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anyone have issues with this and recommendations. I was thinking of using a nipple shield to help. also having pain from the pain meds needed for a c-section

oh, I'm so sorry! Ouch... I had a few cracked nipples in the beginning.... Personally I wouldn't try the nipple shield because I was afraid that my little one would get used to the strange feeling and then stop feeding on my breasts. Your own milk is the BEST for healing them. Keep feeding (yes, I know it still hurts! :( - but it's important) on the breasts, and then after you're done with one side, just rub some of your milk over the nipple and don't cover up your breast - Let it air dry. Then after you're done feeding, rub some of the Lanolin (sp?) over it. That is what I did. Eventually your nipples will stop cracking. I think it took me about 3 days. It is not bad for your baby to suck on them - it's only a bit uncomfortable for you. :( I'm not sure what to do about your pain from c-section. Poor thing!

I'm so sorry you are in pain. I've heard that if you have cracked nipples, lanolin is a good treatment. It is okay for baby and you. It heals it quickly. You can apply it right before baby is about to nurse and/or after as well. Hope this helps. Take care of yourself : )

Applying your on milk on the crack is heard to be helpful but did not work for me. Also heard that pure cocunut oil (extract coconut milk by squeezing grated coconut with a little water and boil it until the clear oil separate from the sediment) will help healing (i did not try because lot of work). What helped me: If it cracked too much with unbearable pain apply some neosporin ointment and use smoothie (silica gel) for quick recovery.....but you will have to clean very well before nursing. then to prevent it happening again use lanolin and the smoothie. For pain from c-sec i used Motrin because vicodin didn't work for me. but 1 problem with motrin it will prolong the wound recovery. hope it is helpful

I feel your pain. I've had a horrible case of cracked nipples because I started with flat nipples so I had quite a bit of stretching to go through. Everyone always told me to use the breastmilk, but it just wasn't enough. I now keep the cracks away by applying lanolin at least 2 times a day. I also healed them by getting my OB to prescribe xxxxxx. It has small traces of antibacterial and antifungal components in it. They can also blend some pain meds in there if you ask. And, most importantly, make sure you are keeping your nipples moisturized, but not moist. If you leak at all and have soaked clothes or pads rubbing against them, it can make matters worse. I give a huge endorsement to Medela breast pads. They hold a lot of milk, but the top layer always feels dry on your skin (and soft). They provide a great healing environment!