I gave birth to my 2nd 10 days ago, and nursing has been going extremely well from the start. Except the past couple of days, when she latches on, the first couple of seconds are excruciating, toe-curling pain.
From what I can tell, her latch-on is correct -- wide mouth, lips flanged outward, sucking on areola as well as nipple -- looks just like the pictures in the baby books.
But oh the pain! Is this something that's just supposed to happen during week two, and will eventually resolve itself? Or am I doing something else wrong?
Wish I could see a lactation consultant, but there aren't any at my hospital. Thanks in advance.
2006-11-26 21:28:50 · 8 answers · asked by clueless: please be kind 3 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
It most definitely sounds like you are not getting enough of the areola in her mouth. Make sure that she opens her mouth as wide as possible before putting her to the breast. I would also suggest that you get the lanolin as previously mentioned. Another thing you can look into would gel pads for the nipples. OMG, this helped me so much. My son is severely tongue tied and couldn't get his tongue to do the over the gum thing. This caused horrible pain. The gel pads have a cooling effect and definitely relieve pain to the nipples.
2006-11-27 00:34:03 · answer #1 · answered by angel21781 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Is it pain only on the nipple? or in your entire breast in general? If it is just the nipple it may be that your child's suction is stronger than your first child. Also, your nipples are re-toughening, they haven't been used in this way for some time, I imagine. Try Lasinoh lanolin on the nipples, it doesn't affect the breastmilk and does soothe (not immediately, it begins to soothe after repeated use) If it lasts too much longer, like 3-4 weeks, I would ask your Dr about it. You can also go to laleche.org, they have a lot of information, plus contact numbers for lactation consultants.
If it is the entire breast in general, I am getting that too and the baby is already a month. I think it is just the let down as the breasts fill with milk.
Good Luck!
2006-11-27 06:53:18 · answer #2 · answered by Crystal 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
People always say breastfeeding should not hurt. If it does then the baby is not latching on correctly. I'm sorry but I breastfed all three of my kids and it ALWAYS hurts for the first 2 or 3 weeks, especially because newborns want to nurse around the clock! Hang in there! It will get better and it just takes a little while for your nipples to toughen up! You are doing a great job, mama!!
get support from the ladies at the breastfeeding.com message boards!!
2006-11-27 11:12:44 · answer #3 · answered by mrsleslie_lady 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
So the pain goes away before you can count to ten?
Can you tell if she is doing anything funny with her tongue?
Are both lips flanged out or is she sucking the bottom lip in?
Slide your finger between her bottom lip and your breast (or have someone else look) and make sure her tongue comes out over her lower gum when she nurses.
Are you using Lansinoh on your nipples to help with the tenderness?
Is there a La Leche League Leader near you? She'll help you for FREE and may even be willing to visit a newborn at home.
2006-11-27 08:19:27 · answer #4 · answered by momma2mingbu 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I was always surprised that it was rough to get used to breastfeeding again, but it will go away! It sounds like everything is good and this is just temporary!
Try a slightly different position--sometimes a little adjustment away from the current pressure points on your nipple will make a big difference. She is doing great and working hard to get the milk supply up for her two week little growth spurt. I have been through what you described, but it was for a short time. This will pass!
Congratulations on your new baby-- it's going to be fine!
2006-11-27 06:51:26 · answer #5 · answered by quilt-babe 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
try using a breast stick made by gerber or getting the lanolin ointment to put on the nipples between feedings, its safe to use while nurseing and u dont have to wipe it off. generaly if it hurts like that then your not doing something right and it sounds like baby isnt getting enough of the aereola in the mouth. all hospitals should have lactation consultants and if nothing else your pediatrician should be able to put u with one
2006-11-27 06:09:11 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
when i just started to breastfeed my baby it was painful too.Ur nipples could be dry a bit try not to put any kinds of soap on ur nipple and after pumping milk take a hot shower.let the hot water be on breast it`s helping me a lot.good luck
2006-11-27 10:19:18 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
sometimes when you breastfeed your nipples get dry and more sore.. the only thing that saved me was called lansolin. it is for this. you can find it in the baby isles at the stores... it is a lifesaver. it is somewhat like vaseline feeling and it completely safe for the baby and it makes it more smooth and easier to feed them... thats a pain like no other i tell ya!!! good luck
2006-11-27 05:34:04 · answer #8 · answered by tangela 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