DON'T GIVE UP LADIES!
Everything you have read about the first couple weeks of breastfeeding totally sucking is so true. It is also true that it gets better (I didn't believe it)! I was so close to giving up but once I made it past the 3rd week it was cake. Instead of counting the weeks by how old my baby is, I was counting how many weeks I survived breastfeeding. Now going on 5 weeks, I have no pain or discomfort and can actually bond with my baby. Before, I cursed, cried, and clenched my teeth when he latched on. I read so many blogs and posts and I finally found what works for me. These tips were my saving grace, so I am passing along my advice to get through the first few weeks:
#1 rule: make sure you are getting a good latch. Make a nipple sandwich and scoop into baby's mouth. Watch videos on YouTube on how to do this.
*Count backwards from 10 (it helps distract you from the pain) & if you still have the toe-curling pain when you get to 10, unlatch and try again
*ALWAYS break latch with your finger in the corner of baby's mouth (I didn't know this at first---ouch!ouch!ouch!)
*Use lanolin--- First, express a little milk and rub it on your nipples, let dry then apply the lanolin. It is safe for baby so use it before and after every feed. If you are pumping apply before! --If you don't have lanolin with you, always express some milk on your nipple before baby latches on (helps lubricate it a bit)
*Keep a glass of water near you & have a distraction. TV, book, cell phone, iPad, whatever will help distract you from the discomfort. You will have plenty of time to bond and focus on your baby once you get past this miserable phase.
*Lastly, if you are still having trouble (especially with getting a good latch) see a lactation consultant. I was fortunate enough to have a fellow nurse I work with help me with my latch when she came to visit the baby.
Good Luck & hang in there! You are awesome for sticking it out for your baby! (I've also lost all my pregnancy weight breastfeeding-woot,woot! Perks for momma too! ;) )
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