How Lanolin for Nursing Mothers Changed My Life!

As a veteran mother of two children whom I nursed for some time, I had no concerns when my third child arrived on the scene. We got off to a great start, and she was excellent at nursing. As with my first two children, I didn't use any type of lotion on my breasts or nipples. After a few weeks I started to get sore nipples, but thought it was because I was a bit older and worked hard to rest more, eat healthier and take in more water.

Soon after, they became inflamed, swollen, then appeared cracked also. I was also in intense pain every time I nursed my daughter. I became so concerned I went in to visit my doctor. He determined that I had Mastitis or a blocked duct and should continue nursing and it would work itself out as well as get better in a week or two.

A few weeks later, in far more pain I visited the night clinic. I was viewed by the doctor there that was positive that I had an infection in my breasts. He in turn provided me with a prescription for an antibiotic. Again I was assured that I would be fine in a week or two.

While taking the antibiotics I continued to get worse and was back at the night clinic soon after. Yet another doctor looked me over, this time a woman who determined that I really had a yeast infection in my breasts and said that the antibiotics had made the yeast infection worse and to discontinue the antibiotics and again with reassurances that I would feel better soon I was sent on my way.

Several weeks alter, in almost unbearable pain I planned on calling to make another appointment, but instead found myself going through a box of items from the birth of my first daughter to distract myself. I came across a small brochure from our local La Leche League. In there was information about Lanolin. I ventured out to a local store and looked at the cost of that tiny tube of Lansinoh Lanolin and about fell over, but decided that I had forked over enough money to various doctors that were unable to help me, why not invest a bit in this.

Within a day I started to feel better. After that each day got better and better. I would nurse, then immediately after put some Lanolin on my nipples and sore areas. Although, it took about 3 months to finally heal completely and over a year and a half for my nipples to not be highly sensitive. I had waited so long for relief, this is a product I wish I had known about earlier. I was surprised that none of the nurses or doctors even suggested it. They were all well informed that I was a nursing mother at the time.

Lanolin was a lifesaver for me, and I can't tell you how much I appreciated it. I will tell you though, as you use this product it does stain clothing permanently. For months I was unable to wear a bra, so I used old tee-shirts, and threw them out in the end. But the relief from the pain made it well worth the cost of a few t-shirts.

I went on to have a fourth child, and had no difficulties nursing. But I kept a tube of Lanolin on hand just in case!