Is it common for breastfeeding to be sore at first?

Question

How long does the soreness typically last and what are some ways to alleviate the discomfort during breastfeeding?

Answer

Yes! It does get easier. I found the first 3 weeks the hardest and the first 3 days after birth the most difficult of it all. Lanolin cream is amazing and helped keep the chapping and cracking away and you don’t have to wipe and sanitize every time after you feed. I loved using the nipple shields especially during the day when I wasn’t to tired to fiddle with them so then at night my nipples had had a little bit of a break. 
At one month it got much easier and by two months I felt like a seasoned pro. Always remember though it’s up to you how you feed and it’s no one’s business whatever you have to do for your mental health and babies nourishment. I had to quite with my first because I couldn’t take the mental load and with my second I made it to nine months before we both decided she was to busy to sit on the boob. I’m pregnant with number 3 and I intend to formula feed all the way. I have done both and loved both for different reasons and hated both for different reasons. The pain doesn’t last!! Get the cream and shield’s!!

Answer

It is very normal for your nipples to hurt like hell at first. Mine didn’t feel “normal” for 2-3 weeks. Make sure not to wash your nipples with soap and keep aquaphor or some kind of nipple cream on them at all times. Some lactation consultants like to tell women “if baby is latching right it shouldn’t hurt at all in the beginning” and that is NOT TRUE. My babies have both had perfect latches and i still had pain the first couple weeks. But it does go away once your nipples toughen up so hang in there. It’s soooo worth it.

Is it common for breastfeeding to be sore at first?

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