Breastfeeding- Does a babies suck get stronger?

[MockTurtle20]

Hi all,

I have a breastfeeding question I was hoping someone could help me with.

My baby arrived exactly 5 weeks ago today, and he was 5 weeks early, so he was only 5lbs 5oz.

I was determined to breastfeed and I am happy to say I have been exclusively breastfeeding since he was born. For the first 4 weeks I was happy enough. I had learnt to attach him correctly, and the sensitivity after the first few days passed too.
However, 5 weeks in and I feel like it's all going wrong! About a week ago my nipples started to get sore, even though I haven't changed the way I position him. Sometimes I attach him on and it doesn't hurt as such, but it isn't as comfortable as it used to be, and of course after we have finished the feed, my nipple becomes very sore. As any breastfeeding mother knows, once you hurt the nipple, it's a nightmare to try and heal/sooth it before the next feed.

I am using lanosil (or whatever you call that nipple cream) and I don't think I have thrush. Also, the nipples are not cracked or red, but I have developed some bumps on the areola, but I have read this is normal.

I was wondering, as he is getting bigger, could his suck be getting stronger, and I have to 'toughen up' again? Or, could he be sucking in an incorrect way (i.e. has he picked up a bad habit?)

Any help appreciated... before he wakes up and it's time to feed again!

Thanks in advance.

hi, I don't think that he could have developed bad habbits as he's been feeding fine for 4 weeks.
Maybe he has been sucking harder in order to get more from you. My DC2 was full term and 8lbs3 and she had a strong suck from start. Unfortunately she didn't keep her mouth open wide when sucking for the first 9 weeks which meant she nipple sucked and this was excruciating. After about 9 weeks she suddenly started opening her mouth wider and all was fine.
Hope you get more tips and can perservere a while longer.

Mock like bumbums said I don't think he has picked up bad habits or that you need to toughen up. I think that if you are sore or in pain with Bfing you should seek help straightaway.

I'm not trained but does any of this sound like what you are experiencing?

Is there a Bfing Support group that you could go to or is there a La Leche League?

You could also check the NCT, BFN and ABM to see if they have a Bfing Counsellor close to you. They all have helplines too.

Hope it gets resolved soon

Sometimes I get a bit sore too, I was so careful to attach DD correctly in the early days because I was very sore, that now it's totally comfortable, I can get a bit complacent and let her find my nipple herself resulting in her not getting on far enough.
It's not till the next feed that I think 'oooh thats a bit sore'

Also, I have to say, I didnt get to the 'completely comfortable' stage till DD was 8 weeks old so 5 weeks is still very early!