I have heard conflicting opinions over the years with strong
opinions voiced on both sides by well respected experts.   Is it
correct to say that nursing should never/ever be in any way
uncomfortable-that any kind of discomfort means it isn't quite
"right"?  I'm sure the topic will never be resolved 100%, but I'd
like to tap the opinions of "y'all".

Is some mild initial tenderness normal for some moms?  Is all nipple
discomfort due to a problem?

I have heard some describe this as a "mild chapped lips feeling.
I'm not talking about pain that makes a mom cringe or with any
obvious injury or "wierd" shape afterwards.  I'm also not talking
about the "aversion" reaction that leads up to wonder about a
possible history of sexual abuse.  I'm talking about a slight
annoyance that lasts the first few sucks of the first few feedings
(or even a week or so).  It's not the kind of pain that would make
most moms quit, but more of a little annoyance.  I have heard it
theorized that we may experience it because most of us come from
societies that keep the nipples protected from the environment.  In
societies where women generally have their nipples exposed to the
elements, they would not have this kind of sensitivity.
One problem is, of course, that discomfort is in the "nerve endings
of the beholder".  I think that for some, the strong "drawing"
sensation of the first few sucks may be perceived as uncomfortable,
while for others it is simply a "new" sensation.  Are some women
just more sensitive than others just as some can wear some fabrics
comfortably while others find them irritating (not talking about
allergies here)?
Looking forward to a variety of thoughts on this/

Winnie

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