Hi All,
As far as painful ledowns go, with my first son, almost 12 yrs ago, my MERs
were so painful I cried.  THey were excrutiating.  It took several months
before they got to where I just grimaced instead of holding back tears.
With my 2nd son, 3 yrs ago, the MERs were again, very painful.  Excrutiating
pain (like someone had a vice-grip on my breast and squeezing as hard as
possible) and tears again were the norm until at least 6-8 mo went by.  With
baby number 3, 7 mo old now, the pain of MER is no longer excrutiating.  At
times I don't notice it, but most times it hurts enough to notice.

With the moms I counsel who have these really painful letdowns, I tell them
what I was told (and what I learned with my own experience)...Time is the
key.  In time the pain lessens, how much it lessens no one can know.  I have
suggested a pain reliever about 30 min before BF (acetaminophin or
ibuprofin) and this has helped not only me, but also several of my clients.
Also, deep relaxing breathing techniques (you know, like you did when you
were in labor!) seem to help some moms.  Certainly can't hurt!

I wish I had more to offer...I also wish that my letdowns had never hurt
like they did!
Take care all!
Jay

PS  Little Patrick (who is not so little anymore...20lbs) is trying to walk!
The kid is only 7 mo old...I keep telling him to slow down, but he just
won't listen.  (a trait of his mother's... :D ) He gives the greatest (and
sloppiest) baby kisses and is still my best BF kid!
Jay Simpson, CLE
Sacramento, CA
"No Miracles performed here, just a lot of love and hard work."