I am 32 wks pregnant & i plan on breastfeeding, i've been told it is very painful -at first- & am curious.. Why is it painful? & is it really? For everyone?? & for how long does it hurt? 1 month? 2? 3?
Thanx for your answers & God Bless <3
2007-12-10 05:33:57 · 17 answers · asked by ˚despeяate housewife˚ 6 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
it is NOT supposed to be painful. It can be for many, but 9 of 10 are having a problem they don't know about.... it can seem like baby is latched on fine, but if it hurts, baby is not latched on good enough.
a soreness and discomfort in the first 2 weeks is totally normal, almost everyone gets that... but if you cross from uncomfortable into pain - seek help from a breastfeeding professional to correct a problem. Either an IBCLC (international board certified lactation consultant who is paid, usually insurance covers a visit or two post partum) or a La Leche League Leader (free, volunteer mom, who has a lot of experience and some training).
AGAIN... it should NOT hurt!!!
this website is awesome... has pretty much ever breastfeeding question covered... http://www.kellymom.com/bf/index.html
ETA: engorgement can be painful for many... but mine didn't hurt the way many women describe... it was more like my skin was itchy from being stretched!!
btw, i did hurt a lot when i started breastfeeding... almost gave up after just over a week, but found out my baby wasn't latched on, I could feel the difference in just the next nursing session once I got help from La Leche League - I went from crying in pain, to just sort of holding my breath the 1st feed after help, the 2nd it hurt just for the first few sucks, and got better and better until 2 days later the pain was totally gone!!! I just needed my llittle girl to open up her mouth wider and take in more areola!
2007-12-10 05:48:01 · answer #1 · answered by Tanya 6 · 4⤊ 0⤋
For some women it's painful at first and for some it's not. The baby's latch is so important. Mine would latch on ok then slip down and start chewing on just the nipple and yes it was painful for a while. The first month or two you are both learning but once you get past that it's so worth it. I have to admit I actually hated it the first two months and if I didn't have good support I would have given up. I waited too long to get help. If your hosptal offers a lactation consultant led support group go to the first meeting available whether you need help at the time or not. My best tips: Don't be afraid to go topless the first two weeks at home.... Use lanolin often Hot showers feel great Invest in soothies nursing pads, one set should do it Hold off on introducing a paci for a week or two to avoid nipple confusion...I made that mistake. Sleep when the baby sleeps, I know everyone says it but it's so true. You take care of the baby and dh gets to keep up with the house or you can just let it go until things get better. This is a good rule no matter how you choose to feed. The demand of breastfeeding alone can be overwhelming because no one can really give you a break so it's even more important.
2016-05-22 12:06:45 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Breastfeeding can be painful at first, especially when your milk first comes in. It is helpful if you get some advice on techniques for ensuring a proper latch, because most pain from breastfeeding can be avoided this way.
For a few people (like me), breastfeeding is a little more painful due to sensitive nipples. I used to cry every time my baby needed to eat because it hurt so bad. By the time she was 6 weeks old, though, it was great! I'm so glad I stuck it out.
2007-12-10 05:42:35 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
It can be painful if the baby isn't latching on correctly. This is why it is really important to get a correct latch right from the beginning. I'd suggest getting in touch with a certified lactation consultant or La Leche League leader before the baby comes, so you have some support in place right away.
Your breasts may also be painful when the milk first comes in - this usually only lasts for a day or so.
Here are some good resources to get you started:
http://www.kellymom.com/bf/start/basics/latch-resources.html
http://www.kellymom.com/bf/concerns/mom/engorgement.html
2007-12-10 05:45:42 · answer #4 · answered by daa 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
at first it is a little but it shouldnt be severe pain- if it is severe pain you most likely have a bad latch- it only hurst for the first couple of weeks maybe by qweek 2 it got soo much better- i used lansinoh and it works pretty good, now its the only stuff i use on my lips. most women quit before it gets better. it normal for a baby to nurse very often and its normal even if they lose a litle weight at first- i have been breastfeeding my 8 month old with no supplements and i work as well. it has been an amazing experience and im so glad i have continued to do so- good luck- its hard at first but it gets so much easier
2007-12-10 06:24:33 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
The parts that are painful at first is the engorging- and your breasts just being so full. Also nipples hurt until you get your baby to latch on correctly all the time. And then somtimes you get a bit cracked and sore nipples. But it really only lasts for a few weeks/ months until it is all figured out and your milk supply evens it is just fine. Also, my baby got teeth at 5 months and i was nervous because I thought it would be awful feeding him. But for the most part he keeps his teeth out of the way and only "chows" down when teething is a problem or just "hanging out" at breast and not activly eating.
2007-12-10 05:42:21 · answer #6 · answered by Emily R 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Your nipples might be sore for the first few weeks from being pulled and tugged on, but it shouldn't be outright painful. Any pain at all is due to an incorrect latch, and can easily be fixed. Be sure to consult with a Lactation Consultant..she'll be a great supporter and friend to you and your baby. I wouldn't worry too much about bfing...just be sure to know where you can turn to help when you need it.
Some good sources are La Leche League..there's a leader in almost every city in the US (www.llli.org) and www.kellymom.com.
Be aware that pediatricians and doctors don't know everything about bfing and you're better off turning to an LC with any questions or concerns. Good luck to you!
**Engorgement is painful. I forgot all about that. Nursing on demand will help ease that pain though.
2007-12-10 05:40:03 · answer #7 · answered by Astragalo 5 · 5⤊ 1⤋
it is uncomfortable for about the first 6 weeks or less. by then you and the baby will be pro's at it. it hurts because baby is learning and so are you. the latch is not perfect and you have to fix it a few times to get it right each time baby is fed. being latched on wrong is painful, and pulling on an off is painful (be sure to use a finger to break the seal).
after that it feels fine until they decide to bite. when they bite say no very loud...or in my case i pretended to cry. stop feeding them for a couple of minutes (when i yelled no my son laughed, when i pretended to cry he cried and he leaned that he was hurting me and stopped right away)
so it's a bit of a challenge in the beginning and when they start teething.
all in all it is one of the most rewarding experiences. you get to cuddle and feed your baby. it is just wonderful. you never have to make food for a crying hungry baby its already there and warm. so convenient, inexpensive, the best weight loss program out there.
i think your amazing!!!
2007-12-10 05:55:30 · answer #8 · answered by carol anne 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I didn't find it painful most of the time but I did get a blister at one point. The lactation nurses at the hospital can give you tons of advice about the position, getting a good latch, etc. It's sooo much cheaper than formula! And way better for your baby! It's worth any discomfort!
Good luck!
2007-12-10 05:45:20 · answer #9 · answered by magdal01 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
it's not painful for EVERYONE, but for most it is...
and it should only be painful for a few days. after that your nipples get used to it & things should get much more comfortable. if it hurts past the first week then you need to get a lactation consultant because there's probably something wrong with the baby's "latch"
2007-12-10 05:45:05 · answer #10 · answered by Ember Halo 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