How long before my poor nips toughen up?

[liath]

Ds is 2 weeks old and BF going reasonably well so I am very chuffed as it was a disaster last time & I gave up at 6 weeks . However my nipples are still sore & sensitive - the first few seconds of the feed are pretty toe-curling but comfortable after that. Have had lots of help with the latch & although they got a bit damaged the nipples are healing and I'm slathering on lansinoh.

How long does this phase last in people's experience? When do my poor nips get all hardened off?

Cheers!

I found BF got lots easier after 6 weeks. But then my DS had tongue tie. I've heard people say similar. After that, for me BF was a real pleasure.

sooner than that for me I think. Hideous for about 3 weeks I think and then fine. Not long now!

Liath - are you sure it's your nips and not your letdown?

For some reason i have a painful letdown this time - don't recall it last time

Thanks! It's definitely the nips, TB - I get painful letdown too (lucky me!).

Hopefully not too long to go, then.

By 9 weeks it didn't hurt any more. You're doing a fab job so keep on going soon you'll love it! ds 7 months now and I'm so glad I persevered through the hard bit. doesn't even hurt if he chews on one now lol - not that I let him keep on doing it. ds1 went onto bottles at 7 weeks so I am really pleased with myself too. The leaking and engorgement have calmed down now too, I can go 12 hours without a feed on one boob now.

Liath

I used some lansinoh and it worked brilliantly - I was pretty skeptical of it but can wholly recommend it to sort your nips out. My midwife gave me a sachet for free - think it is quite expensive to buy but would buy a zillion tubes now!

My letdown is pretty strong this time - have to make sure breastpads are well positioned