https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Tue, 07 Apr 2026 00:13:13 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/need-breastfeeding-encouragement#post-515767 Sun, 20 Jan 2013 08:25:41 +0000 hilsy85 515767@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>It really does get better. I did not believe that at all when I was going thru the worst of it and crying they every nursing session from pain. For me it took longer than average--about 8.5/9 wks. And then one day I realized that the last few nursing sessions hasn't been so bad. And it continued to improve from there. I also have a baby with a super strong suck and my nips were ravaged the first few weeks. It's ok to pump once in a While and give a bottle to give your nips a break. Also try a heating pad if cold is making them hurt. And just hang in there. I so so sympathize with where you are right now--major hugs! Breastfeeding was the hardest thing ie ever learned to do but you will get the hang of it and so will LO and it will get better!! And it's ok if you don't enjoy it right now (it would be tough to enjoy something so painful eh?)--I felt guilty about dreading nursing but once the pain ease I started to enjoy it more. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/need-breastfeeding-encouragement#post-515681 Sun, 20 Jan 2013 03:26:29 +0000 oahujeni 515681@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Don't give up, it does get better like everyone says! Going to a BF group every week has helped me immensely, please try and find one! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/need-breastfeeding-encouragement#post-515678 Sun, 20 Jan 2013 03:22:08 +0000 tequiero21 515678@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think it took me at least a month to get into the groove. I thought for sure I was doing it wrong so I saw a LC. Supposedly all was well and we just needed the time. Still going strong at almost 10 months! Good luck! U can DO it! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/need-breastfeeding-encouragement#post-515672 Sun, 20 Jan 2013 03:06:07 +0000 Penny Lane 515672@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@jedeve: I've written about my BF ing story (<a href="http://boards.hellobee.com/topic/breastfeeding-success-stories" rel="nofollow">http://boards.hellobee.com/topic/breastfeeding-success-stories</a> if you want the mid length story)</p> <p>Short story: terrible latch, even though it looked perfect. ripped up nips, staph infection, thrush, nipple aversion, literally could not latch him on by myself for weeks... It took around 8 weeks, but it got SO much better. The initial latch slowly got less and less painful, and now at 5 months I don't even notice it when he latches. He's like a ninja.</p> <p>It takes time, not only for you to get used to it, but for LO to learn to latch as well.</p> <p>I firmly disagree with the "it wont hurt if it's right" thing. It WILL hurt, but there's a difference between nipple tearing hurt, and "i'm just not accustomed to my nipple being yanked on like this" pain. </p> <p>As impossible as it seems, it does get better!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/need-breastfeeding-encouragement#post-515663 Sun, 20 Jan 2013 02:34:50 +0000 autumn865 515663@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Although we didn't have the same issues as you with BFing I can so relate to your frustration. I always thought to BF was just the most natural thing in the world and it was something that would come naturally but I could not have been more wrong! We have had so many issues (needing a nipple shield for inverted nipples, over active let down, over supply, clogged ducts, refusal of one side, reflux). There were times that she would be hysterical and I would be right along with her. But really slowly things got better and now (for the most part) it is a comfortable and cozy time together. It isn't perfect at almost 5 months (still need the shield :-( ) but overall I am so glad I stuck with it. I had spok en to the LCs at my hospital but I wish now I reached out to others for help because the hospital LCs made me feel worse! You can talk to your local LL League leader or even other new mothers. Hang in there! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/need-breastfeeding-encouragement#post-515649 Sun, 20 Jan 2013 02:02:11 +0000 cyndistar3 515649@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Your post fits my past situation to a t! We had the same exact issues and I nearly cried every single time she got hungry, I dreaded nursing because of the initial latch. For me it got better at 4ish weeks. I hope things work out for you :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/need-breastfeeding-encouragement#post-515640 Sun, 20 Jan 2013 01:49:57 +0000 birdofafeather 515640@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Another vote for finding a lactation support group. I went to one run by my hospital and it was awesome. I had a question about DD's tongue tie, but got a lot of great info from the questions other moms asked as well. I also got to weigh DD and check out some gear. