Breastfeeding help

I was in agony for the first couple of weeks to the point I was in tears with feeds. I’m 24 days in now and no nipple pain whatsoever. I hope that’s reassuring for you, it does get better!

Hopefully they can help you at the clinic! The midwife watched me feed my girl and tweaked a couple of things in the positioning which helped. Plus a tonne of nipple cream!

thanks so much. I just never knew to expect this and I can’t help but think I’m doing something wrong but the midwives were saying it was fine on my latching.

Have you tried expressing at all too?

I'm on day 6 myself and also crying on most feeds, or just bracing for agony each time as I'm trying to get little one latched on. Glad I'm not alone X hoping for the easing soon xx

The first week was painful, just make sure if it feels like a bee sting to remove her and re latch. Try out different positions, I found the rugby hold the easiest at the start, now I do cradle and lie down (she’s 5 weeks) They are also learning, so bare with it and it’s gets better quickly

Ask your health visitor to check for tongue tie. And push for an assessment from the infant feeding team who are specialised in this. The midwives aren't trained to properly asses these things so please keep pushing. I learnt the hard way with my first born so this time round I instantly pushed and surprise surprise, there's a bad tongue tie and we're being referred for the procedure. It's only because I'd been in the position before that I knew what to look for and when to push. It should never be that painful and if it is, there's a reason!

I really recommend silverette nipple shields to help heal your nipples whilst you work on latch and possibly check for tongue tie! The silver nipple shields worked within a day for me as my son had 100% tongue tie my nipples were in a bad bad way 🫠

that doesn’t sound right to be hurting that much?

I found rugby hold the best for one boob, and then cradling for the other boob so definitely play about with positions. The silverette nipple shields have been amazing for me too. Also breast milk onto your nipple then pop the shield on to soothe the nipple.

Yep first week hurt, and it’s been better since, comfortable even. Get some silver cups for your nipples, even after an hour with them on I felt much better and could face feeding again

It could just be a case of adjusting your position to feed or your latch. Breastfeeding in the early days can be uncomfortable but not painful really. It will all be down the how your feeding. If your getting some help, ask for them to check for a tongue tie and also your position.

Everyone is different and everyone's babies are different. Could be tongue tie, could be the position, could be that some have more sensitive nipples than others. For me it is agony for a moment and then it eases. I have been reassured by many midwives in hospital that the latch was good, my nipples are fair and therefore more likely to hurt apparently.

You’re not doing anything wrong, it’s a tough journey! The beginning was also a lot harder than I’d imagined too.

I have just started trying to express yes, that’s my next challenge as she’s not much of a fan of the bottle. Even if she does take the bottle she then still wants the comfort of the breast bless her.