Looking for some feedback...  PTP

1st time mom birthed 2 1/2 wks ago.  Poor latch in hospital and LC missed a pronounced tongue tie - recommended pumping and cup feeding because of bad latch.

Mom complained of nipple pain when pumping.  Normal nipples, no trauma or abrasions, no bruising, and pump flanges fit well.  We tried 2 other pump flanges in an attempt to resolve the nipple pain while the tongue tie was evaluated, referred, and clipped, but were unable to resolve the nipple pain.

6/6 we began transitioning baby back to breast - and I hoped the pain would abate with the reduction in pumping time.  It hasn't.  Baby now takes every feed at the breast, with the exception of one bottle at nighttime per mom's desire. (Mom pumps while Dad bottle feeds - Mom feels baby is a 'slow nurser' because he takes about 45 min to feed and requires some stimulation or breast compressions to keep him interested - they can get the pump/bottle feed done in half that time.)

At initial latch, or for the initial pumping period, her pain level is around a 9.  After about a minute, the severe pain abates, but she is still tender and sore.  There are no signs of trauma, no bruising, no signs of fungal or bacterial infection.  It does not improve with a change in positioning.  When we remove baby from the breast, there's no signs of a shallow latch.

I'm stumped.  What could be causing this ongoing nipple pain and how can we resolve it?  Mom is becoming really stressed.  She is committed to nursing for a year, but feels like if every feed is going to 1) be this painful, and 2) take this long, that she can't make it.

Thanks in advance for your input!!
Jillian Malan, IBCLC
Michigan

Thanks for your help!!

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