does breastfeeding really hurt?

Angela - posted on 06/06/2011

If latch is good and there's no thrush infection, it shouldn't hurt. Get a good lactation consultant and visit La Leche League meetings and you'll be set for breastfeeding life. The right support can make all the difference.

Rachelle - posted on 08/05/2009

Breast feeding gets such a bad rap! It is not always glamorous. It goes away and is smooth sailing. It will become second nature to you and baby. No one has ever died from breastfeeding!

Amber - posted on 08/04/2009

I have been breastfeeding for over two months and it is going great. A few things that I think really helped me: Use nipple cream BEFORE you deliver they say to use it during your last few months; I think this really helped. Another thing it check and see if there is a breastfeeding class you can take in your area. The hospital I delivered at offered the class for free as well as a support group once a week. I know it might sound silly to need a class but they teach you the correct positions and how to tell if they are latched on right. As long as you have a good latch it should not really hurt. It may hurt for a few seconds each time you feed until you get used to it but it is well worth it! Good luck.

Julia - posted on 08/04/2009

Everyone told me it was horrible and at first it wasn't that bad but watch out because i got a mastitis and i thought that was just the "horrible pain" everyone was telling me about so if hurts too bad i would see your doctor or lactation nurse

Mari - posted on 08/04/2009

Honey please do not listen to those who say it hurts...does labor hurt..YES but we go through it to experience this amazing gift we are given called life. It is nature and the way God intended woman to feed their newborn child. Every woman is different and to be honest it can be uncomfortable while getting use to the whole process but keep in mind you are giving to your baby the nutrients and vitamins only you the mother could give. Forget what you heard give it a try. They have really good nursing classes out there try one. Tgo over everything you may or may not experience through this awesome bonding time between mother and child.

NAOMI - posted on 08/04/2009

I've been breastfeeding my son for 20 months now. The first 2-3 months were very painful but then the pain went away, just like magic. Very glad I persisted; being able to feed my son feels like the most natural thing for me to do now and I feel he has also benefitted very much. Check out australian breastfeeding association site for lots of info. hope all goes well for you. :-)

Maggie - posted on 08/04/2009

Breastfeeding shouldn't hurt if you're doing it correctly. Granted there are some women who just can't get it to work so I recommend checking out a breastfeeding class in your area. Most hospitals will offer a class but if you're not sure where to look, ask your OBGYN. I also recommend taking your spouse or support person with you. Having another person who is on board with your decision to brestfeed and understands all the logistics that come along with it will help to make the experience much better. My fiance didn't want to attend with me at first because he thought it would be mostly women in the class and honestly, what guy wants to sit in a class and talk about that, but he was really glad that he attended. He actually remembered a few things from the class that I had forgotten! If you're truly committed to breastfeeding because you understand the benefits for your baby, don't let other people's horror stories scare you out of doing it. That's one thing about being pregnant - everyone has a story and most of them are about the terrible things that happened but everyone is different and a problem for someone else will not likely be a problem for you. A little pain is expected but it shouldn't be anything you can't handle, after all you have already carried your little one and dealt with all the "joys" of pregnancy and made it through. And really it's usually isn't so much "pain" as it is "discomfort". You can do it! Good Luck!

Tiffany - posted on 08/04/2009

I'm not going to lie, breastfeeding hurts like crazy for the first month, and again in the fourth month when sucking motion becomes stronger. Some tips for you, Lanolin cream helps temendously! and also, cool and warm compresses on your breasts in between feedings help too. Also, I highly recomend nursing pads! No one warned me about leaking. I nursed my first for only 1 month and I regret it. My second I nursed for 14 months and it was totally worth it. There are hard spots to overcome, but the bond and brains are worth it. The pain does go away, and it will just feel like gentle pulling. Another thing I had to learn on my own, for the first few weeks to a month, you should not use soap directly on your nipples, could cause extra dryness and increase irritation. Just wash with a towel and water. Good luck and GOOD FOR YOU!!!

