Breastfeeding

[paigewright]

I have never breast feed before so this will be my first time I’m a bit scared Incase it hurts that much I won’t be able to do it

[Lyndsaytw79]

Get some good nipple cream and apply after every feed. If still suffering try the silicone nipple protectors. Not gonna lie, until I got the cream and learnt how to latch baby properly I found it painful. But once you get it it’s wonderful x

[roxannacar]

My first I struggled but it was cause I was not latching her on properly. My second a breeze!

I'd suggest looking into breastfeeding classes and asking midwive or health visitor for help! They do drop in clinics etc so don't be afraid to ask!

[Hidden]

It didn’t hurt actually feeding it’s just a weird sensation, I was just so exhausted feeding through the night she’d cry a lot I think she was just starving.

[Georgina_D]

It was a lot easier than I expected. I used lanolin cream for the 1st 2 weeks and nipples were really sore. After that no pain

I also mixed fed (formula milk half the time) as baby needed feeding too often and I was knackered 8 weeks. Baby now 4 months and I have been exclusively breast feeding since 2 months old.

[Hidden]

I was poorly for my first which meant she was ff. I was determined for my second to bf and It did really hurt me in those first couple of weeks as we both were rubbish at getting a good latch (it’s a skill you both have to learn). In the beginning it could take us ten goes before he latched on right. It’s took a lot of support from my infant feeding clinic, an early spot of a tongue tie, tubes of lanolin cream and some perseverance and we finally cracked it. He’s six weeks and even now he sometimes gets lazy and I have to pull him off and reattach! I don’t want to put you off, I just want you to know it’s not always easy and sometimes doesn’t come as naturally at first as it does to others as I felt a bit rubbish in those first few days as though everyone knew what to do and we just weren’t getting it. I am so glad I preserved though as it’s great in so many ways when you get the hang of it. Accept as much help and support that’s offered to you. The midwives on the ward after you have given birth are great at getting your started and showing you what to do and are really willing to help. Best of luck! X

[Mummy_to_be]

I had my little man in July last year and there is no point in lying the first three weeks were literally the worst until I learnt how to get him to latch properly. He is now 8 months and I’m still breastfeeding and think it’s the best thing I could have ever done with him. So try it and if you don’t enjoy it then there is no harm in stopping but t least you know you tried your best xx

[PoppyC38]

Agree with the other posts the first week or so your nipples hurt until they get a bit tougher. Definitely get a tube of lanolin and apply after every feed/whenever they feel sore in between. Also be ready for the first few weeks to be full on feeding. They are getting your milk supply up, plus chuck in a growth spurt. It’s not your low milk supply it’s normal. Also let them feed until they naturally come off and then offer the other side. The first few weeks for me the feeds lasted about 30 minutes and were every 2 hours. It’s gets a lot easier and quickly. My little boy is 5 months and ebf. Feeds take 5/10 minutes and are every 3/4 hours now. It’s a lot quicker than formula feeding. Also support groups are amazing. I love breast feeding, it’s a special thing to be able to do. Good luck with everything! Xx

[KellyTrip]

Make sure you get support with learning how to latch baby correctly! I struggled with my son and it was so painful. Lasinoh nipped cream was my saviour. That and a good health visitor. Then it became easy. My daughter latched straight away and it never hurt at all!

[kroberts9]

If it feels uncomfortable, pull down on the baby's chin, so he/she has a better latch on the areola. The sucking pressure should be further back, not right on the nipples for a good milk flow. Don't wash your breasts with soap. That could dry them out. Just use a stream of pure water in the shower. You can use lanolin to protect them. I breast fed my first child for 4 years and my second child for 3 years. I was also a lactation consultant when we had a contract with the hospital.

[Ribena1987]

Breastfeeding is not supposed to hurt. If it does it is usually because the baby is not latched on correctly. Get support from midwives and health visitors. Breastfeeding cafes are wonderful too. They are normally available at your local hospital/Children’s centre. Definitely give it a go to see how you feel. I was so worried about breastfeeding when I was pregnant. I was absolutely dreading it. It is hard at first and very tiring but so worth it. I’m still breastfeeding my 4 month old and have no regrets x

[purple-dragon]

Im breastfeeding 4 months now and it doesnt hurt anymore. It use to but i didn't use any nipple cream so that's why. But what i did was squeeze a little breast milk and rub on your nipples after every feeding and let air dry. It heals cracked nipples. Try it. No cost!

[MaggieWH]

Definitely get support right from the start of your breastfeeding journey. A Good latch and correct positioning should make breastfeeding comfortable as it will ensure your nipples are protected. NBf/ABM helplines available 9.30 to 9.30, 365 day’s a year. Local Breastfeeding Cafes, Lactation consultant, Trained breastfeeding Midwife or Health Visitor should be able to help. Plenty of good YouTube videos too. So do ask for help so that you can enjoy breastfeeding your little one. Wishing you every success.