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ow long did it take for nipples to "toughen up"?

jenxoxoxojenxoxoxo
in Breastfeeding

My DD is 6 days old and i am BF.  My nipples are cracked and bleeding.  When she first latches it hurts so bad but then not bad after the she gets the milk.  How long did it take you for nipples to toughen up?

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Re: ow long did it take for nipples to "toughen up"?

  • PerfectingMotherhoodPerfectingMotherhood

    My guess is that your baby is not latching properly (probably sucking the nipple and not more) so it hurts. Breastfeeding can feel sensitive, but it should not hurt, so you need to find a good lactation consultant who can help you and your baby perfect the latch. Don't wait too long or your baby will get the bad habit and if you hurt too much, you may want to give up.

    I found that help and support are the best tools for excellent breastfeeding, so find the right LC and come back with an update.

     

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  • JulesDianeJulesDiane member
    It took a couple weeks for mine to toughen up. I hope yours feel better soon!
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  • eeclemeeclem
    They shouldn't be cracked and bleeding - go see an LC right away to check your latch and ask for all purpose nipple ointment (yes, that's really what it's called!).
    The DC Nest. Winers welcome.
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  • Soon2BMrsNSoon2BMrsN member
    12 weeks.  I wish I'd seen a LC sooner.  Don't wait like I did to correct a bad latch.
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  • knedellknedell

    I also recommend working with a LC HOWEVER I respectfully disagree with anyone who says bfing does not hurt if you are doing it right.  I had cracked, bleeding nipples and I cried every time I latched DS on for the first two weeks but it wasn't a latch issue.  I had a LC at my house the day after my milk came in bc I had been told that it shouldn't hurt and she told me we were doing everything right.  We worked with her throughout the first month and by 3 weeks things were a ton better in the pain department.  Hang in there!   

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  • jamdv3jamdv3
    imageknedell:

    I also recommend working with a LC HOWEVER I respectfully disagree with anyone who says bfing does not hurt if you are doing it right.  I had cracked, bleeding nipples and I cried every time I latched DS on for the first two weeks but it wasn't a latch issue.  I had a LC at my house the day after my milk came in bc I had been told that it shouldn't hurt and she told me we were doing everything right.  We worked with her throughout the first month and by 3 weeks things were a ton better in the pain department.  Hang in there!   

    This exactly. I also went to an LC because it hurt, and she confirmed we were "doing everything right." It seriously took 6 weeks for me to feel completely comfortable nursing, and not dreading the initial latch on. 

    I know that may not be too comforting, but when I first started out, it REALLY comforted me to know that despite all the nurses and BF "pros" who claim that if it hurts, you're doing it wrong, that some people simply are more sensitive to BFing. 

     Also--there's been a study done (in Australia I believe?)  that reveals some babies just suck harder. here's a link, it made me feel a little better after reading it when I was a month in and still having issues.

    https://thetruthaboutbreastfeeding.com/category/research/strong-suck/
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  • g8trkimg8trkim member
    For me, it was a little better at 2 weeks, much better at 4 weeks, and completely better at 8 weeks.




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  • schnookeeschnookee member
    I never had an issue with mine. I started using Earth Mama Angel Baby nipple butter when I was prego. I put it on everyday after I showered. When I first started BF I used it everytime after I BF. The only time I had any issue was when I slacked off and didn't put it on a few times. I was told the whole "toughening up" thing is BS and kind of an old way of thinking. The best thing to do is to make sure the latch is correct and keep your nipples moisturized.  Worked for me.
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  • IndiechixorIndiechixor
    I think by 3 weeks it was hurting a lot less, and now at 5 weeks the only ouch is the qlatch-on.

    I must say however, that latch does make a big difference-- I've noticed that when I use anything other than the football hold, I have a very sore nursing session, and it takes a while for my nipples to heal.
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  • plainjanie1plainjanie1 member
    I'm still very new at BFing, but my nipples were VERY sore and bleeding after poor positioning at the first feeding and took a few days to heal with cream and BM on them and letting them air dry.  They were feeling fine after one week, but it still hurts a bit during the initial latch-on.
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