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Lactation Information and Discussion <[log in to unmask]>
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Thu, 23 Jun 2011 08:44:06 EDT
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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. >>
**************************************************************
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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