<<Is it really true? That even when a nipple is grievously damaged,
correcting the latch will enable a mother to nurse without pain? I haven't
had that experience. Usually when the nipple is exquisitely painful, the
mother instinctively flinches away when attempting to latch. There is no
point continuing then; so pump and cup or bottle feed until she feels ready
to try again. I am very patient about that.>>

Nicki, I agree that some mothers are best off to pump and feed EBM for a
period.  I see both. I have seen horrible nipples that made me cringe, yet
with improved latch mom says it's bearable, she can drop her shoulders, smile
and is thankful for reduced pain.  Then, I'm seen moms who's toes curl and
she is stiff as a board with tension and the best latch doesn't give her
relief.  Some moms just have better pain tolerance than others.  It's very
individual.  If mom's body language screams too much pain, I give her the
option to pump for a few days and slowly return the baby to breast.  I think
we must offer mothers compassion and respect or the breastfeeding goes
completely out the window.  Always forefront in my mind is what Marshall
Klaus says that a mother will remember most about the days following her
baby's birth; she will remember kindness.  If we nurture the mother with
kindness, then I think we empower her to better nurture her baby with
kindness.

Warm regards,
Pat Lindsey, IBCLC - Lactation Services  www.PatLC.com
Pediatrics Plus' Lactation Consultant   www.pedsplus.com

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