Is some mild soreness the first few days normal?  Boy, isn't that
the $64,000 question!  I, too, have seen some mom/baby couplets
where there was some initial tenderness even though all other
evidence said baby was latched effectively.  While I used to say
there should be NO soreness whatever, I have eased off on that a
little.  Several factors may be involved:
1 - Some people have more sensitive skin than others.  e.g., some
get sunburned with only a few minutes exposure while others seem to
be able to be out for hours with no apparant ill effects.
2 - Some cultures routinely expose the nipples to the elements (sun,
wind, etc.).  Does the fact that most of us keep ours covered set us
up for more sensitivity?
3 - What about the babies that are little "vacuum cleaners" the
first couple days (or as some have described, able to suck the
chrome off a trailer hitch)?  Are moms of such babies more likely to
experience some tenderness until the milk flow increases?
4 - Everyone's perception of pain is defferent.  What one mom may
describe as a slight annoyance another mom will describe as very
painful.  Therefore, it is important to get moms who report some
discomfort to describe it more specifically.

What I generally tell moms is that if baby's sucking feels like a
"pinch" or a "bite", then I would advise working on refining the
latch.  A strong "tug" the first few sucks may be normal.  After
all, this is a new sensation, even if breast play is part of her sex
life.  In addition, some moms with sensitive skin may feel a mild
"irritation" the first couple days.  The key is what the nipples
look like the moment baby lets go.  Except for looking a little
longer or more everted, the shape should be the same as when it went
into baby's mouth.  If the nipple looks pinched or has a profile
like a Nuk nipple or new tube of lipstick, then we need to work on
refining the latch.  In any case, soreness that increases, doesn't
ease up in a couple days, or leads to bruising or worse needs to be
evaluated.  And, of course, baby's diaper output and relaxation as
feeding progresses also give clues as to whether the latch is
effective.

Winnie

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