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.  I
also tell them to count to 12 when the baby latches, and if the sensations
are gone after that it is likely "filling breast" sensations they are
feeling.    One LC told me she always tells mothers to massage their breasts
from chest wall to nipple before latch to assist filling the ducts, so that
baby does not have to use a vacuum to do this (sucking the milk down may
cause pain).  Some mothers also experience the MER as pain (I did with one
babe and not the other).

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
>

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