Latching on properly?

[tone]

I've been reading up about BF'ing and just doing some general research and found that if your baby isnt latched on properly your nipples will hurt.
Well i thought this was normal for the first few days? When Callum goes on the boob it hurts at first, so much i kind of have to take deep breaths and breathe through it, but after about 10 seconds its okay. Still sore-ish but okay! Does this mean he's not latched on properly or is it normal?
xxx

 

[Mervs Mum]

I still find I have to wiggle my toes and hold my breath at times when she latches!!! I thought I must be doing it wrong but I've had a couple of "experts" check and they say its right. I think your nips have to get used to it. x

 

[angellica]

I still find I have to wiggle my toes and hold my breath at times when she latches!!! I thought I must be doing it wrong but I've had a couple of "experts" check and they say its right. I think your nips have to get used to it. x

I thought the wiggling of toes was just me! Why does it help?? This is the fourth one I've bf'd but I don't remember it being this painful last time!!

 

[emma_27]

I was in loads of pain with sore nipples at first. My midwife had a check to see if she was latching on properly and she said she was as i was worried she wasnt. If your worried just as the midwife to have a check for you. But it did take me about 3 weeks til it started feeling better it really is toe curling pain. Hope it eases for you soon

 

[Samantha675]

I never had major pain, but at first when Bren would latch on that initial sucking would be a bit painful and then quickly subside.

 

[B4byAnge1]

Yeah that sounds pretty normal to me, for the first month or so I used to get that right at the start of a feed, it would fade away quickly...I think as long as its not lasting the entire feed its normal. I dont get any pain now, so it goes away eventually

 

[poppy]

I had this at first, but now it is ok - I am still getting used to this getting him latched on thing. However, now when he latches properly, it just feels right like he is secure and knows what he is doing. When I first started trying to breastfeed, I had that wincing feeling you are talking about.

I do think that your nipples are just starting to get used to it in the very early days and are just toughening up - try using some nipple cream after feeds to keep them from feeling too sore.

xxx

 

[claire1983]

Its normal to feel a bit of discomfort when the feed starts. As long as its doesnt persist throughout the feed you should be fine and your nipples will get used to it.

 

[missjacey44]

Im the same, It hurts when i first put him on but then its ok after but midwife and breastfeeding counceller both said he is latched on really well when they saw him feed, Aslong as babies mouth is open wide it shouldnt make you sore or crack nipples ect. and i havnt got sore or cracked after 5days so im guessing im doing it right!

 

[Luhweez]

i was sore the first few days but it goes away, she lacthes on and i dont even feel it anymore, not that im numb its just easy now! have you tried Lasinoh nipple cream? even if their not cracked it works a treat at soothing them! x

 

[KandKsMama]

Sounds pretty normal. With my first she didn't have a proper latch for a long time and I never had any pain, cracking or bleeding and eventually she just came to the realization she preferred a bottle. With Keira she took to BFing right away, the lactaction consultant told me she had a perfect latch and awesome sucking and strong swallow yet I cracked, bleed and was in pain for a month if not more. Eventually as my flow evened out and I was no longer finding myself engorged (unless she missed a feed) it began to stop hurting. Once that pain is over then comes the joy of nursing a teething baby and a baby with teeth. If you think this pain is bad wait until they gum your nipples to almost tears or the first time you get bit with one of those sharp little new teeth.

 

[ani]

Yup, my baby is clearly not latching on correctly (breaks the suction with each suck, makes a lot of noise...I haven't been able to correct him) but I feel no pain or discomfort at all. So it's not always a clear indicator!

 

[Mervs Mum]

i was sore the first few days but it goes away, she lacthes on and i dont even feel it anymore, not that im numb its just easy now! have you tried Lasinoh nipple cream? even if their not cracked it works a treat at soothing them! x

I'll second that - mine havent cracked or anything but they were a bit sore to start with and this cream is legendary.