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Infant feeding

Get advice and support with infant feeding from other users here.

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Original poster

Am getting nervous about bf need help please!!

15 replies

pinkbump27 · 13/05/2007 20:43

Hello, I am 25+2 weeks and am starting to get nervous about bf when lo is born, it is something I really want to do but concerned as I have always had really sensitive nipples, so much so, that I cringe to touch them myself and tense up if think dh is getting too close. Sorry if tmi info but I am really worried that this is going to stop me from being able to bf and could do with some advice if anyone else has had this problem or knows what I can do to get over it.

OP posts:

whomovedmychocolate · 13/05/2007 20:45

I had a bad relationship with my nipples prebaby too - I hated them being touched, didn't find it remotely nice. But breastfeeding is different - you feel a sense of awe that this little child - your baby - is suckling away and getting nourishment from you. Seriously you will get over this very very quickly.

stressteddy · 13/05/2007 20:45

Try not to worry, if it happens it happens

There is a lot of pressure to bf but you can at least give it a go

Buy some nipple shields in before you give birth. They may stop some of the sensitivity and they are also brill for when it all gets sore (which will invariably happen)

Best of luck darling and congrats on your impending birth

elsieanjoanne · 13/05/2007 20:50

the baby will take in your boob as well as nipple if it just the nipple baby not latched on right! i dont like milk i cant drink it makes me sick, i managed to bf for 6weeks i struggled those six weeks as the smell was making me feel sick! felt like such a failure but now i realise i tried to do it my dd now healthy an nearly one! i think if its what you want to do do it but if you cant you tried an thats whats best for you an baby! you will find you will be offered breastfeeding classes from mw, you can also get nipple sheilds which help if your niples are sore to enable feeding these may help! good luck

whomovedmychocolate · 13/05/2007 21:04

Your nipples don't have to get sore btw if you attach correctly. Mine didn't and I didn't use nipple shields either.

maxbear · 13/05/2007 21:06

I have been lucky to never have cracked nipples or anything although they do get sensitive because ds seems to have the suction of a hoover. Talk to your midwife about it, they are not all scarey and horrible.

djsparky · 13/05/2007 21:08

I totally agree with "whomovedmychocolate" I too didn't really rate my nips prebaby. I found bf to be a totally enjoyable, relaxing and nonding experience. Getting started was quite tough but I really think the reason it was tough was all in my head. I was a bit worried the baby was not getting enough to eat - despite weight gain and a happy baby! I think there is so much fear for women about bf....cracked nipples, saggy tits etc etc. My boobs were a 32f before I bf and they are totally fine. Nips are more sensitive now but in a good way. Do what feels right for you and hopefully you will also enjoy the whole experience. Bottle feeding when you get to that is also a nice feeling as you get to watch your babies eyes

Kathyis6incheshigh · 13/05/2007 21:11

Nipple shields can cause problems with milk supply, so if you do use them you might want to discuss with a hv. I used them myself with no probs but thought I ought to mention it just so you are aware!

chocolatekimmy · 13/05/2007 21:31

Its a very different sensation to how they are 'used/handled' in sexual relations so you won't actually know until you try but it certainly does feel different.

It is also very emotional with regard to how it makes you feel, being soley responsible for the growth and nutrition of the baby and the closeness/comfort you will both feel.

Great idea to ask for some views about it in advance, maybe contact La Leche or NCT expert to talk it through to put your mind at rest too.

Finally, bf can be extremely hard work. Baby has to learn what to do, you may be tired and tearful and it can take weeks to get the knack and really settle. In addition there is potentially sore nipples, mastitis and thrush. But, if you do manage its the most wonderful thing.

I don't want to put you off with that last bit as many people just master it from day one with ease and no problems but I personally don't think enough information is out there about the barriers you may face so when they occur, women can be made to feel a failure if it doesn't go well for them as there seems to be an expectation that it will be fine and issue free.

Malaleche · 13/05/2007 21:36

read up on bf as much as you can, i think the more info you have the more convinced and prepared you will be. It can be uncomfortable at first, perservere and if you have real trouble get professional help! In fact find professional help now and then you'll know where to turn if you have problems later. I found it easy the first time round and harder the second, so experience doesnt always help, good luck.

Muminfife · 13/05/2007 21:52

This reply has been deleted

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Original poster

pinkbump27 · 14/05/2007 12:49

Thanks for all your advice everyone I suppose am finding it hard to imagine what having baby will be like as this is my first. There does seem to be alot of pressure to bf and I am determined to give it a go because at least then i've tried!

OP posts:

theUrbanDryad · 14/05/2007 13:11

get some Lansinoh in. is very expensive but well worth it for when you have sore nips. also, try not to fret too much - easier said than done i know - but i found a healthy "If i can i can and if i don't i don't" attitude towards bf-ing in the beginning helped me not be too uptight about it.

good luck and congratulations!!

BabiesEverywhere · 06/06/2007 08:08

Another breastfeeding mum who hates my nipples being messed with.

I felt the same as you pre-baby and I worried as I really wanted to breastfeed, as I knew it was the best thing for my DD.

I had bad latches at first and the first month of breastfeeding was very painful with cracked nipples etc but when we got the hang of it there was no more pain and now I love feeding my DD.

HTH

Katy44 · 06/06/2007 08:18

pinkbump I had exactly the same worries before DS was born, I'm fair haired and skin and have really sensitive nipples, made me cringe if they were touched. I've been bf-inf for 5 weeks with absolutely no problems, no soreness (apart from a blocked milk duct for half a day), no cracks, nothing. I know I've been lucky but I just wanted to say that it can all work out.
I heard recommendations to "toughen up" your nipples before the birth by rubbing them with a towel - I couldn't bring myself to do that and still wouldn't - it sounds painful!!
Agree with what everyone else said about reading up as much as you can before the birth, even if you feel like you're reading the same stuff over and over it makes it more likely that you'll remember it when tired and worried.

Katy44 · 06/06/2007 08:20

Didn't mean to end that on such a miserable note! Hopefully you won't be worried at all.
Practically, have you bought a pump? Could you have a quick go on that to see what it will be like? IME the pump's "sucking" is a lot less pleasant than your baby's.

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