Really Dry Lips - Breastfeeding???

[cindye]

Hi All :wave:

After I had DD1, my lips were so dry that I literally couldn't open my mouth too far or the corners would crack. Despite constant chapstick applications, it went on for ages, but then one day they were back to normal.

Now I'm B/F DD2, the dry lips are back. She's 10 weeks old, and it started about a week ago. I have cracks all along the middle of both my top and bottom lips and they sting so badly. I've tried so many different products and nothing will stop the stinging. And there's no way I can eat anything salty!

Has anyone else had super dry lips when B/F? Is there ANYTHING that will help take the sting away?

[Tegan15]

I found my lips also got dry and I would also have a huge urge to have a big glass of water when I would start bfing dd when she was a new born. Are you drinking enough water?

[FiveInTheBed]

I'd say it might be dehydration?
Increase your water intake, the best product I have found was Blistex 'intenstive care' lip balm in the little blue pot.

[cindye]

I drink at least 2L a day, but I guess I could have more...

I'll have a look for that Blistex.

Thanks girls.

[Tegan15]

Whats your diet like?
There's a vitamin that if your lacking it causes cracked lips. Thats not much help though is it if I can't tell you what vitamin it is :laughing:
I'll ask dh when he gets home - his a nurse so he might know off the top of his head.

[cindye]

Ooh, that's interesting...

I have a pretty good / varied diet (maybe a few too many mint slices...) but I was Vit D deficient during pregnancy and stopped taking the tablets after DD2 was born.

I wonder if that's it? :detective:

Tegan, if you ask your DH, can you let me know please?

[Tegan15]

He thinks zinc but his not sure - its not really his area. I thought vit D.
I'm sure a google search will help though.

[Shanaynay]

Sounds like a vitamin deficiency, go grab a breastfeeding multi vitamin from the supermarket.

[cindye]

Thanks girls!

I have a couple of weeks worth of elevit tabs left so I might see if they help.

Last night, I actually put nipple cream on and it took away the sting. But DH says that my lips actually look swollen. like I've had collagen injections. Strange!

[Urban Tumbleweed]

I found that the nipple cream called Lansinoh worked really well on my lips :)

[Mrs Nietzsche]

I think it's vitamin b12???? It's a deficiency vegetarians can get though, I used to get it when I was veg as a teenager.

[Hollywood]

I think a multivitamin sounds like a good idea, and plenty of water of course. Breastfeeding really takes it out of our bodies, and all the vitamins go to bub through the milk, leaving us deficient if we don't get enough vitamins through our diet.

I have just resumed taking a multivitamin, I was feeling a bit flat and my milk supply had started to dwindle (especially in my 'bad' side). I know I'm not feeding a newborn (he's 3yo), but nonetheless if I'm still breastfeeding I want to have a good milk supply for him for the 2 or 3 feeds in 24 hours he gets. I'm definitely feeling better for it. I take the Swisse Women's Multi.

[JabberJaw]

I found that the nipple cream called Lansinoh worked really well on my lips :)

I agree, and some extra water, and vitamins :D

[cindye]

Thanks for the advice lovely ladies!

[BabyPaparazzi]

I suffer from dry lips while I am pregnant and breastfeeding. My GpOb was always asking if I was drinking enough water and I was, and I was also on a multi but it made no difference. It was like having wind burn constantly on my lips. She has never been able to explain it. I use pawpaw ointment and have to apply it hourly just about. You can try cutting out caffeine it made a little difference to me but I wasnt having huge amounts.

[allycat06]

Bfing makes me drink like a fish! I'm sooo thirsty all the time. Just make sure you drink lots of water and grab yourself some Lucas Paw Paw ointment for your lips. Put some on everyday even if they don't feel dry.

[MummaMilk]

Not sure if it is a good idea to take the elevit tablets, something about too much folate after the first few weeks of pgcy can increase the risk of asthma? http://www.mydr.com.au/babies-pregnancy/folate-supplements-in-late-pregnancy-up-the-risk-of-child-asthma it actually only says during pregnancy but not sure about it passing through breastmilk, maybe check with your midwife or call your local major maternity hospitals pharmacy department.