Is breastfeeding painful?

Question

I'm 31weeks with my first, so I haven't experienced this just yet.  I do plan on exclusively breastfeeding as much as possible, but I have a lot of anxiety based on what other mothers have said. From what I've read/watched, breastfeeding isn't supposed to be painful. If it is, it's due to an improper latch. But I keep coming across stories where women give up because of the pain or say they just had to grit their teeth and bear it. Of course, I would like to avoid pain if I can, so my question is how was/is your breastfeeding experience? Does it always hurt at first? What other things can you do to prepare your nipples for the constant use?

Answer

I've been ebf for 3 months now. Only time I've had pain was when I had a clogged duct. Otherwise it's been a breeze ;) I was scared I was going to be able to breastfeed but I think we all need to give our bodies and babies more credit :) best of luck to you!

Answer

I had no pain. He latched right away. And I didn't get chapped. Guess I was lucky! If you're nervous I would take a breastfeeding class.

Answer

in my experience it doesn't always hurt. for some reason only my left nipple hurts when feeding. I don't know why. maybe she holds it differently in her mouth. I don't know. but when that happens I stick my finger in her mouth to get her to release and readjust until it gets better. it can be time consuming. sometime it takes my babe around an hour to eat. if you find it too painful get yourself a pump and then feed her your milk through a bottle. that way she will still get your milk and you won't be in so much pain. I'd also recommend getting lanolin nipple cream. it will be your BFF.

Answer

Thankfully I didn't have too much pain. There were a lot of frustrations in the beginning with learning how to latch. the constant feedings in the beginning and when  you're the only one that can feed the baby, it can get so overwhelming and exhausting. But after a couple months it becomes second nature and levels out a lot and it's so worth it! There are a lot of horror stories but that's just what you hear most, I think most people have a pretty decent experience. It IS hard like no matter what in the beginning, but knowing that it gets better will hopefully help you get through it! It's better for baby and so much cheaper! Give it a fair shot but if it doesn't work out and you end up formula feeding, there's nothing wrong with that at all!

Answer

I am pregnant with my 3rd I breastfed both of my babies and going to with this one also. During my last few weeks I put lanolin on a couple of times a day and after I had baby I used it after every time I nursed I had no pain at all.

Answer

It's painful for a couple weeks. Your nipples get cracked. But that's what hurts.

Answer

Just had baby number 3, 3 weeks ago. I breastfed my first 2 for a year each and will also with my 3rd. Even being an experienced breatfeeder, the first week with number 3 sucked. I cried through some latchings. Use the lactation consultants at the hospital and don't be afraid to ask for help or advice. Once baby learns to latch, it doesn't hurt until they get teeth and try to bite you. You can do it momma. You can always ask for or bring a nipple shield to the his ports which I've heard helps not have any pain..

Answer

Here's my experiance with my first. The first few weeks was absolute hell. Between the pain and constant feeding I was spent. I can totally see why women throw the towel in. She was latching well but it just effing hurt....but I stuck with it (exclusively) and by about week 5 it was better and about week 10 was perfect. Some experts dont love them but a nipple shield (which I introduced around 10days) was a life saver. Ive already bought one for baby #2. I used it with every session and eventually weened off it (super painful for about 4 days) around 3-4months.

I grew to love breastfeeding. We stuck with it for 14months when she self weened as I'd been back ro work about 2 months at this point. I cried when i knew she was doing her last few feeds...i could just tell she was done. It's an experience I wouldn't trade and so glad i stuck with it.

Jack newman, Nancy holtzman and kelly mom are amazing resources.

For the record I've had more than one friend who took to breastfeeding.with zero.issues at all so its possible to have little to no discomfort as well.

Good luck!

Answer

Following.

Is breastfeeding painful?

Let's Glow!

The Top Baby Tracker App: Embrace New Beginnings with Tender Care

The Top Fertility Tracker App: Your Path to Achieving Pregnancy

The Top Pregnancy App: Nurturing Your Journey to Motherhood

The Top Period Tracker for Empowering Your Menstrual Health Journey