Sorry - probably been asked hundreds of times before, but how long until my nipples are used to BF?

[fettleandbabyfettle]

Tried searching for a relevant thread, but just want to know how long the initial pain of sore nipples should last after starting breast-feeding.

DS (5 days old) has suckled vigourously since birth, especially during the first few days when there wasn't much milk - now there is, I'm in pain from that, as he now doesn't feed as often, but I can cope with that!!

What I want to know is how long it will take for my nipples to harden up and cope - it is only painful for the first few seconds, so I'm assuming the latch is ok, it is just the initial sucks that hurt (although he is a minx and pulls his head back and only sucks on the nipple at times, but I immediately stop then and try relatching).

I do have rather large breasts and nipples, so wonder if his little mouth isn't big enough for very much areola with the nipple and that may be causing the pain.

any advice? Will definitely be trying to find this lasinoh stuff that has been mentioned on threads tomorrow!

TIA

xxx

Meant to say, how many days rather than how long into each feed!!

Definitely use Lansinoh! I think it was about 6 weeks before I could bf without discomfort. If in doubt definitely get a bf counsellor to check your positioning, mine shifted ds about an inch to the side and it made a huge difference.

fettle I have a virtually unused tube of lansinoh that you can have for £5 including p&p if you like. I bought it, then used it about 3/4 times (forgot to use it before most feeds as recommended) and then eventually my nipples sorted themselves out (although it would have been much quicker had I remembered to use my rather expensive purchase ).

I remember things got much better from the sore nips point of view at 3 weeks. Lansinoh was a Godsend.

It was a toe curling experience for me on initial latches, cannot remember when nips, let alone toes sorted themselves out, it'll pass though!

After a feed try letting your nips air. Even 10mins after a feed is better than nowt. You might remember to put bra/pads back on when your t-shirt is wet!!!

Air time really helped me! Good luck with the bf & congrats on your newborn!

From memory about 3 - 4 weeks. Keep them aired, rub a bit of your own milk on them straight after feeds and use tons of Lansinoh. I remember having to try not to dig my nails into ds2 when he latched on in the first few weeks!

if you mean the sticking of pins sensation when the baby first latches on that stopped with me at about 6 wks it lessened everyday from about 3 wks. This was my 3rd and it is normal to get that sensation

but it was never ever due to cracked or outwardly sore nips in ym case... my nips are as tough as old boots and they still tingled!

Thanks everyone - makes me at least feel normal!!

Airing my nips all the time, but then the weight of the boobs drags me to the floor!!!

At least, i should be pleased he is feeding so well!!!

hello fettle and congrats on your baby. i had terrible latch probs for a very long time, which caused much pain and injury. while it doesn't sound as though yours is as bad i think it is worth getting it checked in case, it might be really easy to fix. (mine was caused by large bosom / small baby mouth). do you have helpline numbers?

fishie - think that my problem - wwas it solvable? On verge of expressing and moving to bottles as he just won't open mouth wide enough and i haven't enough hands to force him!!!

thanks for your advice
xxx

I'd check your latch as you shouldn't be in pain at all when you feed as the baby shouldn't be sucking on your nipples but should be on your breast.

Is it your nipples that hurt or could it be the let down sensation? I have a strong let down and for the first few months it was very strong and felt painful.

Just one point about Lansinoh. My HV arranged for this to be prescribed for me, so need to make it an expensive purchase. I can now just phone the surgery for a repeat whenever I want. It's about £10 a tube, so well worth maing the most of free prescriptions

For me, between 2-4weeks before settled down. One took a bit longer. Most were the 2weeks. First week at least was excruciating with all 9 of my babies.

It took about 4 weeks until it was completely painless for me, but the worst pain lasted only 2 weeks.

9 babies!! Fantastic!!

thanks again for all your responses - i did actually manage a feed today without squealing in pain for the first couple of seconds! But last night, I just couldn't face putting myself through the pain again and very nearly gave up breast-feeding, but I perservered - I so loved feeding my daughter, but DS seems so much more vigourous, shall we say?!

It's good to know that others have gone through this and that it will pass - I'd feel such a failure if I had to give up due to this pain.

Keep going fettle. It should get easier very soon.