Sometimes it takes ALOT of dedication and pain! It took me 3 months of hell before if started to all start working out.
But I can TOTALLY understand if someone needed to give up before that. Its not easy. I was just insanely determined.
You can only do what you can do and you shouldn’t feel any guilt
I saw ( never used or breast feed anyone ) but I saw what looked like bottle nipples that go on your breast so baby used silicone nipples over your nipples.
No. It started to hurt 12 hours in because my nipples were raw. My tattoo on my side hurt more than breastfeeding. Use ice packs and the cream the hospital gives you. The bond is worth it!
Felt like glass slicing my nipples, BUT only for the first few seconds (10 maybe) and only for a week or two.
The first few times is fine, until you realize that your nipples have to toughen up to that experience, and yes, they absolutely can crack, bleed and be hella sore. If you get through it, it won’t be so bad, but the initial latch every time is like someone biting your nipple off even if they get it right. If they don’t get it right it’s worse. But for the health of your baby and the benefits of the breastmilk, you have to decide for yourself if it’s worth going through that physically.
No problems by day 2 with my first, and I nursed him 2 years, into my 2nd pregnancy. When my second was about a week old, somehow we both got thrush, a yeast infection. Then I did get sore cracked nipples. If I hadn’t already nursed the first successfully I might have given up in pain. Medication helped, along with “bag balm” that had to be washed off before each feeding. If you have problems, don’t just push through it. Ask your obstetrician specifically if it might be thrush/ yeast infection. I went on to happily nurse my daughter for more that 2 years.
It hurts a lot. I breast fed my 3rd for almost 2 months, and I took care of my breasts, but he always wanted to eat, and do to limited help, I could hardly eat a meal, so my supply dropped, I was in pain and crying all day, and the stress caused my healing process to be delayed. With my daughter is was easy, 3 months before the hospital essentially forced me to stop, she got Norovirus and was hospitalized for 2 days, and they werent going to release her because they “couldnt monitor her intake” they also didnt provide me with a pump, and she wasn’t accepting the bottle. She was over full from the saline they had going in through an IV, she eventually refused everything, I tried to breast feed after that and she refused, and went on the bottle. I think I would have gone an entire year had she not got sick. I had to lie to the doctors to get her released (a doctor in training actually agreed she had been given too much saline, she threw up saline for 3 days). Now I am scared to take my kids to childrens. Anyway, off topic. It can be easy, my first was not, lip tie and no help learning how to work with it, my son needed to eat so I wasnt gonna push breast feeding. Just take it slowly, ice often, heat often, and coconut oil works amazingly and has a better taste than the regular nipple creams which can be off putting (L&D nurse told me this, cause I wanted to do natural solutions and she said I was on point choosing coconut oil, unrefined). But be careful with diets, it was reccomended to me I write down what I eat so if baby has a reaction to it I can eliminate and figure out what baby can and cant have, my 3rd couldnt have dairy, so I took dairy out and and his rashes went away. He went on soy after breast feeding and can have dairy now.
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Good attachment and positioning is key.
Wow I feel really lucky. I had no issues at all or pain.
The only painful part was when I stopped!
It hurts alot but it’s the best thing for your baby…plus the bond that’s created is amazing…your body will adjust
I never had any pain until I stopped . Used nipple guard once my son got teeth .
It does hurt a lot the first 3-4 weeks but it’s such a rewarding feeling after you get the hang of it. I felt like I bonded more with my babies by breastfeeding.
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Everyone is difficult I suggest you talk with a professional my experience was very different I did not produce enough milk for my babies I tried so hard and was so pressured to be a wonder woman at the end each of my 3 babies only breastfed for 3 months. My Dr. said it happens to a lot of woman I think it happened to me because of all the stress I had
My first refused to let me feed him, my second I was successful, it’s your baby they don’t know their hurting you. I had great success, no problems at all, give it a go hopefully you’ll be a success. 
I mean, it’s not as bad as labour 
It hurts for a little while but not really bad. Makes you gasp. You just have to Make sure you have a really good latch xx
I didn’t have any pain or discomfort with breast feeding, I found the pumps did more damage to my nips then my baby did. Marcell makes an amazing non toxic nipple balm that can help if you do experience any chaffing. Can order it online or buy it in store at Tyme maternity
Take pain meds if the pain is too much. It shouldn’t hurt too much by the second/third week. My nips were bleeding by the second or third day with my new baby, but like I said… Pain meds.
Use nipple cream now till you give birth to avoid cracking. Its painful when the milk comes down for the first time. But omce sipply is regulated its fine.
