How long until breastfeeding stops hurting

I never knew I had thrush—I figured the intense pain that coursed through my body would eventually go away. Check with your doctor about potential complications, from thrush to tongue-tie to reflux. Try different positions. If your baby only nurses in a cradle hold, try a football hold or lying down next to him. Use ointment. Allow your breasts to air-dry during the day. After each feeding, let your breasts air-dry. Another option is to use the Medela Shells , which give your breasts space to breathe and prevent them from chafing against your clothing.

A huge lifesaver for sure! Air-drying your breasts and preventing them from touching your clothing helps wounds to heal quicker. Use dry breast pads. Make sure to use dry breast pads to prevent fungus from growing. You can use cotton pads like I did that you can wash frequently.

Use nipple shields. Some lactation consultants recommend nipple shields if the latch is still too painful. This is an option that has helped many moms continue to breastfeed while lessening the pain. Some moms admitted that the pain was only there when their breasts were engorged and hard as rock.

A quick remedy is to express excess milk before you nurse. You can do this by manually squeezing your breasts doing this in the shower helps , or pumping beforehand. Take pain medicine before breastfeeding. If you have a somewhat regular newborn schedule , try to time it so you take pain medicine before you start.

Take it with enough time for the medicine to kick in. Of course, ask your doctor first about any medication, even over-the-counter ones, you plan to take. By the time she was a week old, breastfeeding was an ordeal. I dreaded every session. The pain continued. Only after several rounds of antifungal medication and expert help in learning how to latch did Smiley get some relief. Acidipholus supplements finally ended the yeast problem, and she opted to pump her milk and bottle-feed for a time until her nipples healed.

To her joy, India returned happily to the breast. What went wrong here? Lactation consultant Sandra Yates of Vancouver says that, in fact, latch problems are the most common cause of breastfeeding pain. Not so, says Yates. Yes, breastfeeding may improve as the baby grows and gets better at latching, but even a short time of initial pain can cause nipple damage and decreased milk production.

The symptoms: The nipples hurt. Breastfeeding is uncomfortable, even painful. The nipple skin may be cracked or blistered. The baby might be fussy and not gaining well. Baby sometimes bites or chomps down on the nipple. Engorgement can make latching difficult. A baby who has been given bottles may use bottle-feeding techniques at the breast, leading to a poor or shallow latch.

The fix: Improve the latch. Sometimes a small difference in positioning can make a huge difference in comfort. His lower lip and tongue will scoop up a large amount of breast and you can help tuck the nipple in under his top lip with your thumb if necessary. If you have cracked or abraded nipples, express a little breastmilk onto them at the end of the feeding and let them air-dry.

The symptoms: Nipples are sore, often between feedings as well as when baby is nursing. The pain is often described as burning or sharp and stabbing. The nipples can develop a pink or red rash and the skin can look smooth and shiny.

The baby may develop white dots or circles on the inside of his lips and cheeks or on the roof of his mouth. Baby may be fussy as well. These thin sheets of silicone-like material are about the size of your areola and can provide relief from material nursing pads, bra cup rubbing against your nipple.

McClennan, HL, et al. Cable, B. Nipple Pain Remedies. Breastfeeding Pain You may experience nipple pain in the early days of breastfeeding. Should I Continue Breastfeeding? What Causes Sore Nipples? There may be quite a few causes of sore nipples, including: Improper or incomplete latch Slippage during feeding Baby is tongue-tied restricted or shortened frenulum Having inverted or flat nipples Feeding too late early vs.

Natural Research shows warm, moist heat is soothing for sore nipples and can help your skin heal faster. Body Positioning Here are the most common breastfeeding positions.

Whichever breast you choose to feed on, that forearm will support your baby. See our first source La Leche League for more complete information on breastfeeding positions. Compiled using information from the following sources: 1. La Leche League International.

Breastfeeding with Sore Nipples. Can I get pregnant if…? Share this post:. Share on facebook Facebook.