Help, please!
I did a phone follow-up for a mom that delivered a healthy baby boy
approximately three weeks ago.  Vaginal, uncomplicated.  Fourth baby, first
one to breastfeed.  Saw mom in hospital before discharge and reviewed our
breastfeeding information and answered mom's questions.  Observed a
breastfeed and all looked well.
Today, mom reports:
Baby gaining weight per first pediatrician visit.  Doctor happy with
progress.
6 - 8 wet diapers and 4 - 6 stool diapers per 24 hour period.
Baby nurses approximately every 3 hours with no supplementation of either
expressed milk or abm.
Mom reports breast have "become softer" but still feels letdowm.  Baby
appears satisfied after feed and continues with the things noted above.  Mom
concerned that soft breasts = decreased milk.  Told her no, just body
adapting.  Also, baby "ver y fussy" last pm.  This reinforced"Is he getting
enough milk?" in mom's mind.  Told mom that growth spurt may be occuring and
to watch cues to nurse more frequently.  She sounded relieved.
PROBLEM - Mom reports "stinging" of nipples when feeding.  Has just started
since "breasts got softer".  Mom report no redness, cracks, drainage etc of
nipples.  Mom asypmtomatic.  Changes baby's position to try to get relief.
  Only experiences "stinging" during feed.

I'm still sort of new at this.  If anyone can offer some suggestions, I would
be MOST appreciative.  I told mom I would get back with her tomorrow
(tuesday).  I'm not clear as to what can be causing this and am only able to
follow up by phone, so I can't visually evaluate mom and baby.  Mom very
motivated to continue breastfeeding so I do not want to harm this
relationship.

Please e-mail me privately, [log in to unmask]  if you can help.
TIA
Jackie Terrebonne,  RN, Breastfeeding Educator
Covington, LA   (30 miles north of New Orleans)