How is bf'ing supposed to feel?

mayra2105

Is it supposed to hurt like hell? I usually pump but lately I've been trying bf'ing also. But it hurts so bad. It's like a pulsing pain that goes throughout my breast and it fees like DS is about to rip my nipple off. Is that normal? Can it be thrush?how would I know? DS has no patches and no problems sucking.

sassafras007

It should not hurt. Check out a lactation consultant for help. My nipples hurt for the first month and it then got better...

tomkat35728

Every once in awhile it hurts right when he latches, but nothing too bad.  Have you talked to a LC?  Maybe you could try contacting your local LLL for some advice.  I know that it is common for nipples to get sore, but what you're describing sounds pretty painful...

DeeandBrad

I didn't BF for very long so I might not be much help but I did experience a little pain.  DS had a great latch but one of my nipples was very sensitive.  It felt like a sharp pricking feeling every time he latched on my left side.  It only last about 30 seconds and then subsided.  It is not normal to have pain the entire time you feed.  It is normal for your nipples to get a little sore especially in the beginning and since you aren't nursing a lot.  I would talk to a LC to see if you are have latching problems.

Abc15379

It shouldn't hurt, it should be like a gentle tug. To me, it almost sort of tickles. The only time it ever hurts is if LO isn't latched on right, or if I have been nursing on the same side for a loooong time. You should see a LC, they helped me with latch and position, it was really helpful.

coshea1

After 2 visits with 2 different LCs, breastfeeding still felt to me the exact way you are describing it. Now I'm a EPer.

BelleIsa

I'm hoping it gets better. It still hurts for me, especially if DD feeds frequently.  If she feeds every 4 hours, I can manage it without pain after the initial latch, but if she's going through a feeding frenzy and wants food every 2 hours, then it's like my nipples are on fire. 

Last night I even gave her a bottle with formula because she was wanting to be fed every 2 hours and my 2 a.m. I just could not manage to have her on my boobs without crying.

Everyone says it gets better - I hope they're right!

I'm giving it six weeks and if it doesn't get better by then, I'm pumping!

ac_in_dc

I frequently have to reposition LO, especially on my right side, so that the lower part of his jaw is taking in more of my aureole (sp?). I wind up grabbing his chin and lower lip and pulling down on it while pushing him against my breast while he's latched, if that makes any sense.The whole "nose to nipple" thing the LC's teach you for latch has been useful to me.

I still get sore, but the rule of thumb that on a proper latch it should hurt less as the feeding progresses has held true for me...usually the initial latch hurts, then after 3 minutes or so it stops. 

 Good luck!!

lulupinkerton

"They" say it doesn't hurt, but in the beginning it hurt.  It took me awhile to put my finger on it, but it was my letdown that was killing me.

I would grit my teeth for the first 30 seconds or so of the feeding.  After that, it would feel like deep tugging.

Now, breast feeding is a breeze (although there are some challenging days).  I love, love, LOVE my BFind relationship with DD.

I encourage you to find an LC and keep at it.   GL.

P.S.  Take good care of those nips.  Warm washcloth wipe-down after every feeding and lube 'em up!  It may seem daunting, but you must take care of your breasts.

Kelly-renee

It sounds like a latch issue.  Does the pain throughout your breast go away after you're feeding for a little while?  That could be your letdown or the beginning of mastitis if it doesn't go away.

g8trkim

It hurts at the beginning but it gets better. After 2 weeks it was a lot better and after a month it didn't hurt at all anymore. The only time it hurts now is if he doesn't open all the way and I have to adjust him.