Does breastfeeding hurt?

[2wwmadness]

hello, im pregnant with my first and really want to breastfeed.
I don't know what to expect? Does it hurt? Do I need to prepare for the pain?
I know these might be odd questions, but I'm trying to be prepared as much as possible. I want to hear from real women as the midwife tells me how great it is (which I agree) But bit how it feels.
What if I can't do it? Should I buy bottle stuff incase? Thanks for your help

Yes, but as the first poster said, so does labour and we still do that.

After a few weeks you'll be able to do it in your sleep (literally).

You may be lucky, and it may not hurt, but your wallet will if you formula feed.

Ask in the hospital for numbers you can call if you are having probs.

Best of luck to you!

Not everyone finds it hurts - I didn't.

For the first week maybe my nipples were a bit sore when the baby latched, and the letdown was quite a strong tingly feeling for the first couple of months, but that was it. The first time it was really painful was when I got nipple thrush when ds was 1!

No pain here either :)

My mum (who BF three babies until 2 years) advised me to start using the Lansinoh/nipple cream a few weeks before the baby was due. I did this and never really experienced sore or cracked nipples. I personally prefer the Avent cream to Lansinoh, and it is also a bit cheaper.

You can expect to be feeding for many hours a day for the first few weeks, though all babies are different. It is a great excuse to snuggle up with your newborn. Some people are able to BF the baby in a sling, which allows you to be a bit more mobile.

I second other people's suggestions to find a good BF support group, just in case you have any problems. However, BF is a natural thing and you may well find that you manage just fine and have a lovely experience :)

BF also allows you to eat what you like whilst still losing the baby weight, an additional bonus!

The most discomfort I had was from my milk coming in which you would have anyway even if you ff.

I had a slight pain in my right nipple for the first 2 weeks or so when he first latched on for maybe the first 10 seconds. Apart from that no pain.

I used lots of lansinsoh though as I was slightly paranoid about getting cracked nipples so I think this helped as my nipples have had no problems.

I didnt have any backup formula or bottles, I didnt realize people did this as a backup for if they had problems! So as a result we never used formula, but I think we might have a few times if we did have it on hand. I dont know what the outcome would have been if we had, but with hindsight (and since finding mn) Im glad we didnt as it might have stopped me from persevering so much to make him feed regularly and with correct latch etc.

Also I didnt fee the ''let down'' until about a month in. It isnt painful though, just a bit like pins and needles.