I am a first time mom too. I was told by my friends who all have kids that I can prep my nipples before the baby comes. They said to have DH play with them and suck on them like the baby would and that would toughen them up. Also going with out a bra on helps. I do it at night once in my pjs for the night. But I think the whole thing with the DH is just to have a bit of fun....lol. But they never had any problems BFing the babys. It might be worth a try.
"Oh my nerves are rubbed right raw!"
PINKSKITTLE
Posts: 4422
10/2/06 8:15 P
Hi may mommy here. It hurt when i got a bad latch. Get as much help as you can from the nurses in the hospital. You do not want to get sore nipples. Use Lansinoh, It's awsome for chapped nipples. the first few weeks may be hard, but let me tell you that it is awsome after that! I have EBF my son for almost five months...when i get tired now, i just lay down, latch him on, and go back to sleep...hahaha...can YOU do that with a BOTTLE? there is no steralizing, no washing, it's free and awsome and i highly recommend it! Good luck and if it gets hard, stick with it, it will get better!
Gavin - May 10, 2006 - 8 lbs 4.5 oz
Sawyer - July 4, 2008 - 7 lbs 15 oz
Knox and Remi - May 27, 2010 - both exactly 5 lbs 15.8 oz and 18 inches long! Perfect!
JESSIKAKAY
Posts: 2388
10/2/06 3:18 P
Just get Dh to do it for a few minutes. Mine hurt a good amount after that. I can imagine the more you do it though the less it hurts.
-Jessika-
Baby Brielle was born December 2, 2006 weighing in at 6lbs 6 oz and 21 inches long. SHe is beautiful.
MOMTEE
Posts: 828
10/2/06 3:16 P
Thanks a bunch. I was off line this weekend but when I read your posts this afternoon they helped me feel more confident that I can do it. I really want to do the best thing for my baby so one or two uncomfortable weeks is OK with me. Thanks again!
God hears our prayers...even when they are silent.
Alainah Katherine-Marie
Born healthy and happy 12/1/06
7 lbs. 7 oz.
What a blessing!
CLAIREG28
Posts: 2450
10/1/06 10:10 A
The first 2 weeks are the hardest as you are learning what to do, my nipples were really sore but i used a nipple sheild and the were a real great help. After that everything was fine. Everyone has different ways of dealing with breastfeeding, you will find your own.
Claire.
***MOMFIA***
where the fun begins
NOTSOMUCH
Posts: 362
9/30/06 8:29 P
I remember the pain VAIGLY. It seems to go so slow at first, but like everybody says, stick with it. I was obsessed with my lactation consultant. I buzzed her constantly. And then, when I got home, I called so much. Think of it this way, the LC is an advocate, and she'll do what it takes to make sure you're breastfeeding.
Breastfeeding doesn't hurt as much as labor. Oh yeah! My LC told me to rub breast milk (which is said to have minor healing capabilities) on my nipples every hour which won't be hard. I don't know if it was a coincidence or not, but it seemed to help. I loved breastfeeding. There's this bond that is mmm. Good luck.
JILLRK
Posts: 221
9/30/06 7:48 P
Poomcfly is absolutely right. This will be my fourth. I breastfed each of the other three for well over a year. For me, it hurt for the first couple of weeks every time -- but it did get better and was well worth it.
Do not assume that just because you are hurting you are "doing it wrong" -- I've had people say that. IMHO, it's just not true. Some people are just more sensitive, and saying something like that doesn't help the situation. You should certainly talk to an expert if you are uncertain about some aspect of BF, but you shouldn't give up (as one of my friends did) because you get the impression that it is "too hard." It isn't rocket science. Babies and moms have done this for thousands of years. You CAN do this.
IT'S ANOTHER BOY!!!!
POOMCFLY
Posts: 1746
9/30/06 7:15 P
Don't let people scare you with their breast feeding horror stories. Yet alone with their birthing horror stories...yeesh.
Everyones experiecne is different. Don't be scared or give up until you have experienced it for yourself. Yes, I agree with alot of girls here, breast feeding does hurt at first...but it's the best nutrition you can give your baby...it's full of anti-bodies and everything your baby needs to survive...I'm sure a few weeks sacrefice of a little pain isn't going to kill you...that's what being a mom is all about.
Evangeline Alexis born November 21, 2006...7lbs 13oz.
Being unwanted, unloved, uncared for, forgotten by everybody, I think that is a much greater hunger, a much greater poverty than the person who has nothing to eat.
MHMACLEAN
Posts: 61
9/30/06 12:00 A
My dd caught on very quickly & it never actually hurt (until she got teeth, but she also learned very quickly that if she bit, she went hungry!).
