Painful nipples

[batfuttocks]

So, oh experienced breast feeders: when does this get better?

My latch is "textbook" according to a la leche LC and babies satified after feeds, has regained birthweight etc. apparently my nipples are prominent and ds may just need to grow a bigger mouth for my nipples to sop being pinched during a feed.

The pain varies from feed to feed, sometimes just with the initial latch and let down. Latterly on one side it's pinching pain all the way through.

Give me some sort of time frame to aim at! It's getting me den tat I can't make it better but it makes me dread each feed.

Den tat? Getting me down that...

Even the perfect latch can be out by a millimetre or two from time to time, and that can make a huge difference.

Depending on your skin, it can take 2 or 3 weeks for your nipples to toughen up, but after that, if your latch is good you shouldn't feel any discomfort apart from a prickly let down.

It's a learning process for you both if you gently unlatch using your little finger and reposition slightly until it feels right your baby will soon get the message and latch better each time too.

If this persists and doesn't get more comfortable, despite latch looking perfect from the outside, it could be a sign of a tongue tie.

Don't be afraid to keep asking for help. Some (lucky) ladies get all their latching issues sorted in one trip to a breastfeeding group, most people need more support than that.

Keep going back, or contact BfN or NCT via their helplines. They often have people in your area who can visit you at home, or they will invite you to them. It's free and such a comfort in the early days.

You may get conflicting advice - unfortunately there's no one fix to suit all, but if you keep trying different positions, something will click.

Good luck x