If you experience pain while you breastfeed, it’s important that you seek help because while it can take time to get the hang of it, breastfeeding should not hurt. If you don’t get help, the pain can lead to sore or cracked nipples, and this can lead to excruciating pain.
There are a number of reasons why breastfeeding may hurt. If your baby does not latch onto the nipple properly, this can lead to pain. A shallow latch is when the baby latches mostly on the nipples as opposed to the breast, and this is painful because the baby’s tongue will not be able to reach the milk ducts. This will make it hard for the baby to get enough milk, and you will experience pain as a result. A deep latch will eliminate this pain because when the breast fills the baby’s mouth, their tongue will work better as they suckle, and they will be able to reach more milk. The nipple will be protected because it will be deeper in the baby’s mouth, so you won’t experience that painful pinch.
To get a deep latch, you need to position your baby a certain way because the way they are held will make a difference. The right position will allow your baby to latch on properly, and this will allow you to breastfeed comfortably. Looking at pictures and watching videos may help but visiting a lactation consultant may be better because they will work with you one-on-one to ensure breastfeeding is comfortable and pain-free.
If you continue to experience pain, there may be another reason behind it, as there are more complex causes that can lead to this type of pain. Tongue function is very important, so this is one area you can check to see if there are problems. If the membrane under your baby’s tongue is very short or too tight, it can prevent the tongue from moving properly, which can lead to pain when breastfeeding. If that’s the case, they may have to undergo a procedure called a frenotomy to release the tongue-tie, which would allow your baby to latch onto your breast properly. This will make a world of difference for both you and the baby, so it’s an aspect that should be considered.
If it’s confirmed that tongue-tie is the reason behind your pain and the reason why your baby is having difficulty breastfeeding, the experts at Durham Tongue Tie Laser Clinic can help. For more information, contact us today!