question for you

sarahandeddiejune212008

Hi ladies.  I am currently ttc, but thinking ahead to when we finally have our baby.  I really want to bf, but everyone keeps telling me how bad it hurts.  I'm sure it feels strange and maybe uncomfortable at first, but does it hurt that bad?  If it hurts in the beginning does the pain lessen over time?  Just trying to prepare myself for the future!  TIA

anna7602

It can be a little uncomfortable at first, but it never felt strange for me. In fact, it felt very natural. I would recommend making sure the hospital where you deliver helps you from the beginning with getting a good latch (a bad latch can cause A LOT of pain) and also making sure you buy some Lansinoh cream to prevent dry, cracked nipples.

I've been BFing for 14 months now and the initial discomfort while my body got used to it is a very distant memory.

huxtable

Nips were only tender the first few seconds of the latch at first, but after about 2-3 weeks, they didn't hurt at all.  I would not let such little tenderness interfere with your desire to BF....as PP said, it is a distant memory and SO well worth it.

EmilyBowes

i think the trick is just to stick with it. i used SO much lansinoh cream and breast pads the first three weeks and then after that i didn't need them at all (well, now i need the pads for leakage!). it is really worth it, even the sleep deprivation (my son is 6 weeks old), to ensure they get what is best for them and me. the benefits far outweigh the downsides to it.

cyndiathma

I knew it was not going to blissful going in, but I didnt expect as much pain and frustration. Think of it this way, your nipple, which is a sensitive area anyway, is going to be wet and irritated 8-10 times per day for 6, 9 12+ months, so It is not unbearable, just toe curling at times in the beginning...first 3 weeks and then it gets better. We had a lot of challenges in the beginning trying to get in the groove.

I think it is best to be prepared for the pain and then if it is comfortable and wonderful for you that is GREAT. I have met a ton of moms with varying reports on the pain, but all of them had some discomfort in the first few weeks. 

 And it is worth it! Saves $$s, saves the environment, healthy baby, healthy mom, bonding, all those things...GL!

sarahandeddiejune212008

Thank you for all the positive comments.  I'm sure it will be a little painful at first, but I really want to bf because of the health factors for baby.  I'm not going to let other people (some of whom I'm not sure made it past the first week) scare me.  I had a feeling they were exaggerating.  Now all I need is to be pg and things will be great!