BF Question for 2nd+ Time Moms

88motown

I have some questions for the moms who were able to successfully breastfeed their babies. My nipples ache all the time. I was always super sensitive prior to getting pregnant but lately putting on a shirt feels like I am rubbing sandpaper against them. I so desparately want to breastfeed my baby. I have watched my best friend breastfeed many times in the past and it has moved me so emotionally plus I know how good it is for my baby. My questions are: 1) During your pregnancy did you experience extreme nipple sensitivity and pain? Did it continue while breastfeeding? 2) How long did it take to work through the pain while breastfeeding? Any insight would be appreciated. I am just trying to get an understanding of others experiences.  Thx!

NicDes

I breastfed both of my boys and have very sensitive nipples. I am not going to lie. I was in pain every time I nursed for 6 weeks (until my milk supply evened out) with both of my boys.

I always heard, breastfeeding should never hurt but I went to lactation consultants with both of my boys and we were doing everything correctly & they couldn't figuire out the source of my pain. ) For me, it seemed like I was just super sensitive until my milk evened out and then and both boys, it was fine after 6 weeks. Also, latching for the first 2 minutes were always the most painful.

That being said, I have a low pain tolerance but had my mind set that I was going to nurse. I stuck with it with both of them until they were about 6 months and quit when my milk supply dropped. I am glad I pushed through it but I am afraid about it again this time around.

JDMC1112

To be honest, for me, the first few weeks of breastfeeding were agony...my nipples were so sore I cried everytime the baby latched on. I saw a few LC at both my dr's office and the hospital and was doing everything correct...it just takes time to get used to. The way I saw it was that the sucking motion from a baby is pretty strong and your nipples just need to toughen up and get used to it...I thought many times about giving up but I pushed through it and am so glad that I did. I have every intention of BF this baby and going through the torture all over again. It is a bonding experience I had with DS that I wouldnt trade for anything.

On a side note, someone suggested throughout pregnancy almost twisting your nipples with a washcloth while in the shower to "toughen" them up

tlynnus

1) During your pregnancy did you experience extreme nipple sensitivity and pain? Did it continue while breastfeeding? They were sensitive but not painful. 2) How long did it take to work through the pain while breastfeeding? It was very painful for the first few days then it gradually got better.  Within 2 weeks it was not painful anymore. After that, I either felt absolutely nothing or just a vague tugging sensation.  FYI, I breastfed for 17 months.  

Amrice78

1. I have never had nipple sensitivity during pregnancy - I'm still nursing my youngest.

2. maybe a week or two?

Kira98

I have heard horror stories from friends & relatives about cracked and bleeding nipples, but I never experienced pain--just a little discomfort the first few weeks.  Supposedly if the latch is good, it should not be painful.

 

88motown

Thanks for the feedback!  It is helpful to hear how some of you ladies worked through it.

I have been getting myself used to the "power through it" plan.  It is helpful to know that it can take a few weeks but it does get better.  I am taking a breastfeeding class and intend to have a LC. 

Geekchick921

My nipples hurt while breastfeeding but not because of the sensitivity they felt during pregnancy.  The first few weeks can be very, very unpleasant when nursing, and using a nipple cream when you're not actively nursing is a good idea.  Eventually, it gets better (usually, anyway).  IIRC, I had a thrush infection on my nips that was incredibly painful sometimes, but it went away.  I BFed for 7 months total, before my supply crapped out. 

Mereou12

I did have sensitive nipples during my first pregnancy (none so far this time), but it didn't last the whole time. Mostly just during 1st tri.

But I'll be honest, the first 6 weeks of breastfeeding were agonizing. My toes curled and I screamed out in pain every time he latched. It would ease within a few seconds, but the initial latch was SO painful. His latch was perfect according to the LC...my nipples just needed time to get used to the whole thing. We hit our stride by 6 weeks, and then it was a breeze. I nursed until he was 13.5 months.

It was painful, but it was SO worth it. Even at the worst moments, quitting never crossed my mind. I knew the pain wouldn't last forever, and once we finally got into a groove, it became such an amazing, enjoyable experience. I hope to BF this next baby as long if not longer that I nursed DS.

BarefootAndSinging

1) During your pregnancy did you experience extreme nipple sensitivity and pain? Did it continue while breastfeeding?- With my first pregnancy, extreme sensitivity. But no nipple pain, just general breast tenderness. Second pregnancy and now, not nearly as much of either. I think my nipples have just lost some sensitivity in general from BF 2 babies.
2) How long did it take to work through the pain while breastfeeding? - Not long at all. The extreme sensitivity went away after my first DS was born and with both boys I found that the first couple days are fine. Then they start to get a bit sore - but either expressing a little milk and letting it kind of coat the tip and dry to protect them or using the Lansinoh cream always really helped me. After like 2 weeks, as long as Baby was latched on correctly, there was never any pain.