Hi everyone, I know this question falls way short of the wise discussions you have here. This can't be more simple, yet when I bring it up, it is amazing how quickly I get shot down, so I'm asking you guys for the truth. Is is ever "supposed to" hurt? I am on a list for moms who pump, and there was a discussion about how "those nipples have to toughen up" the first couple of days, so "be prepared to be sore". This is in regard to pumping as well as breastfeeding. I responded that neither pumping nor breastfeding should ever be painful, even initially, because it always indicates somthing is wrong. I can't imagine mother nature makes this instinctual process a painful experience just so we could wait it out and see how many of us can bear it. Anyway, I got shot down, told it was "normal" to have sensitivity and soreness as the nipples got "used to" the baby or pump. Now I'm doubting myself. Am I wrong? From what I read here, there should be no pain, though I am well aware there is another school of thought. Thanks, Trish Whitehouse, RN LLL leader *********************************************** The LACTNET mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned LISTSERV(R) list management software together with L-Soft's LSMTP(TM) mailer for lightning fast mail delivery. For more information, go to: http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html