the pain went away

i did not get on with breedfeeding so in the end i expressed milk then desided to forular feed her and she is doing fine

Everyone pushed the BFing but if it is not right for you and making you miserable it is not worth it. I tried and tried but couldn't. Formula isn't so bad. My daughter is thriving.

IT will go away soon and it will eventually never hurt...It sucks for at least the first month. Just try to make sure she is latched on proper and use lanolin cream. Good luck and good choice for BFing :)

Well done for still trying to breastfeed. Your baby has had the most important part of breastfeeding (the colostrum) So if it keeps hurting too much to bare don't stress yourself out on it and put baby on formula. You have done really well for your baby so if you feel the need to take him of breastfeeding just be proud that you have given him the best you can. Your baby will feel you stressing. So if it's better for both of you if that's what turns out to be best. I had to take my baby off breastfeeding after a couple of months because it was so so painful. I would cry when feeding her.
But don't let it go that far as I did. You need to be happy with you little Miracle.

oh i feel your pain, that is so sore. I bought nipple protectors, without them i would of given up straight away, i've put a link to a picture below so you can see. They have little holes in them, so the milk comes out. Worked for me. Good luck! they are about 拢5 from mother care for a pack of 2. you can also get them on ebay and babies r us.

http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp...