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Following as I'm the same, initial latch and let down really hurt but then when that passes all is fine x
I had this, I would cry and bleed and bruise and one day it just stopped. I say two weeks max. Get using that lanolin and hang in there. You’re doing great xx
two weeks for me, and it got noticeably easier
The initial latch pain lasted for about 3 weeks for me, then one day it just stopped and I started panicking that baby wasn’t latching properly but it was the case of my body adjusting. It does get easier I promise, the pain is the worst though I really feel for you xxx
I was still having that initial latch pain for longer - more like 7-8 weeks. But it’s completely gone now. Don’t be disheartened if it takes longer, it will pass x
It does settle once you and little one settle into it and your supply evens out but also definitely worth ruling out a tongue tie (with a trained tongue tie practitioner, of which most midwives, health visitors and GPs are not and are therefore not qualified to say there is or isn't one) x
Even without cracked nipples, it absolutely can be an issue with baby’s latch. Both my boys were tied, and I never had cracked nipples. My youngest had a bad tie as well, but I was told all was fine by the midwives and HV- it wasn’t. I’d thoroughly recommend finding out about local breastfeeding support groups via your health visitor. An IBCLC will be able to take a proper look at baby’s latch and advise on positions etc. Whilst some pain at the beginning is common, crippling pain really isn’t normal and you absolutely shouldn’t just grin and bear it!
My let down is painful still at 8weeks. I’ve noticed that roughly about every 3 hrs I get this let down pain, it’s around when my baby feeds, so that’s good that im quite in sync with him but to avoid this pain when latching I get him on before let down happens and the pain is not as bad then.
Has your little one been checked for a tongue tie? It could not be, but it sounds similar to my early days… I had a lot of pain but latch looked ok when midwives/health visitors observed, and my nipples weren’t cracked etc…. After 12 weeks of trying to get support and being told everything was fine I finally got a tongue tie diagnosed and after having it released it was a night and day experience. 13m feeding now ☺️ I would say if you’re in a lot of pain but want to continue, it’s worth getting a feeding specialist to take a look and give you some tips. Good luck x