Breast feeding question for veteran moms

Lulamae123

I am pregnant with my third. My first I BF for one day and gave up! I was young! Haha. My second I BF for 3 weeks then pumped for 2 months. When the baby latched it hurt! My toes curled and tears came to my eyes! Has anyone heard of ways to prepare your boobs for when the baby comes. I really want to BF again I want to get to the comfortable stage and want to know If there is anything I can do before the baby comes to help!

KKMichie

I am not sure what you can do before hand. I didn't do anything to prepare last time.

With my first it was really helpful to have a lactation consultant visit several times to help With latching. If the baby isn't latched right it will destroy your nipples (trust me I know). I also Went to a breastfeeding clinic several times to help.

For me, the pain lasted for 4 weeks. Yes, excruciating pain every time he latched. Then once he was on well, the pain went away. After 4 weeks we had our routine down and he could latch any way and it no longer hurt. But this took 4 weeks! That is a long time when the baby is eating 10-12 times a day!

My advice is to have a support person there encouraging you and helping keep baby's hands out of the way so you can get a good latch. I always found it was worse for me at night because I was tired and the crying got to me more because of hormones, so my husband was a God send at these times, holding the baby so I could cry and then muster up courage to try to latch again. Also, look into the availability of lactation consultants in your area.

At first I felt ambivalent about breastfeeding, but If you can stick with it, it does become a rewarding experience that I was sad to let go.

Good luck!

Soon2BKimbrough

I am a first time mom but the only advice I received from veteran moms so far is nipple shields. Supposedly they are a life saver.

kladd7182

I'm on my fifth kid, and breastfed the last four. There's no way to prepare your nipples unless you're willing to put them through a cheese grater.

It sounds like baby might not have been latching properly, and that's why it hurt like hell. There is a nipple cream that starts with an L - for some reason spell check won't let me type it in- that's very helpful and soothing.

Also, La Leche League is a wonderful source of breastfeeding support. You can call them toll free, just google the number. Lactation consultants are offered at the hospital we go too, and are covered by our insurance. Another awesome resource.

Another route, is you can buy a nipple shield at Babies R Us, Target places like that. They are not suggested because they don't promote the nipple stimulation from babies mouth to keep producing milk. I used one for my second child, he has latching issues and I noticed I stopped producing when he was 2 months old.

Anyway you go, your nipples need to toughen up, and it will hurt for a little. It should never be God awful pain though. The nipple cream should help, and work wonders in your next go 'round. When you're in the hospital with baby request a nurse or lactation consultant to check on babies latch before leaving, to make sure everything is going smoothly.

mnj05

My supply never came in with DS but I do know that it takes time. We used nipple shields for two weeks only because DS couldn't latch at all without them. They helped but were a pain at times.

Ckorines

Nipple shields and before birth rough up your nipples with a loofa while showering. I breast fed for 2 years.

iandloveandyou1

Soon2BKimbrough said:

I am a first time mom but the only advice I received from veteran moms so far is nipple shields. Supposedly they are a life saver.

Nipple shields can really decrease your supply. I wish I had never tried them. Though, in some cases, they are necessary. Work closely with an lc following your baby's birth. Do a few follow up appointments if necessary.

Ckorines

Haha I did it! My husband thought I was crazy! Some older ladies told me to use a Brillo pad. I opted for the loofa instead!! Brillo pad was way too aggressive for me. Good luck giving those nipples some tough love!

daniellelea1985

Ouch @‌ brillo pad LOL

I transitioned into breastfeeding pretty easily, though I do remember the nips being sore for a few weeks and even cracked at the beginning. Lanolin cream was a life saver..but get a small tube of it! A little goes a looooong way.

o_so_in_love

If you're having pain, have the pediatrician check for latching problems like tongue or lip tie. Even without those issues, BFing can hurt for a while. I nursed my first so for two years. I had pain for the first twelve months.

jesicabrennan

Please don't loofa or Brillo your nipples! I just weaned my 2.5 year old and nursing was pretty painful while pregnant even though we've been doing it for years with no issue. Pregnant boobs are way more sensitive than BF boobs, BFing hurts while pregnant it does not hurt under normal circumstances. There's really nothing you can do beforehand but getting a lactation consultant to monitor baby's latch is really important in the beginning. It hurts like hell for the first few days when baby latches BUT it should not be a continued toe curling pain, as the baby feeds the pain goes away. If the pain does not go away then something is wrong and baby's latch probably needs to be adjusted. Good luck with the 3rd go round I hope you find success!

shay092185

I breastfeed my son for a year. Yall women that want to toughen up your boobs are brave (I would never your body will naturally do it on their own but of course after the baby comes).

You must get a lactation specialist they are a god send. It was not my nipples that hurt but just my whole boob to even touch them I would cry, let alone feeding the baby. It took my milk 4 days to come in and when it did it came in like a flood. BF is a commitment and takes lots of time.

Make sure your hospital has means to support you that wont just give your baby a bottle when you mess up. I had a nurse in the room for every feeding cuz I just felt like I didnt know what I was doing.

Since my milk took so long to come in they hooked up a feeding tube to my boob where the baby was getting formula so he wouldnt starve and I was still doing nipple stimulation.

I had ice packs and heating pads on my boobs pretty much all day. They hurt so the ice would soothe them but then freeze my milk so I would then have to use the heat pad to let it down. This latest for two weeks. I remember having it written down the day I was gonna give up and by the end of that day I was pain free.

I bought all sorts of creams and the thing that worked best was my own breast milk. At the end of each feeding just rub it on your nipple. Also, boobs need sunlight sooo spend at least 30 mins sunbathing (good thing these babies r summer babies!).

