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. *********************************************** Archives: http://community.lsoft.com/archives/LACTNET.html To reach list owners: [log in to unmask] Mail all list management commands to: [log in to unmask] COMMANDS: 1. To temporarily stop your subscription write in the body of an email: set lactnet nomail 2. To start it again: set lactnet mail 3. To unsubscribe: unsubscribe lactnet 4. To get a comprehensive list of rules and directions: get lactnet welcome