Sore Nipples in Breastfeeding
It seems that the saying, “No pain, no gain” has gained popularity over the last several years. When I began breastfeeding my first baby, I assumed that having painful or sore nipples was just something normal that everyone who breastfeeds has to put up with.
However, I eventually realized that this is not normal and does not have to happen at all! This blog will explore the different reasons why you may be developing sore nipples as you embark on this great journey of breastfeeding your baby.
Causes of Sore Nipples
One of the main reasons that a nursing mother will develop sore nipples is because the baby is not latched onto the breast well, and may not be suckling properly. Your baby needs to have a large amount of the breast tissue, including the areola, in his/her mouth.
This prevents your baby from “nipple feeding,” and allows him/her to “breast feed.” While this is one of the primary reasons for soreness, there are a number of other reasons why you could be experiencing discomfort.
A second important consideration is the position that you are holding your baby in while breastfeeding. A lactation consultant later told me that feeding a newborn in bed is one of the hardest positions to feed a new baby in, and to try this position only once you have mastered the other positions. Instead, the cradle position is a great position to start with, and a breastfeeding pillow can help to support the baby’s weight, and make sure that your baby’s body is aligned optimally at the breast.
Furthermore, if you are dealing with sore nipples, you may be dealing with a yeast infection of the nipples. This is something that is common, and can vary from pain to itchiness to general discomfort. This is common if any of you has been treated with antibiotics during the course of the birth or shortly afterwards.
In Conclusion
As you can see, breastfeeding does not have to involve sore nipples! If this is something that you are dealing with, consider your baby’s latch and suckling, the position you are using to hold your baby while nursing, and whether it could be a yeast infection. After all, breastfeeding is a journey that you and your baby are embarking on together, and you want to make it as enjoyable as possible!