I have thought about this too. In the Breastfeeding class there are both
primips  and multips. I want to keep my credibility about sore nipples and
latching. I say that when latching and sucking are *perfect* then it will
not be sore. But "Nobody's Perfect" right off the bat! It's a learning time.
Then I demonstrate optimal latching technique, and go over the usual
pitfalls to avoid, ie. the difference between tummy *facing* tummy and tummy
*against* tummy.

I also admit that not everyone will need a perfect latch-on technique to
have comfy nursing. That's because some babies start out with a very elegant
suck and will automatically pull the nipple back to the soft spot in their
palate. Others will take more time to do this. But optimal technique helps
because Mum is presenting the breast into the baby's mouth to *enable* the
baby to achieve a best latch possible.

As for LLL Leaders who get sore nipples with second or third baby. Friend of
mine had a home birth , 3rd child , sore nipples on day 3. She was trying to
latch well. Pretty good technique. I suggested she sit up in a kitchen chair
to latch for a day, sitting up straight to lengthen her waist and thus bring
baby closer.  Also to tickle lip a little longer for the *Biggest* gape. Did
the trick.She noticed immediate improvement and soreness was alieviated over
next day. Funny thing though, a small crack in baby's collarbone was
detected a month later. Mum wondered  if this was why baby cried more than
expected the first night after birth and didn't latch on as eagerly. Maybe
affected suck? This is multifactorial , no?  The interdependance of the
Breastfeeding Dyad!

Anne Kirkham IBCLC