The hormonal changes in pregnancy can cause nipple sensitivity, and discomfort. This can make breastfeeding challenging to say the least. There is little you can do about the sensitivity, but there are some strategies to undertake, to minimise discomfort.
- Seek the advice of a qualified LACTATION CONSULTANT - your GP, is not necesarily the best source of nursing advice, a lactation consultant, is a trained professional specialist.
- Insist on good positioning and attachment. Poor attachment will exacerbate any discomfort, and only lead to frustration on both yours and your bub’s part.
- Feed after a warm shower, anecdotally, the warm water is very soothing, and can alleviate the sensitivity.
- If cold or heat packs provide relief, use them!
- Set up nursing ground rules, and don’t allow chomping, or talking whilst nursing. A simple “Nurse Gently” and removal of the the nipple if your bub is feeding less than gently will soon get the message across.
If you intend to tandem nurse, or your older child has simply not weaned yet, then perservering, through the challenging timesis still providing you both with so many benefits. Nursing ought not to be a negative experience, and if it’s getting you down, the best thing you can do, is seek the advice of a professional lactation consultant.