Meghan - posted on 08/04/2009

For me I only had pain when the latch was wrong, when my baby latched on correctly no pain. My mom gave me some advice every time I would get frustrated "Give it 6 weeks" and she was right. My son is 3 months old now and I love breastfeeding!

Brooke - posted on 08/04/2009

if your really passionate about breastfeeding then a little pain won't really bother you. as long as you have a good latch then it doesnt hurt, its an amazing feeling that your able to provide for your baby the healthiest food for your child and not give him formula. it deff. not as hard as people make it sound. i didnt feel it anymore after about a week. oh lasinoh lotion for your nipples is a miracle worker too, it's a little expensive but it works i promise.

Lauren - posted on 08/04/2009

its painfull for the 1st couple of weeks but i dont thinki got my son latching on properly 4 the 1st few times so i think thats why mine took a couple of weeks to calm down but now im fine and loving every minute bonding with my baby and knowing that hes getting all he needs from me is very rewarding :) just give it a go n good luck

Amanda - posted on 08/03/2009

I have breastfed all three of my kids, still currently bf'ing my youngest [5 months] The only pain I ever experianced was when I would not pay close attention to how they were latching on, if you do experiance pain, cracking, bleeding, you could use lansinoh, which is a cream that really helps and is safe enough to wear during the bf'ing. Also if the cracking and or bleeding were to get too bad you could use a nipple shield, medela makes them. I have used them and they are great. If you get one nipple that cracks and the other one is ok then I would recomend pumping only on hte cracked side until it heals, that is becasue pumping uses less suction so while it still keeps you milk supply up an that side it gives that nipple a little rest.

Jamie - posted on 08/03/2009

I have been breastfeeding my newborn son for almost 3 weeks now. I have not had any pain whatsoever due to breastfeeding. Your breasts are quite sore when your milk comes in, but that was the only discomfort I've had so far. The nurses are really great in the hospital when it comes to helping you and baby adjust to breastfeeding at first! Good luck!

Athena - posted on 08/03/2009

I think if you do it right it should not hurt. Yes at time the nipples may become sore, but as someone mentioned they make creams for that. However, if the baby isn't latched on properly one will probably experience pain. I breastfed my son until he was about 18 months and I was never bit either. The rule there is "They can't bite if they're sucking", so when they stop you kind of prop your finger in between the gums (or teeth) and take them off. One thing caused a lot of pain though..going out in the cold made my nipples hurt where a warm padded bra! LOL

Jenna - posted on 08/03/2009

the first two months totally hurt, but I stuck with it and now I have a 13 month old who I am slowly weaning and I wouldn't have changed a thing, you'll get through it, even if it hurts at first I'd say stick with it cause it does get better.

Giselle - posted on 08/03/2009

Breastfeeding is the most amazing thing you can do for your child. It's just something that you have to be really dedicated to. It's going to be difficult for the first week until your milk comes in. Don't listen to those people who say that if it hurts that you just need to get used to it because that's not true, if you're doing it right then it shouldn't hurt. It just takes time for you and your baby to figure out what works for you. Take some breastfeeding courses and before you leave the hospital with your baby, ask one of the lactation specialists to assist you. Also, when you get home, if you're still finding it difficult you can contact la leche league and they have professional women who know all of the ins and outs of breastfeeding who will come to your house free of charge and help you out. From my experience, taking a bradley birthing class really helped and so did the lansinoh nipple cream it really helped with the tenderness.

Keri - posted on 08/03/2009

I believe everyone's experience is different, however, my daughter (who is now 10 months) latched on right away and I never once was sore or tender up until her top teeth came in just recently. If you go into breastfeeding with a positive attitude and determination, you're bound to succeed!

Tina - posted on 08/03/2009

No! I have a super bond with my lil one, and when I let one of the kids or my hubby feed with a bottle it actually makes me a lil sad!

