Does breastfeeding always hurt?

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No judgement about no BF please.

I am considering trying for the benefit of the baby but not pushing myself because I read lots about it being painful and quite frankly I think pregnancy and birth is enough. It would be great to share the responsibility of feeding with DH and have the tiniest bit of freedom by not being the feeding machine.

Not sure if formula is an alternative or if I have scared myself about breastfeeding.

This is what I'm really worried about. I'm currently 5 months pregnant with my third. Had a horrible experience with the first which put me off because it was painful, and I was very young. With the second I was too scared so bottlefed, but in hindsight, I would have probably found it much easier with the second because i was full of milk. This time I really want to try for the babies sake because both of mine so far have struggled on formula, and had colic and reflux problems. My nipples are really sore all the time at the moment though, so I'm really worried i won't be able to do it again.

I breastfed both children and was expecting loads of pain, I heard stories about cracked nipples and bleeding and was really worried. But when it came down to it both babies took to it quickly and latched really easily.
I had a bf consultant at the hospital (not in the uk) and she said it hurts when the latch isn't correct and that women don't get the level of support that they need in the uk (she was English and had trained in the uk).

See for me it hurt, my baby would only latch onto one nipple for sone reason and this nipple was cracked and bleeding and ju St sore and in the end I dreaded her crying due to hunger so I gave up. It was not a pleasant experience for me and I'm too scared to even try again in this pregnancy. Makes me sad reading about all the women who could or were able to struggle on and I just couldn't but really however you feed as long as your happy that's what is important I guess xx

there has been only 2 occasions I have found it painful and I've been feeding baby for 10 months. the first was about a week after she was born, one nipple got really chafed and shredded (it was horrible) but nothing a bit of cream couldnt sort. the second time was when she first started cutting her teeth and she didnt adjust her latch - her tooth cut me quite badly. went on for about a week, I had to use a waterproof plaster. these are things you potentially wont run into though.

My little one is 9 weeks and I've never felt any pain with her. Just give it a go and see :) if it hurts stop if if doesnt carry on. I wasnt and still arent fussed about breastfeeding but just doing it as easier! X

I assumed I would find it hard, but it was an absolute breeze - no pain, no issues at all.

I found my nipples got a bit sore for the first few weeks but my son’s latch wasn’t great. It got so much easier as time went on.

I nearly gave up a couple of times at the start but set myself the goal of getting to 6 weeks. However it got so easy and I enjoyed it so much that I’m still giving a bedtime feed at 21 months which is not something I ever thought I’d be doing.

Wow! I really appreciate these replies. Feel more positive about giving it ago rather than sort of doing that out of obligation but a real try.

Thanks everyone xx

I haven't read TFT, so sorry if I'm repeating what's already been said.....but the secret to a comfortable feed is a nice, deep latch. If you feel pain whilst feeding (after the initial 'ow' sensation of the baby latching on, it's best to take baby off and start again. You can experiment with different positions to find one that helps baby to latch more deeply. Laidback breastfeeding (otherwise known as biological nurturing) is a great way to start. Gravity helps baby latch on even more deeply. It's worth a Google!

Your breasts can feel quite tender/sensitive in the first few weeks, but once you've cracked the feeding, your supply will regulate and will feel normal again.

I'm glad these posts have helped OP. I was in two what's app groups for babies due at same time as mine and I think of eleven or so all but one breastfed (the one that didn't did for a while but her son had a tongue tie and it was really tricky) and although we encountered some problems early on (I think I mentioned my mastitis) everyone found it really convenient after that so I promise it's not always awful (but that isn't to undermine women for whom it is as I don't doubt it sometimes absolutely can be)

I'm due soon with DC2 and dreamt last night that I just could not get DC2 to latch and that he was born with a mouth full of teeth and I was terrified 🤣 I think this thread must have prompted it!