Second what other posters have said. It doesn’t hurt as much as labor unless you get an infection or something. My daughter didn’t latch well at first and one of my nipples cracked. But by day two we figured out the latch with the help of an amazing maternity ward nurse. It took a little for the nipple to heal up. I had an oversupply up until my daughter was five months so sometimes the engorgement and letdown was slightly painful. Sometimes my nipples would be slightly sore from the constant nursing through a growth spurt. However the VAST MAJORITY of the time it is completely painless. All in all totally worth it. Just like pregnancy. Yes it can hurt. Yes it can be annoying/frustrating at times but worth it.
I am still breastfeeding even though my daughter has already turned a year old. Love the bond and the extra peace of mind being able to give her breastmilk provides especially with the COVID19 situation. It is also great way when baby gets sick/teething to help keep them fed (with food that is gentle on the stomach), hydrated, give their immune system and extra boost and provide some extra comfort.
I would highly suggest to look up resources BEFORE giving birth so if you need to get in touch with a lactation consultant you don’t have to do that research while sleep deprived.
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When done feeding rub breast milk on nipples, it’s much better then any cream i’ve ever used. Mine were cracked and blistered the first few days but again, breast milk will heal it quickly. It’s definitely not easy but it’s so worth it and your body will get used to it!
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A fed baby is best period. However I wouldn’t take anything for being able to nurse my son. It’s an amazing experience. I just made sure the first few weeks to put something on for cracking whether I needed it or not. My son was a able to latch well. Just be prepared for cluster feeding at around 2 weeks.
I’m on my second EBF baby. With my first it hurt for about 2 weeks and was a struggle. With this babe I had a fantastic lactation consultant come in and get the perfect latch on day 1 and never experienced a moment of discomfort. Despite the discomfort with my first though, it was totally worth it.
The first month or close to hurts. And then you’re okay. Try nipple shields, and make sure you have nipple cream. You will want to give up at times but do what you want to do! After the latch it eases up a little!
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Honestly, it hurt me so much, I only lasted a month. She was on formula from that point forward. Everyone is different though, give it a shot & see how it goes.
Just relax . if you are tense it will be harder for the milk to come down . once the baby is properly latched and begins suckling it should be ok . just try to enjoy the bonding . there are so many benefits to breast milk .
Be sure and see the lactation consultants at your hospital. They can give you lots of good points
I have breastfed 6 babies and I have had nothing but smooth sailing. For me it was wonderful. Some people say they have pain but that is because they do not allow the baby to latch correctly. I would suggest taking pointer and middle finger against breasts with nipple in between and gently press in toward body. Then gently rub against babies cheek or lips. Hold breast still and allow baby to latch themselves. Babys instincts were made by GOD so they know what they r doing.
I breast fed 2 babies and it is not difficult at all…did not hurt me but I used lanolin lotion and it worked great! I was nervous at first too but it really helps bond you to your baby and read up on breast milk! It is like magic and gives your baby the best start in life.Good luck!
Look for cups. I got mine at a shop that catered to the pregnant mom. Started wearing them before giving birth and I had no issues with breast feeding. No sore nipples or engourment. Good luck
All depends how well baby latches on… breastfed 7 babies and only 2 caused me pain…and you can prepare your nipples by opening up your nursing bras and toughening up those nipples.
Start to wear a soft tee shirt or something soft with nothing else on to slowly, softly get your nipples used to gentle friction. I nursed both mine and have been a childbirth nurse for more than thirty years. If you always make sure the baby is well latched on things should go well. Talk to your care givers now and get lots of advice from others who have nursed their babies.
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I breast fed all 3 of my kids and it NEVER hurt at all. In fact, it was a relief when each nursed.
Your not helping lol . i dont mean that in a bad way .marnie
I breast fed my son, but he was still hungry, so I added formula. Still hungry, so I added baby food, around 2-3 months old. Still breast fed him, just not as often
I thought I was going to die. But, I pumped and fed from a bottle and that was much easier
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I was miserable and very tired. My breast bled after 2 months couldn’t handle it anymore. I switched to formula. My son couldn’t latch right because of the tongue tie. It would take him over a half hour to feed even after I fed him pumped milk. I’d pump in between feedings I almost never slept.
I breastfed both of my children for over a year each. Some discomfort is normal at first, but it should not be toe curling pain. If it is super painful, something is wrong. When I started having pain, bleeding, and soreness at 2 weeks with my second I went to my LC. She discovered my daughter had a tongue tie and couldnt latch properly. We got that fixed and nursing was much better.
