Nikki writes:
 Is it really true? That even when a nipple is grievously damaged,
correcting the latch will enable a mother to nurse without pain? I
haven't
had that experience. Usually when the nipple is exquisitely painful, the

mother instinctively flinches away when attempting to latch. There is no

point continuing then; so pump and cup or bottle feed until she feels
ready
to try again. I am very patient about that.

In all honesty, I haven't seen any "hamburger nipples", but I have seen
some where there is definitely damage.  It makes sense that even when
the latch is corrected and there is the most exquisitely perfect latch,
there may be continuing pain.  I refer to this as "residual" pain.  I
ask a mother to note if baby is adding to her discomfort or if she feels
it is simply a leftover pain until the nipple heals.  It is usually the
most uncomfortable at the berginning of the feed.  The problem is that
mom anticipates the pain and naturally, not wanting to feel it, she
moves just a tad slower in bringing baby to breast which in turn means
the latch may not be ideal.  I like to point out to moms that they need
to be aware of this and consciously "override" the tendency to move a
little slower.  This is one time I don't keep my hands off.  I place
mine over hers and bring bay quickly to breast as soon as the mouth is
well positioned.  In most cases, mom notes it is at least a little more
comfortable and she can do it herself the next time.  Some find it helps
to rub an ice cube over the nipple just before latching.  It dulls the
nerve endings a little and may be just enough to get her past the first
few painful sucks.  If this isn't enough, then certainly I'll go into
"resting" the nipples while she pumps and bottles for a few days.

Winnie

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