Painful letdown?

[Sarah125]

The first 5 seconds or so when my baby latches on are so painful. It feels kind of like a burning sensation. I tried googling it and got varying answers saying that this is normal for the first few weeks or that the latch could be wrong or that I could have an oversupply.

The first week or so after I had Sophie my breastfeeding went really well and i was told she had a good latch etc. Then a few days after my milk had come in my breasts got really big and hard. It was at this point i started to get the painful sensation. I think i have quite a strong letdown as Sophie quite often coughs whilst I'm feeding.

Can anyone shed any light on this? I would just like to know that it is normal and that it will go away as the pain is awful and I'm close to giving up at some points

 

[Salt Air]

Hello,

Please don't give up!! I PROMISE it won't hurt this much forever, I know full well it feels like it right now, & people telling you it gets easier seems unbelievable, but it will do. They lie when they say BFing doesn't hurt...in the beginning it really does. Take a big deep breath & count to 10 when your LO latches on. I remember the pain clearly, & it's awful, I was in tears everytime. But it doesn't hurt at all now. Once your body adjusts & your supply settles it will all start clicking into place.
I almost gave up on day 6 & now I'm SO glad I didn't, I love BFing my son. You can do it mama

 

[Lauki]

Yeah, that is most definitely your letdown . I get it too. Especially if he hasn't fed for a while and then latches on I get a letdown on both sides and it's toe curling!

I had it too with my daughter, but it didn't last. I can't remember when it stopped but I hadn't had the feeling for a long time, I had forgotten how painful it could be!

Just counting to 10 helps, or focusing on something else! The important thing is to know that it is completely normal!

 

[dan-o]

You'll probably find it lessens with time or you stop noticing it so much. Mine was quite painful this time but now its just a little tingle.

 

[Fortune Cooki]

I had nipple pain for 6 weeks in both nipples and still have discomfort (stinging) in my left side. I hope breastfeeding becomes comfortable for you! I'm still waiting for it. Absolutely don't stop. Just distract yourself while breastfeeding.

 

[Sarah125]

Thank you for the supportive comments!

Just happy to know what it is and that it should hopefully pass

I wish they told you all this stuff about breastfeeding beforehand so you know what to expect. They make it seem like it's all so lovely and pain free!

Thank you again. I'm going to persevere as breastfeeding is something I really want to do.

 

[Katteh]

My letdown is so painful too! Thankfully it does go though. My nipples are still a bit sore, really hoping that improve at some point soon....

I find when my breasts are fuller, the letdown is a lot worse x