Mary Helen
EDD 12/9/06
CREATIVEMOMMY
Posts: 3225
9/29/06 11:31 P
I agree with everyone else that the first two weeks can be the hardest because your nipples are tender and not used to it, especially with the first one. The key is proper latch-on so definately get a consultant to observe and help with this, it is very important. If your baby isn't latching on properly it is a different pain than just sore nipples (almost like being bit). Bear in mind that latch on can be hard when your milk comes in and you become engorged, but keep plugging away and nurse a lot. With my 3rd I got mastitis and didn't know it for about a week, should have guessed since engorgement usually only lasts 1-2 days and then gets better. The first week can be rough just ask for help, don't try to brave it alone. I got a video from my library, about nursing, before my twins were born and studied over and over exactly what it looked like for the baby to be properly latched on and this made a huge difference for me.
“It does not take a majority to prevail ... but rather an irate, tireless minority, keen on setting brushfires of freedom in the minds of men.”
Samuel Adams
TIGGERIFFIC
Posts: 2991
9/29/06 9:55 P
The only thing that I recall that would classify as actually hurting was my nipples for about the first two weeks. I think they were chapped or just sore from all the action. I tried the Lanolin and it seemed to help a little. After the first 2 weeks though, it was smooth sailing.
Faith angel baby 5/25/2002
Mom to a sweetie named Evelyn, 3
Second one is coming on or around 12/12/2006
U/S Pic is at 11 wks 3 days
TIGGERIFFIC
Posts: 2991
9/29/06 9:54 P
The only thing that I recall that would classify as actually hurting was my nipples for about the first two weeks. I think they were chapped or just sore from all the action. I tried the Lanolin and it seemed to help a little. After the first 2 weeks though, it was smooth sailing.
Faith angel baby 5/25/2002
Mom to a sweetie named Evelyn, 3
Second one is coming on or around 12/12/2006
U/S Pic is at 11 wks 3 days
QUEENBEEOFTHREE
Posts: 1024
9/29/06 3:27 P
The other uncomfortable part is that your uterus contracts during breastfeeding. It certainly isn't unbearable, just something to be aware of. I agree with the previous posters that breastfeeding is definitely worth whatever it takes. After the first few weeks, if you are doing it properly, you won't even notice the discomfort anymore. Good luck, ladies!
Edited by: QUEENBEEOFTHREE at: 9/29/2006 (15:29)
TWINSMOM BabyPoints:4945
Posts: 2401
9/29/06 3:22 P
Honestly for me, the actual breastfeeding part didn't hurt unless the baby latched on wrong. You can fix that by helping them get more into their mouth. When you get engorged that is uncomfortable but you can just feed the baby and get relief. I thought pumping was painful and didn't work well at all for me. Don't worry a bout the bf-ing--it you try to relax and just let it happen, it is a really great bonding experience. I nursed two kids for a year each and am going to try to with the twins too.
JAKIGOSCH BabyPoints:23268
Posts: 1825
9/29/06 3:16 P
When your milk lets down it can feel like pins and needles or nothing at all. I was the lucky one that had the pins and needles feeling for let down. But it only lasts a second and it wasn't that bad. Breastfeeding your baby is definitely worth anything that nature throws your way!
We are very excited about adding onto our family.
MOMMYLAWYER
Posts: 5502
9/29/06 12:46 P
It only hurts if you're doing it incorrectly. There should be a lactation consultant at your hospital. If not, find the La Leche League website and they can get you in touch with someone in your area.
As far as the hurting goes...with my daughter (my firstborn) it only hurt if my breasts became engorged with milk - that can be remedied by making sure you feed or pump often enough. With my son, he wasn't latching correctly, so after about a week, my breasts became EXTREMELY sore - so much so that I cringed every time he ate. But, with the help of a lactation nurse, I figured out the latch problem and my breasts were fine in a couple of days.
Yes, you will go through a phase where your breasts are tender, but it's worth it to grin and bear it. I successfully breastfed both of my children for 15 months each - and plan on doing the same with number 3. If you have any other questions about the whole breastfeeding process, I'll be happy to answer them. Just send me a Mommy Mail! Good luck (and don't be afraid)!
~Angela
I'm a home-birthing, breastfeeding, co-sleeping, baby-wearing, attachment parenting, home schooling mommy! [And part-time divorce/custody attorney.]
MOMTEE
Posts: 828
9/29/06 12:30 P
I was talking to some ladies at work and two out of three of them admitted that they gave up breast feeding after like a week or so. Honestly, babyfitters, I am more scared of breastfeeding than labor and delivery. At least I know that I can have an epidural if the pain gets too intense. What do I do with a baby knawing on my breasts? I know that it is good for the baby and I will probably just pump instead of give up but what happens if I just need to whip them out and nothing is pumped? I hear that you are sore for a while. What's the deal?
God hears our prayers...even when they are silent.
Alainah Katherine-Marie
Born healthy and happy 12/1/06
7 lbs. 7 oz.
What a blessing!
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