Marie,
I still think that breastfeeding should not hurt, not even "initial
tenderness".  It often does because of birth interventions that reduce
baby's ability to suck, seperation of mom and baby at crucial times for
learning oral motor integration, lack of knowlege re: positioning and
attachment on the part of new mothers.  I think the expectation of pain
is very dangerous for the bf relationship.  I have seen too many mothers
with chunks missing from their nipples who did not seek help until 6
weeks or more postpartum because they believed that pain was "normal" in
bf.  Perhaps we could say "breastfeeding is a learned behavior for both
mom and baby.  It should not hurt, but if it does, you can get help from
(local resources)."
--
Catherine Watson Genna, IBCLC  NYC  mailto:[log in to unmask]