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/need-breastfeeding-encouragement#post-515635 Sun, 20 Jan 2013 01:35:06 +0000 lemondrop 515635@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I used the nipple shield for 3 weeks- especially at night when I was tired. Why wean from the nipple shield immediately? Take your time if you are hurting, it isn't worth dreading every feeding!</p> <p>Use nipple cream religiously. Also shove your boob far, far into his mouth when you work on the latch. Once I really started exaggerating that move, it got less painful. My hospital also had breastfeeding support groups, these were very helpful too- mostly for my mental health. </p> <p>It gets easier when they get stronger, but it took us a solid 2 months to find our groove. We had plenty of issues and frustrations, but at a year I am getting sad at the thought of weaning. Ask me that a year ago, and I would have burst into tears for a different reason. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/need-breastfeeding-encouragement#post-515633 Sun, 20 Jan 2013 01:33:02 +0000 Mrs. Tricycle 515633@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Not the "standard" advice, but I love my nipple shield. I've been using it for 2 months and have had no issues. I occasionally try to do without, but Im not stressing about it. It made breastfeeding easy and almost pain free. From what I've read, studies that suggest they hurt your supply are really out dated and were done on rubber shields rather than the new silicone ones. If the nipple shield makes BF- ing tolerable, use it!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/need-breastfeeding-encouragement#post-515611 Sun, 20 Jan 2013 00:32:18 +0000 Mrs. Superhero 515611@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Another vote for 6 weeks here. With my first that was how long it took. I was literally bleeding and the LC said that her latch looked fine. So yes, you can be doing it right and still be in pain. But even though it was hard at first, she nursed happily until 17 months and then self weaned, so we had a really great breastfeeding experience over all!</p> <p>Oh, and take painkillers an hour before you feed (if you aren't on them for anything else) because that made the difference between me just wincing and me pulling the nipple back before she could latch on because I was so afraid of the pain. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/need-breastfeeding-encouragement#post-515598 Sun, 20 Jan 2013 00:13:50 +0000 Ree723 515598@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Ugh, the initial few weeks of BF'ing suck royally. For the first two to three weeks, it was toe curling, tears to the eyes, I want to give this up right now pain every single feed. I seriously dreaded feeding time. After the first couple of weeks though, the amount of time that I experienced the extreme pain after latching on started decreasing. By 3 to 4 weeks, it was just a searing pain when LO first latched on and it only lasted a few seconds. By 6 weeks, it no longer hurt to latch on and it's been great since then (LO is just about 7 months old).</p> <p>Hang in there, the beginning does suck but it gets so much better! Just think, you've made it through the hardest two weeks already and it is never going to hurt as much as it did yesterday; tomorrow it will hurt less than it did today, etc. Each day gets marginally better and before you know it, you'll find that the pain is gone and it has become a beautiful experience that is shared only between you and your LO. Keep up the great work! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/need-breastfeeding-encouragement#post-515588 Sun, 20 Jan 2013 00:03:11 +0000 Maysprout 515588@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Best wishes. Do you think he's not latching deep enough?<br /> One thing that I liked when she was small was laying on my side with my elbow and her little head in the crook of my elbow, it seemed help he relax a little. Here's a couple websites that talk about getting a deeper latch.</p> <p><a href="http://www.pumpstation.com/pumpstation/dept.asp?dept_id=3228" rel="nofollow">http://www.pumpstation.com/pumpstation/dept.asp?dept_id=3228</a><br /> <a href="http://www.nbci.ca/index.php?option=com_content&#038;view=article&#038;id=75:when-latching&#038;catid=5:information&#038;Itemid=17" rel="nofollow">http://www.nbci.ca/index.php?option=com_content&#038;view=article&#038;id=75:when-latching&#038;catid=5:information&#038;Itemid=17</a><br /> <a href="http://www.lalecheleague.org/llleaderweb/lv/lvaugsep00p63.