Im preganant and have a fair while to go yet. I'll be 16 when the baby is born ( yes i know.. young, but damage is done now and i have to deal with it ) I want the best for my child so im hoping to breast feed. But i was wondering does it hurt, i've heard that it does and that it is uncomfortable. Could you please tell me if that is only in some cases or does it actually hurt?
2007-11-08 09:56:02 · 11 answers · asked by Sugababy 2 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
It should not hurt.
Pain usually only happens if the baby isn't 'latched on' correctly.
You might consider getting in touch with La Leche League (http://llli.org/ ) for support and information.
Please ignore (of course) the 'only 16' comment... Anybody old enough to get pregnant is old enough to breastfeed! Kudos to you for wanting to. Nursing is so much healthier for your baby, and so much more convenient for you.
Apart from La Leche League, you might want to browse through http://drjacknewman.com/ and http://kellymom.com/ -- both have accurate (unlike some places, which sadly sometimes includes hospitals) breastfeeding info.
There are how-to-latch videos here if you want an idea:
http://www.drjacknewman.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=18&Itemid=42
Definitely read this page:
"Breastfeeding—Starting Out Right"
http://www.drjacknewman.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=71&Itemid=99
2007-11-08 10:03:20 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 6⤊ 0⤋
First of all, don't consider your baby "damage" consider it the beginning of a new wonderful life. I know you are young, but you are going to love and enjoy your baby the same as a 30 year old Mom. Please look at the glass half full.
Breastfeeding is different for everyone. Some say that you will only have pain for a week. In my case, not true. I had pain for about 5 weeks. I had sore, dry and cracked nipples and had trouble getting my son to latch on correctly. It was excruciating at times, but with a lot of perserverance, I got through it. Just remember all of the benefits that breastmilk provides your baby that formula cannot even come close to. You are already doing the right thing by considering breastfeeding. The advice I have is to take a breastfeeding class.. and buy the La Leche League Breastfeeding book and read it.. front to back. Invest in some lanolin creams.. and a good pump. Wait to buy your pump until after the baby is born. Make the committment and stick with it.. it may take a lot of work and be challenging.. or it may be really easy for you. No matter the case, just stick with it. Congrats on your baby!
2007-11-08 10:56:34 · answer #2 · answered by Cupid 6 · 4⤊ 0⤋
No it doesn't hurt. Your nipples will be sore for about a week, but that's all.
It isn't easy to breastfeed, especially if you don't have anyone to teach you how. So please attend breastfeeding classes available in hospitals and when you deliver, consult with the lactation consultant. They will teach you how to put your baby on teh breast correctly so that it doesn't hurt. If baby isn't latched on properly, breastfeeding CAN hurt and it doesn't need to be. Also, keep in mind that babies mouth should be on as much as the areola as possible ( the dark skin around the nipple) and not just the nipple. If all that is inside your baby's mouth is the nipple, breastfeeding can get painful.
I breastfed my son for a year and now I am currently breastfeeding my 5 month old twins.
2007-11-08 10:03:10 · answer #3 · answered by mrs.izabel 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Sometimes it can hurt or be uncomfortable for a number of different reasons. The pain will be nothing compared to childbirth. Women go through a lot as mothers. Physical pain for a child is worth it. Breastfeeding is the best thing for the baby. If it gets too painful talk to your Dr. they can help.
2007-11-08 10:06:47 · answer #4 · answered by HA HA HE HE 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
lets just say its no picnic..some women have no issues, some struggle with it. It can hurt at first but only for a few days, then it gets better.
Consult a lactation consultant when you deliver...most hospitals have them for free and they can give you great advice such as proper latching on which can help!
At the end of the day there are so many great benefits to both you and the baby its worth it: its free, its convenient, its healthy, it helps you regain your figure faster, it has been linked to lower obesity in the child, it is more easily digested.
But, if for some reason it does not work out...at least you tried!!
Good luck!
2007-11-08 10:05:35 · answer #5 · answered by computer child 2 · 2⤊ 1⤋
yes pain is a common problem in the beginning......most woman experience temporary tenderness for a few days after birth
but even extreme pain is temporary honey
and pain can mean the latch is incorrect.....so that means you need some help from a proffessional
above all.....read books, read the internet, join a local suport group, attend the classes your hospital's lactation consultant offers
yay for you for looking into this....your best weapon at being successful is having fully educated yourself before the birth
good luck!!
edit.....and i agree that it is completely absurd to think you should give your baby another animal's milk because you are only 16......how stupid is that??
haaaa
2007-11-08 10:06:49 · answer #6 · answered by ? 6 · 4⤊ 0⤋
The reason it hurts is because your body is getting used to it. It only hurts for a short while. Once the body gets used to it, you can breastfeed without hurting all the time. Stick with it. I breastfed my daughter and I'm 16 weeks pregnant and plan to breastfeed this baby too.
2007-11-08 10:00:56 · answer #7 · answered by Precious 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
it only hurts the first few days til your milk comes in..then you want to nurse since your breasts are full and they feel better when you empty them...any other reason they hurt would only be because baby is not latched on properly, but you will learn that in the hospital with lactation consultant....good luck.. its a lot of hard work
2007-11-08 10:06:51 · answer #8 · answered by Shawn's mama 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
hi. im 22 years old and just had a baby a few weeks ago. i am breastfeeding and the pain has been very minimal. somewhat sore the first few days but its not been unbearable by any means.if you can give birth to a baby i think you can do anything good luck and i hope you will choose to breastfeed it will benefit you and your baby
2007-11-08 10:30:05 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋
yes it does hurt but thats part of the parenting part. Your nipples will get red and be very sore but they give you vitamin gel to put on your nipples to help. I find that it dont work for me, but the best thing to do it just switch brest at everyfeeding, keep them clean, and just nurse as long as you can. Its best for the baby.
2007-11-08 11:16:16 · answer #10 · answered by marie76444 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