Does breast feeding always hurt ?

Hulahoopz

With my first child - he couldn't latch. My second child could but it was so excruciating I had to stop. Is it normal to be so painful or was something not right. I would like to bf my baby to be when she is born in May but I am scared :-/

MomIn2013

From what I remember, it was only a bit painful for the first few weeks. Since DS was a couple of months old for sure it hasn't hurt at all. If you have trouble, check with a lactation consultant in your area, as it might be painful because of an improper latch. It's worth checking into, because it gets so much easier later, it's worth putting the effort in early on.

barista411

The first couple weeks were uncomfortable but after my nipples had time I adjust it didn't hurt anymore. If it does hurt you can meet with a LC and see if LO is latched properly or if there are other issues like tongue tie.

SweetPeaK26

I had troubles with number 1, so couldn't. Dd2 was toe curling, make me sick to my stomach, painful for 6 whole months. I had the same pain after sheild weaning dd3, no visual signs of thrush and a correct latch. I treated thrush (physical feeling of thrush) with that violet stuff and had been pain free for 2 months now!!

TheBorg7of9

It's normal for the initial latch to be very painful. I count to 20 and if it is still painful i remove him and try latching again. I bookmarked this page with ideas how to help.
https://forums.thebump.com/discussion/12195680/oh-dear-lord-the-pain#latest

Carnation77

The first 3 week were especially painful for me but everyone's different.  It does get better, you just have to stick with it and refuse to give up.  BF is not easy - especially in the beginning.  I hope it works out better for you this time!

ILMomma

The first 2 weeks were very painful. After that, the initial latch hurt but the rest of the feeding was fine. Once I got to 2 months I had absolutely no pain.

linzeek44

Since tongue ties can run in families, maybe get that looked at (by multiple people since posterior ones can go unnoticed by pedis or LCs). 

I'd say initial pain is common (poor latch, tongue tie, tight jaw, nipple wounds) but I wouldn't say pain is normal. Breastfeeding with a good latch feels like a slight tug- not painful at all. I used to doze off nursing all the time. We didn't have any initial pain though, so you could be lucky as well. 

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Coconuthead

The first three weeks were extremely painful and I had to grit my teeth and bear it....I wanted to quit countless times. It started getting better though after three weeks and by 7 or 8 weeks it was completely painless.

Some things that helped with the pain:

Lanolin on my nipples before and after feeding
Going topless at home
dampening and freezing my nursing pads
Hot showers

Good luck!