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.lalecheleague.org/llleaderweb/lv/lvaugsep00p63.html</a> </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/need-breastfeeding-encouragement#post-515578 Sat, 19 Jan 2013 23:46:51 +0000 skibobrown 515578@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Does it hurt the entire time, or just at the beginning? At the beginning is normal I think... but if you could down from ten when baby latches and are still feeling true pain, then something probably isn't right. Is there a BF support group anywhere near you? I found those extremely helpful to attend regularly. I ultimately wasn't able to BF, but for entirely different reasons that had to do w/ my supply... </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/need-breastfeeding-encouragement#post-515571 Sat, 19 Jan 2013 23:38:43 +0000 Baby Boy Mom 515571@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm with the others...the first weeks were so painful and we had a host of issues. After 6 weeks though things started to get exponentially better, and we were able to nurse well past the first year. I really believe that a huge part of it is letting LO grow a bit and then they can latch better. Just remind yourself why you're doing it and do your best to zone out the pain. You're already doing great, stick with it! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/need-breastfeeding-encouragement#post-515567 Sat, 19 Jan 2013 23:29:21 +0000 MamaJ 515567@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@jedeve: I think around 4 weeks it was a little better then at 5 it was a lot better but my nipples were still healing ( I still used the shield on my left one until it healed because it was damaged the most) and it still took some time for him to open wide enough to get latched. Sometimes it would take maybe 5 mins to get him on because I would wait until he really opened wide. Now at 7 he can basically do it all on his own. At two weeks I was still screaming in pain! My LO was still gaining weight and eating well during it all too which did make me feel a little better too. Hang in there! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/need-breastfeeding-encouragement#post-515558 Sat, 19 Jan 2013 23:16:43 +0000 Katm558 515558@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I hear ya, sister! I also struggled with the same issues with oth of my boys and I just wanted to give up so badly. That type of pain is a special type of torture, because its not just physical, it's emotional too.</p> <p>I would suggest that you continue to use the shield. With DS1 we used the shield for about six months (with our pedi's approval) and then he weaned himself from it, and I was doing so much better. With DS2, we used it for about three weeks and then I s-l-o-w-l-weaned from it.</p> <p> I have been nursing now for a total of 29 months! It's so difficult, and if you can bear it, try to keep going--you're doing a great job! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/need-breastfeeding-encouragement#post-515547 Sat, 19 Jan 2013 23:06:22 +0000 runsyellowlites 515547@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@jedeve: 2 weeks?! Those people are full of crap! lol Things started leveling out for us right about 6 weeks... at 2 weeks the poo was hitting the fan with oversupply, choking at letdown, colic. Le sigh.</p> <p>You're really doing fantastic! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/need-breastfeeding-encouragement#post-515525 Sat, 19 Jan 2013 22:54:46 +0000 jedeve 515525@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MamaJ: when did it start getting better? It seems like everything says it should get better around two weeks so its just discouraging we are here and still struggling. (Though on the bright side he eats just fine. Him not eating would be much more stressful!) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/need-breastfeeding-encouragement#post-515520 Sat, 19 Jan 2013 22:50:54 +0000 Thenetexan 515520@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I too remember how tough it was at that point. I can remember literally crying in pain. If you can afford one, I would recommend seeing an LC. I know you saw one the hospital, but a current evaluation is worthwhile. A good one will be very encouraging and confirm that the latch is still good and help with the breast shield issues. I had an LC come to the house 3 wks PP when I thought I couldn't possibly keep going. Things got better and then became so easy, I made it past the year mark. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/need-breastfeeding-encouragement#post-515519 Sat, 19 Jan 2013 22:50:38 +0000 MamaJ 515519@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I had the exact same issues. Seriously exact same! It just took time. My LO is 7 weeks now and he does great now. It just took a lot of tears and pain to get here. I wanted to give up constantly. I just kept telling myself to stick it out just one more week. It does get better! