Mary ponders...
:
<< I am wondering, given the abnormal state of birth,
whether some nipple pain in some women for the first few weeks may be
considered normal, even when latch appears adequate and milk transfer is
good. I find myself telling these mothers (after evaluating for sneaky
tongue ties etc.) that we've tried to minimize the pain as much as
possible and most mothers in these instances get relief in time. >>
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My opinion, for what it is worth:
I think most moms experience transient "latch pain" in the early days.
Usually doesn't last for more than 10 to 15 seconds or so, sometimes a bit
longer. I liken it to starting any new skill -- when you first start playing
the piano, your muscles ache if you practice a long time. When you first
start jogging or running, you may have a stitch in your side, or your
calves might hurt. (I wouldn't know about that -- running is not in my top 10
list of things I want to do with my life).
I'm not sure if this latch pain is *normal*, but it is *common.* However,
I do investigate any pain that lasts longer than about 30 seconds or so to
make sure it isn't incorrect latch or TT or something else.
Also, and this isn't in the literature, but I've found it experientially,
moms whose areolas haven't changed appreciably during pregnancy often
haven't laid down much melanin which does help "toughen" up the skin a bit in
preparation for breastfeeding (my opinion -- go ahead and cite the
"bulls-eye" theory if you'd prefer to believe that's why the areola darkens). These
moms often have tender nipples during pregnancy and their periods, don't
really enjoy a lot of breast play during lovemaking, and burn, rather than
tan. Many of them seem to have sore nipples that lasts throughout the feed
-- that lasts for a week or so, and then gradually goes away. There is no
evident trauma or incorrect latch -- just very tender and sensitive nipple
tissue.
Jan Barger, RN, MA, IBCLC, FILCA
in Wheaton, IL where the electricity just came back on after over 24 hours
of it being off, and who is very grateful for this morning's coffee.
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