I also highly recommend cooling gel pads. You can find them with the other pumping stuff.
Breastfeeding takes dedication but the payoff is incredible. The first week is hard. Your nipples will adjust and soon you won’t feel anything. Don’t give up before the first 2 weeks, the pain or discomfort you may feel goes away. My first I was sore for a week while we both learned how to breastfeed. I’m almost 5 months in with my second and they never hurt. Lanolin nipple cream will be your best friend until your nipples adjust.
If it hurts really bad then baby is not latched properly. Use nipple cream & a pillow for support. It isn’t as easy for some so you shouldn’t expect it to "come naturally ". That’s not the case for every woman. I couldn’t get either of my kids to latch good so I pumped til I dried up. That maybe an option. Don’t give up but don’t stress about it either. A fed baby is a happy baby!
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Hi mama! I breastfed my daughter for 20 months. I heard the horror stories too and was also nervous. However, a HUGE help for me was lansinoh nipple cream. In the hospital, first feed was not painful at all. However after some cluster feeding i started getting a small blister on one of my nipples (i wasnt putting any cream on). I started putting it on after EVERY feed and it went away and i never had ANY blistering or cracking ! I used it after every feed for a month or two until my nipples were used to it. I highly recommend using it after every feed just as a protectant. You will do GREAT!!!
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It was hard. I didn’t really know what to expect. Getting him to latch on properly was my main issue and what caused me to crack and bleed the first week. I had to constantly put a hot rag on my chest and rub my boobs out because I had so much milk. I also used alot of nipple cream. But after I got him to properly latch and he got himself on a schedule it became easy. The growth spurts will hit you like why you gotta be attached to me all the time🙄 Then the teething. Omg the first time he bit me it hurt so bad. But I’m on 15 months of breastfeeding my son and honestly it just has alot of ups an downs but is so worth it. No shade on formula fed babies but especially right now during this pandemic I’m glad I dont have to spend extra money on formula.
It’s was hard and my milk supply stop by thrid week but other found it amazing bonding experience
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The first week of breastfeeding my first and only child I had a sore in my left nipple because she refused the right boob at first and I was learned to get her to match properly but after that week, I haven’t had any sores or pain on my nipples. She’s 2 months now and still no issues. I was worried at first cuz I want to breastfeed up to a year but no need to be nervous. Its definitely been an experience being able to bond with my daughter while feeding.
With my daughter 17 yrs ago I didnt but 3 yrs ago with my son I did and I felt so good having that bonding with him unfortunately my milk supply was not as much as I and he needed it to be but he had to triple fed meaning feed from the breast then I would pump more then add it to the formula so he was a lil thick baby but I am now pregnant ago and this time I will make sure my supply is up I will be eating the cookies drink the beer with yeast in it to help flow and also looking up anything else to keep the flow going bcuz I had no pain and my nipples are cracking now and no during the whole time I hope u do decide to beast fed my son has not been sick or anything just had a runny nose and a fever or two met his milestones hes a mamas boy I dont know what he gone do in 2 months when his brother comes but we will see good luck on ur journey and a healthy birth
I breastfed my son for 16 months but I used a nipple shield the whole time. We had latching problems so the hospital and lactation specialist had me use one but then he got used to it and wouldn’t feed without it. It saved me from the pain, cracking and bleeding but was a pain at times. I know others who strictly used the nipple shield as well to avoid the pain.
With my daughter, I didn’t know how to get her to latch properly, so due to a bad latch my nipples were extremely sore, one even split a little. Took about 3 weeks for me to get the hang of it.
With my son, I had no pain other than when my milk first came in. No actual nipple pain, but the contractions I got when breastfeeding him were far worse than the first time, after about a week that was better.
No your tripping over nothing if u birth your baby without a c- section guess what hun everything else is a walk in the park ! Till there 6 and they dont need you to tie there shoes or dress them or brush there hair! Just make sure up put the whole nip into baby’s mouth and lubricate w/milk b4 and after feeding to lubricate the nip dont wash your boobies with soap the whole time you breast feed you’ll dry out your milk and place warm wash clothes b4 and after breastfeeding helps with engorged boobs. Hope this was helpful!
It took 5 days for my milk to come in! I suggest buy a pump even a handheld manual and start pumping a day or so around your due date! It’ll help it come in faster. Store the milk and the fluid that comes out in the beginning in the freezer if your baby hasn’t arrived. Use coconut oil found in the baking section of grocery stores for cracked and dry nipples! Make sure to definitely rotate breast’s, don’t over or under work one it’ll cause pain and Mastitis. Even if baby isn’t latching or wanting to feed keep pumping and storing away! When at the hospital you should get a lactation consultant to help you!