Jaime - posted on 08/03/2009

not attacking you, i just don't like it when people chose a negative stance when someone is just looking for support. you come off sounding like, if some one gives up because the pain is too much, then they are a failure as a mother and don't care about their child's well being. all i was saying was, please try to be supportive of people who have concerns because of other peoples horror stories. every one tells you horror stories when you are pregnant and it sucks. it's better just to give real advise and not start out with "i don't mean to sound judgemental" when you say that, you do mean to sound judgmental. it's like saying "no offense" before offending some one

Heather - posted on 08/03/2009

I don't want to fight, especially since we agree, but you are kinda attacking me, and reading way too much into what I said. Maybe you need to take some of your good advice as well, and we both can get it right, or a little bit better.

Jaime - posted on 08/03/2009

breastfeeding is becoming more and more popular and accepted, so maybe just chill out and don't be so judgemental, there were a few generations that looked down on it, because of how avidly this country was against the human body, and nudity. our country is becoming more open minded and educated, so please don't knock us back down by being so matter of fact and judgemental of those who choose to do things differently than you. children who are formula fed aren't going to be little unhealthy malnourished gutter kids. but children who are breastfed get immunities from the mother that keep them from getting sick as easily. it reduces the risk of breast cancer, & osteoporosis. in both mother and child. the benefits to breastfeeding are overwhelming. but unless you like being judged harshly for your decisions, don't judge others for theirs.

Heather - posted on 08/03/2009

I am not trying to be mean, just honest. The women I know all had some pain. If we were committed, we made it work. a few had particular physical issues that prohibited B/F, but the rest who quit were ambivalent to begin with. I don't care if you don't B/F, but be honest about the reasons. My best friend is a lactation consultant, and she agrees, but she keeps silent in her professional capacity. I don't have or want to pretend.Look at the numbers, in spite of the proof of B/F vs. formula, people still choose formula. I kinda think we've been too nice and not tough enough. Sorry if I sound mean, but I want people to be honest in their choices and reasoning.

Jaime - posted on 08/03/2009

that wasn't very nice, can we try to be encouraging instead of hateful? it isn't always easy for every one, but you will get through it if you are determined. keep reminding yourself, how good it is for you and the baby. don't listen to hateful people who think anyone who didn't want to breastfeed would ever start in the first place. every one is different, you won't know until you try, there were times when i wanted to give up, but my aunt had bought me a $300.00 breast pump! i knew that if i gave up she would hurt me way worse than the breastfeeding did! LOL please don't be afraid, and if it does hurt, do what i did and send daddy to the 24 hour wal-mart in search of nipple shields at 3:00 in the morning! that is always an awesome memory to share, especially when they have to get an employee to help find them!

Heather - posted on 08/03/2009

I hate to sound judgmental, but I am convinced about 90% of the people who quit breast-feeding due to pain, really didn't want to breast feed to begin with, and feel too guilty to admit it. I am amazed at the number of women who find breast-feeding gross and "unnatural" There are a number of home remedies to ease pain...warm tea-bags, frozen bags of peas, etc. if your babies ultimate health is your concern, you can usually find a way to make it work.

Jaime - posted on 08/03/2009

it's different for every one, it depends on how well your baby learns to latch on. with me my little girl latched on incorrectly and it did hurt, however it was only for the first couple of weeks, if that long! i am so glad i stuck through it, while you are in the hospital get as much help as you can from the lactation specialists. you can also buy something called nipple shields they have them at babies r us, please don't get dicouraged. once you and the baby get the hang of it, you will find it's so much easier to be able to feed the baby on demand, without having to mix a bottle in the middle of the night while they are crying. also you can lay on your side with the baby tummy to tummy, and breastfeed while sleeping, no sleep deprevation!!! it's great!! so don't give up, you will do great!

Cassie - posted on 08/03/2009

you have some initial soreness. but after a few days that goes away. You'll find you love to breastfeed.

Kattie - posted on 08/03/2009

Brestfeeding can hurt, but it will go away. I ended up with milk blister even though I did all the patting dry and what not. And I did turn purple and thought I was going to bleed. My daughter latched pretty well, but she was a barracuda baby. Once she realized that the milk was always going to be there, she calmed her eating habits down, though. I really thought I was going to quit, but once I made it through the first month, it was easy sailing. There are so many factors that determine your experience. I say just stick with it and be your own judge on whether to and for how long. But a lot of people are right, Don't be afraid to ask for help or answers. If something doesn't seem right (like my nice little white spot), find out what is up.

