Breastfeeding?

[CedesMarie]

I've been breastfeeding for a little over a week now. My nipples really started hurting like 2 days ago, and now the pain is unbearable!! It hurts so bad to feed her but I have to for another 3 days. Any advice??? I was told breastfeeding shouldn't hurt...

[ashlii00]

doulamommy its labour im worried about too.
i have no idea how i am going to cope with the pain. i cried when i got my tattoo on my hip. honastly im gonna really struggle. and i cant have an epidural either. but hopefully gas and air and pethodine? will work. and maybe some shouting. going to try have my headfones in and listen to my music. maybe shout along to it. thats what i did when i had my tattoo. lol.
seriously... women say we are built to have babys... i dont think im a very good leading example. but im sure gonna give it my best shot! xx

[doulamommy]

I doubt it would do much good. Most lactation consultants nowadays don't encourage "preparing" your nipples. The exception is if your nipples are inverted, in which case you need to start wearing nipple shells before giving birth.

[ohalie]

I heard to put nipple cream before birth, so your nipples are well prepared. Any advice on that??

[doulamommy]

@ashlii00
Don't be scared! Honestly after being in labor (even if you get an early epidural) breastfeeding pain is a piece of cake. Inconvenient, yes, but you birthed a baby! You're a super hero mama. Sore nipples pass, and breastfeeding is good for both of you.

[Mommytobe_AGAIN]

I used a warm rag before, during, and after it was really helpful and $0.00 expensive. :)

[ashlii00]

so warm rag before and after helps soothe the pain.
i feel so unprepared for him.

[Mommytobe_AGAIN]

You can put a warm rag on your breast before and after you breastfed. It will become easy after you and the baby adjust to breastfeeding. Its all new.

[Laurinx3]

After the first few days my nipples hurt so so bad for about 2 weeks. I wanted to cry every time I had to feed my daughter, but I stuck to it and when it stopped hurting the pain never returned. Thank goodness.! Congrats on breastfeeding at all. Its a wonderful experience once you get past the pain of it. For mommy and baby.

[doulamommy]

Lanolin cream and cool gel packs work wonders! (Think teething rings) I'd say for me, the first month was the hardest. I was sore and engorged! Use a warm washcloth or heat pack right before and during a feed to help your let down so baby doesn't have to work so hard and then switch to a gel pack after your nipples are dry and smothered in lanolin!

[ramyamommy]

I've heard of people alternating pumping and breastfeeding to give their dried cracked or bleeding nipples a rest I'll be trying that for sure because I can't stand breastfeeding pains

[ashlii00]

GULP
i plan on breastfeeding... my breasts are so sensitive never mind the nipples. this advice on here is excellent tho ladies! very good to know that we can come together and support each other :-)

[Jshokes09]

Nipple cream helps,, apply before and after nursing...

[WaitingForOct]

The above is great advice! You can also get nipple guards. They are like plastic that fit over the nipple and baby can still suck on them and feed. You can try alternating with those and bare skin. Hang in there! Everyone tells me it hurts the first two weeks at least.

[GeekMom1213]

People who say it shouldn't hurt are lying. Honestly. I promise. If you have a good deep latch (baby's mouth should be wide wide open with as much areola and breast tissue in the mouth as possible NOT just nipple) and baby doesn't have any issues with lip or tongue tie then it won't hurt nearly as much. But it DOES hurt. Your body isn't used to this kind of treatment. Your nipples have never been through this before. It is painful at first.
The good news is, it does get better. It takes time to toughen up, it took about six weeks for me. Warm compresses will likely help, spend as much time as possible without a shirt on or anything rubbing up against the breasts. After you're done nursing you should express a little more milk, rub over both nipples and areolas, and let it air dry.
Talk to a lactation consultant. They can help you out a lot to make sure your latch is good and that you're not having any other issues.
Don't give up. You're doing great. Keep it up! It will get better. I promise. After six weeks of soreness and pain I nursed my son for two years. It was an amazing bonding experience - not to mention saving all that money on formula :-)
Good luck. You can do it!!

[baybeelovee1214]

Bump