Had my baby June 22nd. The first week was so painful. He had a good latch, it was just them getting used so much that cracked and the first 30 seconds of each latch was toe curling. After the first week there wasn’t much pain but he fed for 30 minutes each breast and came off still super hungry. I couldn’t do it and still not producing enough milk with just pumping so we are switching to formula.
I breast-fed all 4 and had no pain unless they’d not latched on properly weird sensation in your belly at 1st but not painful.
It can be the most peaceful and relaxing bonding you can do with your baby but there can be some discomfort at times. Don’t wash your nipples with soap as that does dry them out and use nipple creams that are safe for baby and that will keep you from having the pain of dried out nipples. The latch can be a bit harsh at times but it doesn’t last and after that initial shock you and baby can relax and enjoy the moment. I nursed all 5 if my babies and for the most part it was just fine but you will have those stages where you wonder if you should continue but it is worth it. The worst for me was the teething but we always got through it and my boobs survived.
Didn’t hurt at all. I had to use a nipple shield though for a bit, those do work well. After I stopped using the shield, it didn’t hurt either. The first few weeks can be difficult because baby nurses every couple of hours. It is very rewarding and soothing.
You could always use a breast pump… And freeze it you will have to warm it for the child.
If your nipples bleed and crack, the latch isn’t good. I breastfed my first for 17 months and my second is 5.5 months and has been exclusively breastfed since birth.
Is the best thing you can do for your baby no matter what
You just need latching properly. Get the entire nipple in the mouth. If you need help, get it. Once you’ve got it, and you can get it, day 1, it’s fine. Not painful at all. You only get cracked if they don’t get ahold of the whole thing. Go for it! Sooooooo much easier. No bottle prep, always available.
Breastfeeding is a personal choice. Breast milk provides very important nutrients that help to build a better immune system for the baby. If you don’t breast feed, I recommend pumping breast milk for the baby.
Yes, it hurts. When I was breastfeeding, I used a cream to help keep the nipples from hurting so much, but I can’t remember the name of it (it’s been 30 years ago). I’m sure there are still creams or ointments you can use, but be sure to check that it is recommended specifically for breastfeeding and safe for baby.
If you find that breastfeeding doesn’t suit you (not everyone is comfortable with it), then just pump for the first few weeks so that the baby gets the benefit of the good stuff in your milk. If you’re nervous, or uncomfortable when you’re feeding your baby, the baby picks up on that and won’t eat as well as they should. Good luck with whatever you decide to do!
I didnt breastfeed my first child but did the second one i wish i would have both my second child was healthier she was never sick but my son was sick all the time
The first few weeks are painful. I didn’t remember the pain from my first when I started with my second, so either i tuned it out or it wasn’t as painful with my first! But once you build up it doesn’t hurt at all, and it is easy to forget that it did hurt at one point. Good luck!
I leave the spit and a bit of milk on the nipple and never had any cracking or bleeding. It does hurt a bit, but if you keep pushing through it really does get better with time. I think lanisol has some gel breast pads that you can pop in the fridge or freezer. 100% invest in these. They saved me
If baby’s got a proper latch it doesn’t hurt. It’ll be tender for a a couple weeks but it shouldn’t crack/bleed. One of my four kiddos had a slight tongue tie and that was the most uncomfortable BF experience of them all.
Lanolin lotion!! Yes, it is uncomfortable at first, because both you AND your baby are not used to it. It does get better. I nursed my first child for the full year, and my second for 6 months.
Mime hurt like crazy, and I was having trouble with supply and latching when she was 3 weeks old, and started to give her formula because I didn’t have enough to keep her satisfied. Her two younger sisters got a mix of nursing and formula for a few months from the start, then I eventually I switched to all formula. (My youngest is 10, so it’s a bit of a moot point for me now).
It only hurt me for the first few days after that not at all 
I enjoyed breastfeeding both my sons and never experienced that type of pain. There is some minor tenderness but the key is a good latch. Maybe get a lactation consultant or take a breastfeeding class. Lastly coconut oil worked well for me to keep my breast and nipples lubricated and safe for the baby too.
Of you can air dry after each feeding it makes all the difference. Like no bra and just a Tshirt, but leave even the Tshirt up for a while after every feeding to air dry. I also had a good pump so as to never get overly full. Pump a little off for relief if baby is t ready to eat
Our bodies were designed to feed our babies.You and your baby will get through it with flying colors.Just don’t give up.Congrats on your new baby