Breastfeeding thoughts part two

When people say that breastfeeding correctly doesn't hurt, they usually neglect to say that that the first time you feed you are highly unlikely to do it correctly, so it will hurt. It will continue to hurt until you it right (and getting it right is a wonderful feeling!) and then when it is right it will still hurt a bit through your sore nipples being tender and/or cracked.  Though this pain is nothing like when you get it wrong - it's far less severe but still a touch above discomfort.

There are two or three types of pain - the baby's tongue against your test. Your test against the baby's hard palate and the baby's lower ja against your areola. Once you work out what is hurting you can work out how to fix it.
When you get it right you'll probably get it wrong the next time. It can hurt for the first minute if latching on, then not hurt. The baby can shift position to get a better hold.

You can have a pain free feed, then 3 or 4 hours later as your breasts fill up àgain your boobs are nipples can get really sore. I don't know why this is.

I have just bought and read the LA Leche League's book 'The womanly art of breastfeeding'. Terrible 1950s title, good informative book. It's given me more confidence. Even though most of our feeds are now pain free.

Breastfeeding

I'd always assumed that all the info thrown at you about breastfeeding was done out of arrogance and superiority from the breastfeeding lobby. Then I started breastfeeding and realised how hard it is, and why it is hard, and realised that without all the info given out it is highly unlikely women would continue to breastfeed. Formula feeding doesn't require the same level of learning.

You need support. You need training. To any new mothers use your midwives, health visitors and especially use lactation consultants. Go out on day 2 for help I'd you need it. Bf hurts when you start but it will get better. I'm on week 3 and now have pain free feeds, about 50-70% of the time. It can be done, but you need the 1:1 support