Do Your Nipples Hurt When you Nurse?

August 26th, 2011

Your guide to pain-free breastfeeding

by: Nancy Ripton

Breastfeeding Latch

Don't wait until your baby is crying to feed her – it will just make nursing harder for both of you.
The "cross cradle" hold is often the easiest for new moms learning latching techniques.
To ensure a good latch, your baby's mouth should be wide open before you bring her to your breast.
If your baby's chin is bobbing up and down, it's a sign the latch is good and she is getting enough milk.
If you're experiencing any pain, visit a lactation consultant as soon as possible.

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ou've proably been told (over and over) that "breast is best," but it's hard to bond with your baby if breastfeeding is painful. If your nipples hurt, it's usually because of a bad latch, says Dr. Jack Newman, head of the Newman Breastfeeding Clinic in Toronto. Here's how to get the right latch to up your odds of breastfeeding success.

Breastfeeding latch step one: Timing is everything

"Mothers need to be aware of the early feeding cues their babies show," says Dr. Newman. These include: sucking on hands during sleep, smacking lips, restlessness, turning toward you and rooting. If you wait until your baby is crying before you feed her, it will be harder to get a good breastfeeding latch.

Breastfeeding latch step two: Get i... >>

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Do Your Nipples Hurt When you Nurse?

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Breastfeeding latch step one: Timing is everything