While it is common to experience pain when learning to breastfeed, it is not normal. Many women endure discomfort and even severe pain while learning to breastfeed their babies. However, it’s important to know that painful breastfeeding is not a rite of passage, nor should it be suffered in silence as a mere part of the process.
The Myth of “No Pain, No Gain”
It is a common misconception that breastfeeding is supposed to be painful, especially during the initial phase when both the mother and the infant are adjusting. Women are often told to tolerate the discomfort, anticipating that it will subside eventually. The idea that nipples must ‘toughen up’ is frequently conveyed to new mothers. While a period of adjustment is expected as the mother and baby refine their technique, severe pain is not normal and warrants attention.
When Breastfeeding pain is a problem
Sharp pain, cracked or bleeding nipples, or ongoing discomfort during breastfeeding are definitive signs that immediate assistance is needed. These symptoms could indicate problems like improper latching, a baby’s tongue tie, engorgement, or other less common issues that require professional consultation. Overlooking these discomforts may cause additional issues, such as insufficient weight gain for the baby or a reduced milk supply and ultimately deter ongoing breastfeeding.
Seeking Support and Solutions
If you’re experiencing discomfort, it’s important not to endure it alone. Contact an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), your healthcare provider, or a local breastfeeding support group for assistance. These experts can evaluate your circumstances, provide advice on better positioning and attachment, and assist in identifying other potential causes of pain like tongue-tie or Raynaud’s phenomenon. They are also available to offer general support and strategies to ensure breastfeeding is a more pleasant experience for both you and your child.
Tips for Comfortable and successful breastfeeding
Here are some tips to help make breastfeeding more comfortable and more sustainable:
- Educate yourself as much as possible before your baby is born – watch videos, read books, chat with other breastfeeding Mum’s, meet with an IBCLC.
- Ensure good positioning and attachment: Know the principles for good positioning and attachment, including the signs to look for to know when feeding is going well or when to seek support
- Try different positions: Experiment with different breastfeeding positions to find one that is most comfortable for you and your baby.
- Get yourself comfy first: – The normal length of a feed can be anything from 5 –40 minutes and your breastfed baby will need to feed at least 10-12 times each 24 hours. Therefore, it is important for you to ensure your own comfort throughout each feed. Use cushions to support your back and the baby’s weight.
- Be kind to yourself and your baby – you are learning this huge new skill together, whilst also recovering from birth and adjusting to coping with disrupted sleep.
- Know where to find support – local drop-in groups, your infant feeding team, your local IBCLC. If you have all this information to hand before you run into any challenges, then it is one less thing to think about when you are feeling exhausted.
Liz Farrant July 2024