Arwen - posted on 08/03/2009

It doesn't hurt at all. The only problem I had was on the third or forth day, I left her latched on thinking she'd let go when she was done... About an hour and a half later there was a nice blister centered directly over my nipple. That hurt. LOL But only for a day or so.



The only time it might be uncomfortable is if the baby isn't properly latched on. Then you break the latch, and put her back on. That solves everything. You have nothing to worry about.

Lacey - posted on 08/03/2009

Breastfeeding is a beautiful thing. I wasnt able to have my kids naturally, I had them both via c-section so I felt that something that should have been so natural was taken from me. Like my body failed me or something so I was bound and determined to nurse my kids. I needed to make up for the lack of bonding when you give birth naturally.With my first, my nipples cracked and bled and yes it was painful. It only lasted a week or so and then my nips toughened up, which will happen for you too. You may not experience any pain at all, its different for all women. With my second I had no pain at all. It was fine. I nursed my 1st born until she was 14 months old, she is now 3. And my second baby I still nurse, he is only 4 months old and I plan to nurse him until he is at least a yr old too. Good luck with everything. I hope it works out for you!

Kathy - posted on 08/03/2009

Doesn't hurt if latch is correct and you take care of your breasts. Use Lansinoh cream as a preventative measure (don't wait until your nipples are really sore). I got sore when I started doing some extra pumping to get ready to go back to work. The cream really works. Other than that, I've not had any soreness/pain. I don't have a lot of leaking, so my breasts stay good and dry. That's important too.

Bridget - posted on 08/03/2009

I am currently breastfeeding my 2nd child and I must say, it is not as bad as some make it out to be. Nursing cream helped with the initial soreness of nipples but I only needed to use it for a week or so. I guess having the right mindset and being positive about breastfeeding helps with the whole experience. Do enjoy this precious time spent with your little one!

Rose - posted on 08/03/2009

I am just trying to wean my 7 month old daughter off of breastfeeding. I had a hard few days where she refused to eat and I couldnt get her to latch on. I found it extremely hard to start with but once we had both got the hang of it, it was the best thing I have ever done and I will definatlely breastfeed again with any future babies. The only soreness I had was at the beginning where she wouldnt latch on properly but other than that there is know pain. There is alot of support for breastfeeding mothers, I had a community mum come round whenever I needed her, to help with positioning and any problems I had, which you may find useful. Ask your health visitor about it. Hope this is helpful.

Brooke - posted on 08/03/2009

I'm a new mum to my little boy age 13 weeks. The first six to eight weeks were really hard for me, it was a bit painful only when feeding and my milk supply was very low, i bought a breast pump (medela swing) was the best thing ever, helped me increase my supply. I also spent two day at a brastfeeding class, that helped alot too. Now i feel like a pro at it and it does hurt at all any more. And the best bit too is I'v already lost all my baby weight and have a very close bond with my son that grows every day.

Kristiana - posted on 08/03/2009

Heather, that's terrific that you plan to breastfeed. My little one is almost 14 months now and she's still nursing once or twice a day. While I hated pumping (which I did for 11 months), I loved nursing almost from the first.



You'll mention that I said "almost" from the first. I gave birth early on a Friday morning, and by Monday morning I was so exhausted I was in tears. While my daughter had a good latch, my breasts were terribly sore from almost constant feeding. Fortunately, I had an incredible lactation consultant who figured out that the girl just wasn't pulling strongly enough to bring down the milk she needed. I ended up pumping exclusively that week, and by the time my milk came down about five days later, the girl had grown strong enough to nurse. A nipple shield helped until she really got the hang of it and my nipples became less sensitized, although be aware that it *is* a bit more difficult for the baby to nurse through a shield, so unless the baby is really good at latching and sucking, you might want to try other options first (lanolin, cold cabbage leaves, etc.).



Good luck! May the latch be with you.

