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Breastfeeding should not hurt:
What to do about sore nipples
By: Mary
Contrary to popular belief, breastfeeding should not hurt. In the beginning of breastfeeding, it may hurt while your baby latches on, but after about 10 seconds, the pain should go away. That being said, many mothers do experience sore nipples during their breastfeeding times, especially during those first few weeks. The most common cause of sore nipples is incorrect latch of your baby.
If your nipples start to get sore, make sure that you revaluate your baby’s latch. When your baby is latched on correctly, you should not see your nipple at all, and only a little part of your areola. If you believe that your baby is not latching on correctly, take your baby off of your breast and look at your nipple. If your nipple is creased or drawn into a pointed shape, your baby is not latching on correctly. This can also cause small cuts and scrapes along your nipple.
Some solutions to breastfeeding that you can try, along with latching your baby on correctly, or trying different positions are:
1.Frequent breastfeeding, especially during the first few weeks. Your baby should be nursing at least every 2 hours, and at least 12 times a day. The longer your baby goes without eating, the hungrier they will be, which will cause your baby to suck harder, and will irritate your nipples further.
2.Delaying the introduction of bottles and pacifiers, at least for the first few weeks. Introducing them to early will cause confusion with your baby, and he may not be able to latch on correctly onto your nipple.
3.Expose your nipples to air as much as possible. Walking around without a bra, and if possible, without a shirt, will let your nipples breathe and heal quicker.
4.Lanolin cream can be used to alleviate some of the pain. Apply it after your baby nurses, and let it air dry on your nipples for a few minutes. This does not need to be washed off before you nurse your baby next. If you do not have Lanolin cream, hand express some breast milk and rub it into your nipples.
5.Breastfed on the least sore side first. This will ensure that your milk has let down before your baby goes on the sore side. If your baby seems full after only nursing one on breast, make sure that you hand express or pump your other breast to keep up your milk supply.
6.Multiple Hole Breast Shells will help if you are unable to walk around without a shirt. It will keep your shirt off of your nipples, and also allow air to circulate within your breasts.
7.If your nipples are really sore, you may want to take some Tylenol about a half an hour before nursing your baby.
If your nipples are still sore and it’s unbearable to nurse your baby, hand express or pump some of your milk and spoon feed your baby. You can also feed your baby with an eye dropper. This will ensure that your baby still gets the valuable breast milk, and it won’t cause nipple confusion in your baby.
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