If my nipples are sore now.........

[LDNlady]

......then what happens when bubs gets here and wants to wrap its gums around them several times a day? The first real sign I had that I was pg was sore nips and they have pretty much stayed that way (and got worse) all the way through and I am now 19+2. So, are they going to stay just as sore and if so, how the hell do you manage to breast feed without chewing on a plank of wood to cope with the pain and discomfort?

No ideas about helping now, but from experience, once baby is here, the first day or two are ok. When your milk comes in, your breasts be swollen, but feeding will really really help! Your nipples may become cracked when feeding at first, camillosan cream is marvellous. Millions of people BF, you'll be fine.

The agony of bleeding nipples pretty much stopping me bf. Could have been more determined through the toe curling days until I got leathery old nipples but I wasn't. I expressed instead so doesn't mean no breast milk. The milk mattered more than the feeding - was just as snuggly with the bottle and at lot less miserable. A piece of my nipple came off the shower and that did it for me really.

But my sister in law did it with no problems at all - not even sore so it's not the same for everyone. I wish I'd know how excruciating it can be though - I didn't realise that was actually quite normal and wish I'd been more honestly prepared. Good support (which I lacked) can make a massive difference so not trying to put you off - just saying it can be very painful, but not necessarily and get support lined up before the birth in case you struggle.

Also, give it a good go and if it doesn't work out don't feel you've failed. Plenty of bright, non-allergenic babies on formula so don't panic. Loving your child matters more than anything.

I breastfed both my sons, first for 9 months a d second for 4. Your nipples can be sore for the first few days until they get used to the sucking motion. For me it was breathtakingly painful for the first few seconds and then you relaaaaax into it. There are plenty of creams out there for cracked or sore nipples and nipple protectors. Usually you get past the pain barrier, enjoy a couple of blissful months and then they go and get teeth!

Don't sweat it yet! It's beautiful if you can breastfeed but it is beautiful feeding with a bottle too.

My baby hasn't arrived yet but my colstrum has which has meant my nipples have gone from dry and cracked to feelng quite nice and soft. although they are now huge!

I had terrible, toe curling, pain with first two children and was determined to avoid it with my third. Somebody recommended buying Lansinoh (Boots used to sell it, assume still do and I think the Active Birth website). About 4 weeks before your due date rub in to your nipples at least once a day, think I did once a day for first few weeks and then more regularly in the last few days.
I honestly did not have any pain with the third AT ALL. It may be sheer luck but I am now 28 weeks with my fourth and shall be buying some more this weekend as you have just reminded me!
Worth a try?

Thank you all. For now I have been rubbing in E45 to my nipples as they had been dry and itchy and it's doing a fabulous job on that front. I will go and buy the proper nipple cream a few weeks before I'm due and start using that then. I will just keep my fingers crossed that I'll be one of the lucky ones and that it wont be as toe curling as it can be.

Breastfeeding is painful at the beginning, there's no beating around the bush. But it's by far the best thing for you & the baby, so worth persevering. I recommend slapping on as much Lansinoh cream as you can. And get as much feeding advice from your midwife / health visitor at the beginning to make sure the baby is doing it properly. The pain does go away after a little while!

Hi there,
I wouldn't bother using lansinoh before your baby comes tbh - too much nipple stimulation can bring on early labour iirc.

Main thing is to get the latch right so the baby gets a really big mouthful of your breast. Deffo have a read of kellymom.com for great bfing info and find out where you nearest bf support group is - you can even go along before you give birth to have a chat.

Oh and not sure about the plank of wood, but I've heard of other mnetters biting in to a marshmallow and counting to ten till the pain subsided. Might be a bit tastier than wood.

I second getting feeding advice before the baby is born - very wise as you don't want to be faced with problems when you are tired and feeling crap after labour.

my nipples hurt atrociously during my first pregnany - in the cold.

but actual feeding wasn't that bad after the inital two/ three days.

I'd not worry about nipple stimulation bringing on early labour. If it worked that well then induction would be much more enjoyable

The colostrum and/or breastmilk is meant to be very good for soothing sore/cracked nipples.

Mine hurt loads when pregnant, even in labour. They were worse when I was cold and when I was shivering in labour the pain from my nipples was really bothering me so I had paracetamol for it. It must have disappeared the second I gave birth as I've had no problems since.

I'm 16+5 and mine hurt too, they're itchy and really tender but I don't think that means they necessarily will be when the baby arrives, I hope not anyway! I've read it's to do with hormones .etc & obviously the changes in your boobs, hoping yours (& mine) soothe soon. I've found putting a cold water bottle against mine soothe them quite a lot, hope this helps.

Lansinoh cream all the way! Grin and bare it and I promise you, it won't be long before it feels marvellous!