Jo-Anne - posted on 08/03/2009

If it hurts - you're doing it wrong!!!! The baby is supposed to latch onto the brownish, outside part of your breast - NOT THE NIPPLE ITSELF... The nipple is supposed to be almost in the throat of your baby.... They suck quite hard, so you are more then welcome to use a special nipple cream should your breasts get tender, but I breastfed for 18 months and I only used the cream once! After baby has successfully fed, you will also need to "break the vacume" by gently inserting your pinky between baby's mouth and your nipple... if you don't, baby might just take your whole nipple with! lol.. I really hope this helped 'cause Breastfeeding really is the best thing for both you and the baby, and listening to other people's nonsens can deprive you both from that... Strongs!

Evelyn - posted on 08/03/2009

Breatsfeeding does not hurt. I can't believe how many people are told horror stories about breastfeeding. It's really sad because breastfeeding is the healthiest thing for your baby and because of people telling horror stories, new mom's are afraid to try it. I'm a new mom myself. My son was born June 23rd of this year and I was dead set on breastfeeding. At first it's uncomfortable because the baby doen't really know how to latch on properly. i found that by using a nursing sheild it helped teach my little guy how to open his mouth all the way, this way he wasn't just sucking on the nipple but the whole thing. Your lactation consultant will help you too! Don't be afraid to ask her, that's what she's there for. :) once your baby gets the idea, stop using the shield and your good to go. :) Alsp I found that by squeezing some milk out and rubbing it on your nipples ater your done feeding helps to keep them naturally soft and helps to heal them if they get cracked! ( a tip from my lactation consultant.)

Amanda - posted on 08/03/2009

I have a 4 month old and have been exclusively breastfeeding her since the day she was born and I have not had any pain or discomfort. I was afraid, like you are, but I kept reading about breastfeeding and all the books said the same thing, "if the baby is latched on correctly it's not going to hurt". I have found breastfeeding to be a beautiful way to bond with my baby while at the same time providing her with the best nourishment. I wish you and your baby well. I hope you find as much fulfillment with breastfeeding as I have.

Melissa - posted on 08/03/2009

Breastfeeding is one of the greatest pleasures of life. it is so amazing to see your baby grow big and get so healthy and chubby on milk that you have produced yourself. Very satisifying! no pain with me. one nipple was uncomfortable for about a week.

Nichole - posted on 08/03/2009

The first week or two can be a little painful, but the pain does go away! The pain is all worth it. I'm a new mommy and its the most amazing bonding experience I've had thus far and the great thing is that I get to repeat it over and over each day! If you can make it past the two week make you are in the clear! :) good luck

Ratna Sari - posted on 08/02/2009

hi heather... yes true that was hurt, i am mom from 3 girls my 1st and 2nd daughter not breastfeeding coz i'm worried like u scare hurt or will effect my breast change :) u know what i mean....but when i get 3rd girl i'm choose to breastfeeding coz doctor told me its last baby, for any reason i can't get baby again....when first time i try its really hurt but when my baby eyes watching me its so wonderful very different when i contact with my 1st and 2nd daughter....really i'm very dissapointed why not i'm doing when i get 1st baby....i'm feel like a real mom...all hurt feeling gone when i know in breastfeeding its so much antibody for our daughter in the future, i read book about breastfeeding its was help me sio u can try too heather.... hope this help u just trust me breastfeeding its better than bottle milk....

Cassandra - posted on 08/02/2009

I never had any real pain. Mine was more emotional when he was having trouble eating and I had to give him a bottle after every time I nursed him. But, lanoline or whatever it is called REALLY helps. My ninnies were a little sore by the time I left the hospital and it helped so much.

Ermeess - posted on 08/02/2009

My baby is 9 months and still nursing. The first month at least once a day I applied Lasinoh first thing in the morning and never had any soreness or pain (preventive!). Barely made a dent on the cream so buy the smallest. It doesn't hurts at all but you need to be consistent, nurse or pump at least every 4 hours so that your breast don't get painfully full. Good luck!

