Hi

My little boy was born 9 days ago and since my milk came in on day 2 the pain when I latch him on is unbearable (it lasts for 30 secs into feed too).  I find myself unable to bring him to the breast and have to syke myself up, I am in tears thinking about the next feed.  I have had my latch checked and all is ok.  I feel a failure as if this continues I am going to have to finish with the bf.  I managed to feed both my others for 18 months and really want to be giving little Thomas the same start in life.  Can anyone give me any advice?

Jo

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I haven't got any advice but have posted almost the same question on mu MD board.My dd is also 9 days old.

x

Hi - congrats on Thomas. Did this happen with your other children? I ask because I had exactly what you describe with my DS for the first few weeks - a very intense tingling/burning during letdown, then the rest of the feed was fine. Didn't find a cure other than taking a big breath and gritting my teeth, but it did stop after the first few weeks. NCT counsellor said some women are just very sensitive to the letdown sensation as your body learns (remembers?) how to do it. I'd get a 2nd opinion on latch before giving up though, or try to grit your teeth for a few more days and see if it stops. Have you been checked for thrush? Worth checking out if not, though that is more usually throughout and after feeds that it is painful.
Paracetamol and ibuprofen both safe to take whilst BF, might take the edge off?

Hope you find something that helps, Jen xx

hi jo - congratulations on the birth of your ds!  i know exactly what you are feeling like; all i can say is despite what we are told that bf isn't meant to hurt, sometimes it does (you only need to look on here to see that!).  it might be sensitive nipples, a strong suck from baby, or - the most likely problem - a latch that needs tweaking.  who checked it?  it is often hard to identify small problems unless the person is very well trained - i would really recommend checking out your local bf cafe, phone la leche league to find it.  if it looks ok it is likely that a tiny tweak will make the difference.

in the meantime, to cope with the latch on, wriggle your toes, use your labour breathing techniques, take paracetomol 20 mins beforehand, gaze adoringly at your ds - whatever works really.  stick with it, it will pass.

keep posting; i hope it eases for you soon.

jb xxx

Hi Jo

Welcome to Thomas.

My only other thought (seeing as you've fed twice before without this problem presumably) is has your LO been checked for tongue tie?

I spoke to a bfing counsellor last week and she said the shape of baby's chin makes a big difference to how comfortable feeding is. So it might just be that that is different. Fingers crossed the pain will get better, my latch is definitely getting less sore than it was a few weeks ago.

Tamsin