Breastfeeding shouldn't hurt...
It's been driving me crazy lately to see lots of people giving new moms the advice that extreme pain during breastfeeding is normal. It's absolutely not normal. It's so wrong of anyone to give this advice to a new mom.
Sore nipples are usually due to one or both of two causes. Either the baby is not positioned and latched properly, or the baby is not suckling properly, or both. However, babies learn to suck properly by getting milk from the breast when they are latched on well. (They learn by doing). Thus, “suck” problems are often caused by poor latching on. http://www.drjacknewman.com/index.ph...57&Itemi d=87
And let me just say that if you are a mom who is telling other moms this, because it was your experience... well, I'm really sorry that that was your experience. It didn't have to be. But c'mon... let's not perpetuate the pain you dealt with. It'd be kind of like me telling all new moms to expect a low milk supply... that's utter nonsense, most moms will never have to deal with what I've dealt with, thank goodness!
I had nipple pain with Bella, and my latch had been evaluated by two midwives and a pediatrician as "good latch." Here's the thing; if they are not a professionally trained lactation consultant, they don't really know and aren't qualified to evaluate your latch. Now some others have had their latch evaluated by LLL leaders. I love LLL and bless that organization, but leaders are volunteers. They have a lot of information and can be really helpful, but they do not have the training that a professional IBCLC has.
I called a lactation consultant on Bella's fifth day. Both my nipples had scabs on, and every time she latched on I winced, loudly. The pain was indeed toe-curling. The LC came over, watched me latch, and then helped me do it correctly and I will kid you not. It was like magic. The pain literally disappeared. IMMEDIATELY. Not only did the pain go away, but the scabs fell off my nipples within 24 hours! Because if you have proper latch, the babies mouth is not really touching your nipple. The mouth is closed around the aerola, the nipple is deep in the mouth and not getting hit over and over by their tongue or mouth.
One LLL leader I spoke with put it very well; if you were to tap your finger on your desk a thousand times, it would hurt. Anything done with that much repetition, will hurt. So of course, a tongue against a nipple over and over is going to hurt.
So if you're a new mom who is having breastfeeding pain, please please please try to consult with a lactation consultant. LLL can refer you to one. If you can't afford one, definitely consult with LLL and trust their opinion over anything a doctor or midwife would tell you, but a LC would be best. Consider it an investment in the long-term success of your breastfeeding relationship!
A proper latch is crucial to success. This is the key to successful breastfeeding. Unfortunately, too many mothers are being "helped" by people who don’t know what a proper latch is. If you are being told your two day old’s latch is good despite your having very sore nipples, be sceptical, and ask for help from someone else who knows. http://www.drjacknewman.com/index.ph...37&Itemi d=67
Also check out Dr. Newman's videos showing proper latch. I will say though that I watched them over and over and when it came right down to it, I still needed an LC who could grab my boob and shove it in my baby's mouth and say "Like THIS!" It's very hands on!
I hope this helps some moms who are out there and at the end of their sore nipples!