Breastfeeding advice please

it shouldn’t hurt so my advice would be to make sure you see a professionally trained lactation consultant (not midwives/health visitors as they often don’t have proper breastfeeding training so give incorrect advice) and make sure that you haven’t got any latch issues, shallow latch, tongue tie etc.x

^nipple shields can be a really good tool but can effect latch and mean milk isn’t being drained effectively (mastitis/engorgment) and can become dependant on them so should only really be used as a last resort x

I can really recommend the Thompson latch instead of the traditional nipple to nose. My baby girl just opens her mouth and it goes on. I found that much easier. I would say the first two weeks hurt the most because you body is not used to it and then it should become pain-free. If you’re still experiencing pain I would definitely look at her lactation consultant.

I lived with the silver cups on the first few weeks and making sure the latch was correct each feed as one feed with a bad latch I was in pain after for a whole day!

I had the same experience with my first, mine were bleeding and I had to give up and went exclusively pumping instead. With my second one, I am able to breastfeed and currently still going strong after 6 months. A good latch is always recommended as it also helps bub feed efficiently but I found constantly moisturising nipples during pregnancy helps a lot to increase skin elasticity which prevents cracking later on. I used nipple balm twice a day during pregnancy, and after birth continue to use after every feed. Also trying to relax and less stress so milk can come quicker. My bub didn’t have the perfect latch and it did hurt a little at the start but it wasn’t too bad, and as milk started to come bub didn’t have to suck too hard for milk so it also made less damage to the nipples.

If you ask when you're in hospital, you should be able to see the feeding team or someone can help before you leave hospital to go home. It shouldn't hurt so if it does it's probably a latch issue or tongue tie. You can stay in to get feeding sorted now. There's also community feeding teams. My little one really struggled with her latch and the flipple technique helped me :). The La Leche League website is really handy too :)

I second seeing a lactation consultant. They can evaluate baby’s latch, especially if you’re experiencing pain. When I had my fifth baby, it was so painful to nurse her. (All of my babies have been breastfed.) It turns out she had a lip and tongue tie. The lactation consultant showed me how to massage her facial muscles, so she could latch easier, along with using a nipple shield.

Thanks for all the comments ladies ❤️ Is a lactation consultant someone I can access through the NHS or is it a private service?

@Hollie your midwifery or health visiting team should have breastfeeding specialists/support available. Lactation consultants are usually private and can be quite costly. Of course, if you can afford it, why not if you're struggling or anticipate a struggle. Hopefully baby latches without issue and you have a positive experience this time around. X