I also have a FB breastfeeding support group. Find women in your circle who breastfeed for the long haul and pick there brain.

You will be great! You can do it! Do not give up on yourself.

thequiet2

The initial nipple pain with BF really shouldn't last very long. The first week is the worst but it is so worth it if you can stick it out. BF is such an amazing bonding experience I was kind of sad when my son stopped BF.

Lanolin and comfortable breast pads were a godsend for those first couple of weeks. Unfortunately I ended up getting engorged. I remember having a break down at hid first pediatric apt because my boobs hurt so bad and I was having trouble feeding. They had a lactation specialist who was so great though and with her help I was BF like a pro in no time. Don't be afraid to talk to your dr about it or to ask for help.

dragonladysarkany

2 down...one more to go! Breast fed previous 2..all I can say..hopefully you get good support on being advised on latching. Once you & baby have it figured out, you both will have the,"right", position for both of you. Don't give up...its hardwork, can be painful at times. BUT be prepared to be sitting on couch for at least 3 weeks after birth to master it. There is a nipple cream Lanolin to help moisturize cracked/ dry nipples...cracked nipples are from baby not latching properly. Also if you experience this, don't be alarmed to see blood in your babies spit up...
So...my advice is keep trying..don't give up..the payoff is its the best for baby & you..its very easy to deal feeding baby anywhere & fast...the cost is feeding yourself..Plus once you & baby have it down pat...breastfeeding becomes scheduled.
Warning...get breastpads...the letdown when baby latches on is in both breasts so you will leak...but good news it will decrease as the weeks pass.
Also letdown is felt differently in each women...some barely notice it & others squirm in there seats for a few seconds..it doesnt hurt just a tingling feeling. But that to gets better the further you breast feed!
In the end...for all the discomfort the mother feels the payoff is there...just be patient & take your time!!!

ToAoShesha

Please please please do not prepare your boobs by being rough with them.... you are only creating unnecessary pain and possible damage.

A few things are important, getting a good latch.  Seeing an LC or going to free support groups in your area are a great way to get that.  Secondly, and probably most important is your dedication, and support.  Until your nipples get used to it they are going to be sore and hurt no matter what.  So you have to be dedicated. 

My baby had a hell of a time latching, I saw 4 LC's, and went through so much but I was dedicated.  Set your goal for 3 months.... you may go through a lot in that 3 months, it may come easier.  But by 3 months, you will have it figured out and everything will be okay.

A breastfeeding relationship is amazing and beautiful and something words can't explain.  It is totally worth it if you can stick it out.  But it is so hard at first, psychically and emotionally.

YOU CAN DO IT!

erinnlou

I breastfeed my first for over a year. He had trouble latching at first. We had help from a LC, and about 2 weeks in he really got the hang of it. (I also believe he has a lip tie, but we were able to figure out a good latch without having to clip it.)
Lanolin will be your best friend for cracked nipples. Also, expressing some breastmilk and rubbing it on your nipples really helps as breastmilk is a natural healer.
It is definitely rough in the beginning, but i just recommend trying to tough it out and seeking help froma LC.

Lulamae123

I went to a BF clinic and he was latching good I'm just super sensitive. And wondered if there was a way to help. But I will try to tough it out longer this time hoping I will adjust eventually.

Lulamae123

Ckorines said:

Nipple shields and before birth rough up your nipples with a loofa while showering. I breast fed for 2 years.

I've heard of that from my MIL but thought she might be crazy! I'll have to toughen these boobs up! Haha.

Lulamae123

Ckorines said:

Haha I did it! My husband thought I was crazy! Some older ladies told me to use a Brillo pad. I opted for the loofa instead!! Brillo pad was way too aggressive for me. Good luck giving those nipples some tough love!

Haha! I'll be going to get a loofa next week! Thanks

Lulamae123

I had to google a Brillo pad! Haha. Id like to keep my nipples! I never cracked with my second no visible issues it just hurt like hell! Maybe this baby will go easier on me!

Lulamae123

I never had any latching problems never cracked once. I think it's just sensitive nipples and will have to get through the pain until I adjust! Hopefully I will adjust quicker this time. We have a clinic at the hospital but no one comes to your house! Every person is different and wanted some advice from those who struggled with BF. My sister and SIL are blessed they never had an issue.

smccall3838

I breastfed my DS for 4 1/2 mos. Only hurt the first two days because I lost my lanolin. Your nipples will naturally toughen up. A great source of support is absolutely necessary. Our mothers and grandmothers didn't have to toughen their nipples... make sure to make an appt with your lactation consonant before delivery.

manda82585

I breastfed my daughter for 21 months. My daughter was tongue-tied at birth and let me tell you, it felt like she had teeth when she nursed. She made me bleed after her first time latching. Thank god the lactation consultant I met with the day after she was born noticed this and we were able to have her frenulum clipped that same day. The damage had already been done to my nips at that point and it took at least a month to a month and a half for the excruciating latching pain to stop and my nips to heal. I bought a nipple shield on the way home from the hospital and that was really a lifesaver and helped me heal up quicker. I think a big part of it is just making the commitment and determination to breastfeed. That's what got me through the beginning. I just kept reminding myself of all of the benefits to baby and even to me which helped to stick with it. It is really hard at first because it truly takes over your life. The bond you have with your baby through breastfeeding is so amazing though. Made the tough beginning all worth it.

dnjmommy

The biggest help for me was my mother in teaching me how to get the baby to latch correctly. Even still though, getting started is a little painful, and you just have to do it, IMO.