Caroline - posted on 08/02/2009

I was a lucky one who never really got sore...I'm not quite sure why I never got sore, but these could have contributed: 1. I had been told to put lanolin on my nipples everyday (for maybe a month or so) prior to giving birth, which I did and 2. My son had a hard time latching on at first, so they had me use a nipple shield for about the first 2 weeks. I continued to use lanolin frequently (directly following a feeding, I would briefly let some of the breast milk dry on my nipples--as is suggested, then I would put lanolin on). I've made it to the 9 1/2 month point...but my son is now getting his top teeth and wanting to bite (and pull back as he bites)...hoping to make it to a year! Good luck to you!

Krysta - posted on 08/02/2009

I had really sensitive nipples to beggin with, so I think it all depends on that! Issabella was lached on right as well and it hurt alot. But like I said it gets better! Drink lots of water and take your perinatal pills or other suplements they do help. Also if it hurts alot you can pump and then feed her the bottle, but some say the baby might get nipple confussion, but Issabella never did. I only used the pump the first month. I didn't want to be pumping and feeding, their wouldn't be much time for myself if I did!

Krysta - posted on 08/02/2009

I was surprized on how much it hurts, but I promise it gets easier and feels better. It hurt for the 2-3 weeks then it was unconfortable for another week then it was cake. I would always have my husband put in a movie for me, it helped me relax alot! Breastfeeding is great for the infant, I have a 3 month my first and she is so alert and aware of the world around her she's been like that since she was 2 months old. Also another great thing about breastfeeding is if you do it for a year you can become a lactation consaultent. Oh, I would recommand getting some nipple butter....I used it alot the first month, but not so much anymore. Also babys boo doesn't smell that bad when you breast feed, it reminds me of movie popcorn butter....giggle. Also don't eat spicy food....Issabella was very gassy from it and it gave her a rash. What you eat she eats! Yes it is a amazing bonding experience. It's really cute when they look at you while they eat and when they get older they smile, a few times Issabella made a Yum sound, mmmmm, mmmm....I don't know what I ate that she liked so much but it was the cuttiest thing I've ever heard and seen.

Marci - posted on 08/02/2009

nope only if they aren't latching on right

Olivia - posted on 08/02/2009

It hurts only if you don't have enough milk to feed the baby and she starts to be aggressive in sucking.The good news is there are available supplements that you can take to help your body produce more than enough milk for your baby.You also need to be well hydrated so drinking fluids and eating fruits would be a great help.It takes a lot of patience and a little sacrifice but the reward is immeasurable!Just seeing your baby holding on to you and looking at you as if saying you're the most important person in the world makes breastfeeding all worthwhile.

Kristen - posted on 08/02/2009

It was really painful for me for about the first month but it wasn't enough to make me stop. Knowing that I was doing what was best for my son made it well worth it. And it sure beats having to wash bottles all the time! He's 9 months old now and I plan on breast feeding until he's ready to stop (or until he is about 3).

Cristina - posted on 08/02/2009

I have just given birth to a wonderful baby girl almost 3 weeks ago. At first, breastfeeding was frustrating because I couldn't get her to latched on right, and I was in pain, and still is. However, breastfeeding is great thing. You build a wonderful bond with your baby. I know that eventually my nipples would stop hurting. If you can take the soreness for few days, I would consider breastfeeding your baby. Best of luch to you.

Bri - posted on 08/02/2009

Breastfeeding should NOT BE PAINFUL-if it is--YOUR BABY IS LATCHED WRONG!!! Now, don't get me wrong, after a few weeks-your nipples will be sore, but you can put nipple creme on them in between feedings and they have nipple ice packs believe it or not..both work wonders! I nurse my 10wk old baby exclusively and i definitely recommend it! Its so healthy for the baby and recent studies show its good for you too! Did you know breastfeeding burns 1,000 calories a day?! Yess!! So, it helps you drop that baby weight faster! Not only that, but women who breastfeed are LESS LIKELY to have breast cancer! The bond that you and that little one share with breastfeeding is also amazing!!! I say go for it!!!