Category Archives: Latching

Hidden Hazards of Nipple Shields

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As I’ve stated many times to anyone who will listen,  nipple shields can be helpful if a baby is having trouble breastfeeding. In the wrong hands, however, they can be downright dangerous. Just today I saw 2 moms who were given nipple shields in the hospital within 48 hours of their babies’ birth.  Their 2 stories had very different outcomes.

Story number 1:  Three -week- old baby. Mom given nipple shield day 2 because baby was having a hard time latching. Baby was able to latch with the shield, but he nursed for 45 minutes to an hour each feeding and never seemed satisfied. Things seemed to go OK the first week, but at a routine check-up 2 weeks later, baby hadn’t gained any weight. The pediatrician told mom to start supplementing immediately and referred her to me. I saw her the next day. Continue reading →

It’s Not Supposed to Hurt

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I just read yet another post on another website that talked about sore, cracked, bleeding nipples being “normal” and it’s something that new moms just have to endure.  Unfortunately cracked nipples are common, but they are not normal!  Breastfeeding should NEVER be painful.  Pain is a sign that something is not right.   Listen to your body.  If you have pain with breastfeeding, get help now!

Breastfeeding Myth: Sore Nipples

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Breastfeeding is not suppossed to hurt.    Ever!   Think of all the mammals who nurse their babies.  Are they grimacing?  Are they trying to avoid breastfeeding because of the pain?  Absolutely not.  They look peaceful and relaxed.  We are mammals too!  Breastfeeding is a normal process that is meant to be enjoyable for mother and baby.

So, what are normal sensations when breastfeeding?

There should be no nipple tenderness at all in the first 24 hours. After that your nipples may feel slightly tender during the first few seconds of breastfeeding, but feel fine as the baby continues to nurse. What’s the difference between tenderness and pain? The tenderness is fleeting and mild. It doesn’t make you cry out or gasp. You look forward to breastfeeding. Your nipples look healthy. Continue reading →

Preparing for Breastfeeding During Pregnancy

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“I’m pregnant with my second child and planning to breastfeed. I had an extremely challenging experience with my daughter and ended up exclusively pumping for about 5 months. My confidence level is pretty low, so I’m planning for lactation support soon after my baby is born. I was wondering if you offer prenatal consultations.”

The best preparation for breastfeeding is simply making a firm decision. Research shows that women who commit to breastfeeding while pregnant are more likely to breastfeed than those who say they will “give it a try.”

You don’t need to do anything special to your breasts while you’re pregnant. Your body is preparing for your baby without  a thought from you. Milk ducts are enlarging, colostrum is being created and your nipple area is becoming darker and more prominent.

Pregnancy is a good time to stop using soap on or near your nipples. It is believed that secretions from glands within the areola (montgomery glands) are constantly cleansing and conditioning the skin of that area. If you use soap on your nipples, you are losing the protection of this natural conditioner. Continue reading →