question ...

Wed Jan 23, 2013 2:22 pm

so, I am going to be a FTM and I am 17 1/2 wks pregnant. I am planning to breastfeed my little one once I have him/her, but I am little concerned. I have always had large nipples, and now they seem even bogger, and are a ton more sensitive!! even still. I am ervous that it will just be too painful to do. does it hurt any less to pump than directly feeding from the breast??

thanks for your help ladies

Kristie...mommy to angel babies Eskimo (6w4d) & Polar Cub (c/p)
3 transferred, 1 sticky Puggle!

Thu Jan 24, 2013 10:37 am

Welcome. And congrats on your pregnancy.

Nursing can be a little painfull in the begining because your nipples are not used to all the "attention". I have found pumping to also be painful. But nursing is the best thing to do in the begining. I would strongly suggest working with a lactation consultant and also find a Leleche League in your area, it is a breastfeeding support group that mostlys meets once a month (at a library or something). YOu are able to attend these meeting through out pregnancy. They also provide help as well. With my first my nipples were sore for a week or so, I would use a cream for them and also put milk on them and keep them exposed till dry. Cracked and bleeding nipples are more of a latch problem. After that week or so I was good, never had a problem really.

~Natalie~ Co-Leader of Breastfeeding Zone-email- ctcmsmombzhost @ gmail. com

Fri Jan 25, 2013 5:48 pm

good to know. thanks

Kristie...mommy to angel babies Eskimo (6w4d) & Polar Cub (c/p)
3 transferred, 1 sticky Puggle!

Fri Jan 25, 2013 8:17 pm

I have been where you are. I do not have huge breasts. But my areolas and nipples are big. It takes practice and patience. But you can do it. I second that the first little bit of time it can hurt. Also some women get tingling like pins and needles when they have let down. But it gets better. I suggest getting Lanolin cream as it helped me alot when nursing and is safe for the baby. I also suggest get family support around you. My husband was a huge help and supported me nursing fully. I agree with PP also. Pumping to me was so much more painful then nursing. Good luck.

Steph. Mother of Eva-15,Jordan-10, Christopher-9, Abigail-6,and a angel son Joshua. Host of Pregnancy and Infant Lose board. Mummieeva@yahoo.com

Mon Jan 28, 2013 12:42 pm

pp mentioned let down pain. My best way to describe it was that (I have small breast first of all) someone was trying to stuff a basketball in my breast while letting down, it doesnt last the whole time while nursing but when I let down that is what it felt like. Like an explosion I guess. LOL

~Natalie~ Co-Leader of Breastfeeding Zone-email- ctcmsmombzhost @ gmail. com

Sat Feb 02, 2013 1:49 pm

I been told the experience is different for everyone just like the birth...
Breastfeeding was definitely painful after a week or so for me. I felt burning in my breasts after nursing for at least two months. My baby has always bitten and yanked herself off a few times a feeding. The tube of lanolin works wonders though.
Even so the bond you form with your baby is incredible and it's so healthy so it's worth it. Good for you for going for it! (Breastfeeding classes are awesome) An experienced lactation consultant showed me and a bunch of other moms, all with different shaped breasts, techniques to have a successful latch. So barring some special circumstances anyone can breastfeed and stick with it.
You can do it!

(Mother of 11 month old still nursing and 4 months pregnant with the next.)