I agree that different women have different pain thresholds and will feel sensations differently (learned this with my two kids) BUT (and this is a big BUT) I have seen too many mothers who have the most horrible trauma to their nipples and say, "But I was told some pain was normal so I just kept at it." These women often stop breastfeeding, and I feel they have been poorly served by the hospital nurse/midwife/friend/LC who has told them "It is normal for breastfeeding to hurt for the first few days." These mothers need a definition of what 'hurting' means. What I tell prenatal mothers or phone line requests for help is: "Some tenderness is normal (see previous posts for wording) BUT if you are gritting your teeth or curling your toes, there is a problem with the latch and you need help!!!!" The mothers identify with this definition easily. Michelle Bentley, CLE ----- Original Message ----- From: <[log in to unmask]> Sent: Friday, February 08, 2002 9:12 AM Subject: Re: LACTNET-Breastfeeding or pumping hurting > I think we do a disservice when we tell women they will experience no pain. > First, each woman has a different pain level. ...Second, when the mother and baby are initially learning how to > breastfeed mothers often experience nipple tenderness in the first 2-4 days. > ... Once they understand > this is normal and will dissipate soon they can settle back and relax. Sue, > IBCLC, LLLL > *********************************************** The LACTNET mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned LISTSERV(R) list management software together with L-Soft's LSMTP(TM) mailer for lightning fast mail delivery. For more information, go to: http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html