Okay, so I know this has probably been answered before MANY times, but I searched the threads and can't find anything. Anyways, my breast, mainly my nipples are soooo sore that I can't even barely bear to feed Riley. I mean I literally scream out a little bit when he latches on. So what am I doing wrong? I read that it will be really painful for the first 3-5 days, but he is almost 8 days now, and there doesn't seem to be any letting up! I have tried warm compresses, and they help, but don't rid the pain. Is he latching on wrong? When I do it, for lack of better wording, I shove my boob in there, and he seems to latch on with it far in his mouth, but after a few minutes, it seems like maybe he slowly slides down so that only the nipple is in his mouth. Could this be the problem? :dunno How can I stop him from doing that? Its really important to me to keep at it, and I don't want to give up, but my breasts hurt so damn bad that I can't keep up with this for months!! Any help would be greatly appreciated. TIA!

I would keep relatching him when he slips. It takes time. Have you tried Lansinoh (sp?) cream? I've been told it works really well. He is still learning. If you keep relatching him, he will eventually learn the "right" way. He will also get more milk more efficiently. If he isn't latched on properly, he won't empty the breast well, and thus make your supply suffer.

Okay, that sounds right, because today I used the breast pump because my boobs were so darn swollen that they hurt even when I walked, well they actually emptied, like they became soft after I did that, whereas they are still somewhat hard after I feed him, so it sounds like him not latching correctly is the problem.

I haven't tried any creams, but I am willing to do anything it takes to be able to continue breastfeeding him.

Thanks for the info, I will pull him off if he starts slipping and try again and see if that helps.

Definately try the lanolin you can get it at CVS. Also when you go to latch on make sure that the nipple is pointed to the roof of his mouth in the back and get as much nipple in as you can. You also need to make sure that his lips are not being sucked in with each suck. His lips need to be out and resting on your breast. Also if you go see the LC at the hospital they will give you some breast coolers, they are the yellow jello-like circles that you cool in the fridge and put on your nipple after BFing. I loved them! hth.

Definatly try the lansinoh. I was in a lot of pain when i first BF DD. I would sit there and cry in frustration. Finally i went to see the lactaion consultant and had her watch what i was doing. She gave me a lot of pointers that helped out a lot.

Hope that helps!




BTW, that is such a cute pic of him...hi riley! :hehe

When I started to BF my son my nipples hurt like hell. it took like two months before they felt better. It hurt so much I actually checked once to see if he had sucked it off! He didn't! Id do what the ladies said and see LC they will tell you whats going wrong. Keep it up. Its the very best thing you can do for him he will benefit from your milk for the rest of his life. take some tylenol for the pain.

Gwen hurt me BAD! She was latched correcty, she was just like a little pihrana! Just make sure that when you take him off, you use your pinky finger in the coner of his mouth to break the seal, or you will get hurt even worse!

Hope that helps!




BTW, that is such a cute pic of him...hi riley! :hehe


Thanks! It's my favorite pic of him so far, looks like he's actually waving!

Hubby went out to find the lotion for me, thanks for the tips.. and mynuttyirishfamily, I haven't been breaking the seal everytime, I will try that as well.

Thanks everyone!

I would definitly make sure you break the seal each time he is done or else it will hurt. I have been lucky this time and have had very little pain, My milk just came in yesterday so hopefully I stay this lucky lol. Jeremy does slip sometimes and I take him off and have him re latch. Good luck, It will get better!!

Not only do I recommend you watch how he is latching on but I was told(& tried successfully) to express a little milk, rub it on each nipple &let it dry-- it helps ALOT! I know it sounds weird but it honestly works! Good luck & don't give up cause I promise it will get better!:hugs ;)

:hungry I agree with everyone else... there's like a science to breastfeeding, lol. But yeah, if he isn't latched on correctly then there's a lot that can go wrong (like less milk supply, he won't get enough milk, sore nipples, etc...) Make sure he opens his mouth wide before you try putting your nipple in there and then make sure all or most of your nipple and areola (i think thats how you spell it) is in his mouth... you'll know he's getting milk when you hear him swallowing after at least every few suckles. I've heard people suggest lansolin (ive never used it) but i know people have also recommended that after you are done nursing just rub your milk on your nipples and areola and then let them air dry to help keep them from getting sore, etc. Give it awhile, patience is key, and soon enough you'll both be experts. :)