They dont hurt when I am feeding her just when she latches on is there a way to stop that or will the nipple just toughen up. Its just so painful sometimes
2007-03-07 06:14:13 · 14 answers · asked by Shawny J 1 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
Hang in there! It took 3 weeks before mine finally stopped hurting. It was awful, I cried and almost broke down and gave her formula - but my little girl made me stick it out - she wouldn't take a bottle at all! It may take a little longer than 2 or 3 weeks. Lanisoh cream is wonderful! Also, they make Soothies gel patches for your nipples and they are heaven-sent!
I do agree that to a certain extent - pain is not normal. If I were you, I'd call a lactation consultant or your local LaLeche League just to be sure you have proper positioning.
I was told from everyone that pain is not normal during breastfeeding, but it IS normal in the very beginning when your body is adjusting to it.
http://www.kellymom.com/ is a great resource for breastfeeding moms!
Stick it out and keep telling yourself that you're doing the very best for your baby!!!
2007-03-07 07:51:48 · answer #1 · answered by CPS Fanatic 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A lot of people swear that if it hurts something's wrong. The problem with this theory is yes it's true, but it can't be used as the basis for the first few weeks sometimes up to the first whole month (depending on baby). The baby is still trying to learn (even though the idea is imbedded in the from conception) it's like walking or talking. Yes we all are able to do it, but it takes time to figure it out and practice. My little sis just called with the same question. If the pain does not subside within another week or two, I'd contact a Lactation Consultant, or another breastfeeding mom for help on latching issues. Also, is your nipple cracked, maybe also bleeding? If it is, the pain won't stop till it has healed. Express a tiny amount of milk after baby has feed and rub it alla round the nipple, then let it air dry. Try not to cover up the nipple for 10-20 minuted after the milk has dried. Good luck, and please don't give up!! It does get better.
2007-03-07 09:12:48 · answer #2 · answered by Sunshine Swirl 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Hi I just had my baby 11 days ago and I am too breastfeeding. I had sore cracked nipples due to her not latching properly. I used lanolin cream (lansinoh) and they also gave me medela shields at the hospital. It took three days with the shields to heal my nipples. There is still a little pain when she latches on but that is normal and should go away. The pain was unbearable with my nipples being cracked I actually thought of giving up breastfeeding. I am glad I didn't. You can call the medela breastfeeding network hot line at 1-800-TELL YOU. Or you can go to www.medela.com and they would find a lactation specialist near you. The lactation specialist I had when I was in the hospital really helped me a lot. She showed me how to latch her on correctly and some use full tricks.
Good Luck and Congrats
2007-03-07 06:43:16 · answer #3 · answered by Confused 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you are in pain, it's possible -- probable, even -- that your baby is not latching on properly. It's best to take care of this NOW before it gets worse. An improper latch can lead to cracked, bleeding nipples and a lot of unnecessary pain. I put some links below to help you identify a good latch. I also highly recommend you get in contact with a lactation consultant or La Leche League (FREE), who can help you determine if your baby is latching on properly.
Although I've heard many women say it's normal, I have never had any nipple pain, even in the very beginning, with either of my children nursing. Usually when I get to the details I find that the women who had pain in the beginning also had trouble with latching-on issues or other problems. In my experience, if there is pain, there is a problem that needs to be fixed. Breastfeeding should NEVER be painful!
http://www.kellymom.com/newman/11some_bf_myths.html#2
Good luck and congratulations on your new baby and your decision to breastfeed! I hope the pain goes away soon. Feel free to contact me with any more breastfeeding questions.
2007-03-07 06:22:55 · answer #4 · answered by calliope_13731 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
If all is going great with breastfeeding there's a cream that you can get to use on your nipples. I got mine at Wal Mart and it's called Lansinoh. It helped me a lot. I used it for about the first 3 weeks and then didn't need it anymore. It's safe fot the baby too but I would apply it only after you're done feeding though! It does make your clothes greasy if not wearing a bra at night! Best of luck with your little angel!
2007-03-07 06:30:15 · answer #5 · answered by Allie D 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your nipples should "toughen up" after a couple of weeks, you just have to be strong until you get there! Use some breast cream, ice packs, anything that helps.
However, my daughter is 9 weeks old, and some days, I'm still a little sore. It just depends, really.
2007-03-07 16:28:52 · answer #6 · answered by Ang 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
She may not be latching on correctly at first. Make sure she is taking the whole area around the nipple in her mouth and not just the nipple. My first son would only try to suck on the nipple, and they ended up cracking and bleeding (very painful). This caused me to get discouraged and I gave up and switched to formula. With my 4 week old, I went to a lactation consultant to get some advice and he is doing great... and I am not in pain. :) Good luck
2007-03-07 06:21:19 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Its normal and it will go away. Mine hurt alot right after his first growth spurt... watch out for that, its comming and it will hurt a little because they nurse CONSTANTLY for 2-3 days. Its completly normal though, so don't get alarmed.
ETA:
Pain at latching is normal. Pain throughout the feeding is not. There is no problem for her to fix, messing with her latch may only cause problems.
I would consult a lactation consultant before messing with her latch. She sounds perfectly fine to me.
The site below has videos on good latching
2007-03-07 06:22:46 · answer #8 · answered by Mommy to David 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
It will get better. Be sure when you are at home without company that the ends are exposed so your shirt can rub on them, use a washrag on them in the shower and do not take your bra off except to shower and sleep. Don't put any kind of lotion on them. I nursed my children and I am very thankful I did. It is so healthy for the baby. Hang in there you are probably just about over the worst.
2007-03-07 06:46:15 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It takes a few weeks for them to toughen up. Hang in there...it will stop...try using Lanisoh...it comes in a little purple box at the drugstore. It is safe for baby so you don't have to wash it off before feeding her.
2007-03-07 06:40:35 · answer #10 · answered by mommy_2_liam 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