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Understanding Breastfeeding Pain: Duration and Management
Breastfeeding is often heralded as a natural and beneficial process for both mother and child, yet many new mothers experience discomfort or pain duringThe Duration of Breastfeeding Pain
Breastfeeding can be painful, especially in the early stages, but the duration of this pain varies from woman to woman. According to the Office on Women’s Health, many women experience some level of nipple or breast pain when they first start breastfeeding, but this usually improves within the first few weeks.
The Nemours KidsHealth website states that breastfeeding discomfort, including nipple and breast pain, is common, especially in the first few days and weeks after giving birth. However, the pain should gradually subside as you and your baby get the hang of breastfeeding.
The Mount Sinai Health System advises that it’s normal for breastfeeding to be uncomfortable at first, but the pain should go away within 2-4 weeks as you and your baby get used to it. If the pain persists beyond this timeframe, it’s a good idea to seek help from a lactation consultant or your healthcare provider.
While the exact duration of breastfeeding pain can vary, most experts agree that it should improve significantly within the first month. As the New York Times article notes, breastfeeding pain is part of the natural weaning process that humans have evolved over time. With proper technique and support, the discomfort is usually temporary.
What are the hardest weeks of breastfeeding?
Many mothers find the first 2-3 weeks of breastfeeding to be the most challenging. This is when mothers are most tempted to stop. Most mothers who persist find that the rewards are gratifying and long-term, for both themselves and their babies. A few mothers may face on-going challenges.
Does breastfeeding ever get less painful?
Any discomfort that a new mom feels during breastfeeding should last only a few days as you learn through trial and error. As you’re learning, it may feel strange at first when your baby latches, but it should only be an initial pinch that goes away. If it’s more painful than that, it’s probably a bad latch.
When does breastfeeding stop hurting?
Nipple pain is common in the early days of breastfeeding. This is because your nipples are not used to breastfeeding. The pain lasts for a short time, usually around 1 week. Soreness that continues throughout the breastfeed, or lasts for more than 1 week of breastfeeding, is not normal.
How long does it take to get comfortable breastfeeding?
Mothers often say it takes a few weeks for breastfeeding to feel totally comfortable and natural, even if they have breastfed before. And as your baby grows in length and weight you’ll need to adjust how you support them.
