So my LO had a really shallow latch at first and did a bit of damage to my nipples that has yet to heal despite lanolin and gel pads. Her latch has seriously improved in the last week and I think that once she gets going it is really good.

The problem is, when she initially latches it hurts REALLY BAD. I do a cross-cradle hold and do the U-thing with my boob and it seems like she gets a nice large mouthful. But every single time the first 10 seconds hurt really bad then all of a sudden it doesn't hurt anymore and the rest of the nursing session is fine.

I'm not sure if this is just normal/how it is? Or if there is anything I can do to help her not hurt me so bad at first.

Also I do think she is still doing some damage because I'm still getting new small scabs... but her latch seems really good over all and when she pulls off I'm not flattened out or anything, so I don't know if it is just her cluster feeding and so much time on the boob that some damage is inevitable? Or the first 10 seconds she does something different that hurts/damages? Or what...

I do plan to see a LC this coming week... but she is on vacation until the end of the week so I was hoping for a little insight to get me through the next several days with hopefully a little less pain.

Thanks