Latch issues
I feel like I am getting breastfeeding related anxiety due to the pain and discomfort. I breastfed my first for almost 3 years, but used a nipple shield for the first 12 weeks and maybe by then he was just better at knowing what to do but now when my newborn latches it literally feels like razor blades and makes me seize up in pain. Makes me so anxious for the start of every feed, which is currently every hour (sometimes even every 30-45mins). It doesn’t always stay that way for the majority of the feed, but is this normal at 2 weeks old or do we have to keep working on his latch?
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I got the flipple technique suggested to me yesterday and that has helped. Wish I'd been shown sooner! Very normal for them to feed a lot early on! Definitely ask for advice locally. Good luck!
This is my first baby and definitely was feeling similar to what you were describing the first 3 weeks - it was so strange because I wanted to feed my baby but at the same time dreading every feed for the intense pain at the beginning. After 3 weeks it got better - we are 5 weeks now and still not perfect but will keep working on it until we succeed.
Can I ask what nipple shields did you use and if they worked well for you? Might look into it also
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Can you go to a local breastfeeding group and have them take a look at the latch? I imagine you'll settle very soon and the pain will subside (especially as you nursed your first for so long!) but it sounds definitely worth getting things checked by peer supporters/infant feeding team 😊