Nervous First Time Mom

[Sept29th]

Yeah it only hurts for the first few weeks until your nipples get used to it, then it's the coolest thing ever to know that you give your baby life pretty much it's waesome! My nipples bled for the first couple of days, why is that? I think she was latched wrong and it caused a sore.

[lovin3]

Yea for you for being willing to try breastfeeding. Like the other mom's said, it will likely hurt a bit. Proper latches aren't supposed to hurt past the first few sucks, but I think it takes everyone's nipples a couple weeks to get used to breastfeeding. Improper latch can cause cracking and bleeding. That is horribly painful. My suggestions are to take a breastfeeding class and/or talk to a lactation consultant at the hospital, use lanolin cream to help protect your nipples (it helps them stay soft and the coating helps prevent irritation from clothing and even shower water), and think about investing in a nipple shield. They are inexpensive ($7 or $8, I think), and help if your little one is having difficulty latching (it is a silicone thing that goes over your nipple to protect your nipples during nursing- they still nurse, but it will give you an opportunity to heal if you are cracked or bleeding). You can wean them off it in a few weeks after they get the hang of things. Good luck with everything.

[mommyluv]

hi princess, good for you for wanting to bf your baby. Yes it's true, it does hurt for the first three wks. but it's such a bonding expirience with your baby that it's worth the pain. maybe you'll be one of the lucky ones that may not have any pain at all. never the less, don't give up on breast feeding. if you have to bottle feed your baby for the first few days, thats ok. it will take time for your baby to latch on, but when she finally does, everything will fall in place. (im breast feeding my 3 month old as im typing away)... good luck!!!!! it's a beautiful expirience, you'll see...