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/need-breastfeeding-encouragement#post-515517 Sat, 19 Jan 2013 22:50:19 +0000 matador84 515517@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I had an lc tell me to put hydrocortisone and neosporin on my nipple and hang with it. I did and it got amazingly better! Soooooo glad I stuck with it! If you use that, just make sure to wash your nipple off before you feed! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/need-breastfeeding-encouragement#post-515513 Sat, 19 Jan 2013 22:48:51 +0000 CupQuakeWalk 515513@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@jedeve: yep! Lol. Just wait---he will get "situated" in this world and he will learn to respond better to direction and instruction;) It does get better! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/need-breastfeeding-encouragement#post-515509 Sat, 19 Jan 2013 22:45:36 +0000 MamaCate 515509@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@jedeve: I think it took 6 weeks for me not to have toe-curling pain every time LO latched on. Her latch was good etc etc it was just not the kind of work that my nips were used to! You both have to get used to each other. </p> <p>I was just stubborn about breastfeeding so I sucked it up and made faces and curled my toes and stuck it out, and it did start to get better. I EBF'ed for 13 months and am continuing to morning/night nurse after day weaning, so it is possible!</p> <p>Good luck--it does get better! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/need-breastfeeding-encouragement#post-515508 Sat, 19 Jan 2013 22:45:32 +0000 jedeve 515508@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@TurtleDoves: the LC in the hospital told me it was him having the issues, not me. I never thought blaming something on a few hour old baby would feel so good! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/need-breastfeeding-encouragement#post-515505 Sat, 19 Jan 2013 22:42:51 +0000 runsyellowlites 515505@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>The first few weeks are tough &amp; knowing that I can say you're doing AMAZING! Sometimes babes mouth is just small and you have to get past some initial growth before they can really get that boob in their mouth! It DOES pass, I PROMISE! (I've seen some good youtube videos on getting good latches too so they may be worth searching)</p> <p>One of my very favorite things to read when I was on the brink of quitting was this post on kellymom:<br /> <a href="http://kellymom.com/bf/normal/love-breastfeeding-24-7/" rel="nofollow">http://kellymom.com/bf/normal/love-breastfeeding-24-7/</a></p> <p>The beginning was definitely difficult and every day is a choice to keep at it despite it not going well or not wanting to and in the end it is SO worth it. You're giving your lo what it was biologically designed for and deserves! You can totally do this!</p> <p>(9 months ebf after lots of initial feeding issues) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/need-breastfeeding-encouragement#post-515504 Sat, 19 Jan 2013 22:42:11 +0000 CupQuakeWalk 515504@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Ok- I remember being 2w PP &amp; hating BFing because it was insanely painful &amp; stressful. I thought there was no way I could do it &amp; I didn't see any light at the end of the tunnel.<br /> It took awhile (6-8w), but it got better. Waaaaay better! It doesn't hurt AT ALL! For us it was LO who just "matured" as y LC called it. I was doing everything right, logistically, but LO was just monsterously excited &amp; hungry. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/need-breastfeeding-encouragement#post-515498 Sat, 19 Jan 2013 22:35:54 +0000 jedeve 515498@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I knew it could be hard...but honestly I expected to deal with issues like supply, not pain. I so firmly believed the "it doesn't hurt if you are doing it right" that I thought since I knew what w good latch was supposed to be, it would be fine. </p> <p>Now my LO is 2 weeks old and we are still struggling. He wouldn't latch on right after birth, so we used a nipple shield, but immediately started trying to wean him. He mostly doesn't need it on the left, but pretty much won't latch on without it on the right, although he will nurse with out it after the initial latch. </p> <p>The latch on pain is killing me. It's like labor in your nipples. They are so sore, and the cold just makes them ache. I can't seem to get enough breast in his mouth. He opens wide, then justs closes off the last second. My nipple is always completely smashed when he is done. </p> <p>Plus he is just a strong sucker. It hurts all the way deep inside my breast. </p> <p>He doesn't have tongue tie, no thrush, he's not latching on to just the nipple. I use lanolin and earth mama angel baby nipple cream or rub breast milk on afterwards. And we've seen several LCs while in the hospital. But it still hurts. </p> <p>Can someone just encourage me? I feel like I am failing and I was so looking forward to this! </p>