What does correct breastfeeding feel like?

Understanding the Sensations of Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is often described as a complex and multifaceted experience, blending physical sensations with emotional connections. For many mothers, the journey begins with a steep learning curve, where both mother and baby must adapt to this new form of nourishment.
Physical Sensations
The initial moments of breastfeeding can evoke a range of feelings. Many mothers report that the first latch can be uncomfortable or even painful, particularly if the baby is not positioned correctly or if the latch is shallow. This discomfort is often temporary, as both the mother and baby learn to find a rhythm. As one mother shared, “It can be extremely painful, frustrating, and difficult, as well as a physically smooth and emotionally enriching”.
Once the baby is latched properly, many mothers describe a sense of relief and comfort. The act of breastfeeding can trigger the release of oxytocin, often referred to as the “love hormone,” which helps to create a bond between mother and child. This hormonal response can lead to feelings of warmth and connection, making the experience deeply fulfilling.
Emotional Aspects
Emotionally, breastfeeding can be a rollercoaster. While many mothers cherish the intimate moments spent nursing, they may also experience anxiety about their milk supply or the baby’s feeding habits. The pressure to breastfeed successfully can sometimes overshadow the joy of the experience. As noted by several mothers, breastfeeding is not just about feeding; it’s also about nurturing and bonding, which can be incredibly rewarding.
Challenges and Adjustments
Despite the joys, breastfeeding is not without its challenges. Many mothers face issues such as engorgement, which can cause discomfort and even pain. Additionally, the process of learning to breastfeed can be time-consuming and mentally taxing, especially in the early days when both mother and baby are still figuring things out.
Some mothers have likened the sensation of breastfeeding to other bodily functions, humorously comparing it to the feeling of relief one gets from peeing, highlighting the natural and instinctive nature of the act. However, this analogy also underscores the vulnerability that comes with breastfeeding, as it requires a level of openness and trust between mother and child.
Conclusion
In summary, correct breastfeeding is a unique blend of physical sensations and emotional experiences. It can range from discomfort and frustration to profound joy and connection. Each mother’s journey is distinct, shaped by her own body, her baby’s needs, and the support she receives. As they navigate this intimate process, many mothers find that the challenges of breastfeeding are often outweighed by the deep bond it fosters with their child.

How do you know if your breastfeeding is going well?

Signs your baby is getting enough milk
Your baby’s cheeks stay rounded, not hollow, during sucking. They seem calm and relaxed during feeds. Your baby comes off the breast on their own at the end of feeds. Their mouth looks moist after feeds.

What does a proper latch feel like?

The latch feels comfortable to you and does not hurt or pinch. Your baby’s chest rests against your body. Your baby does not have to turn his or her head while drinking. You see little or no areola (the darker skin around the nipple), depending on the size of your areola and the size of your baby’s mouth.

Can breastfeeding hurt even with a good latch?

It may look like your baby is well latched from the outside but your nipple may still be getting pinched. If you have tried to improve the positioning and latch but you still feel intense pain, seek help. Some discomfort when latching in the early days is common as you and your baby are learning.

What should normal breastfeeding feel like?

Although your breasts and nipples may be tender or uncomfortable, once your baby is well-latched, breastfeeding should not be painful. Sometimes pain can happen if you have an improper latch, a milk duct that is clogged with milk (plugged milk duct), a breast infection (mastitis), or other issues.

What should successful breastfeeding feel like?

Successful breastfeeding depends on the positioning and attachment of your baby to your breast. When your baby is positioned and attached correctly, they will feed well and you will feel no pain. As you start breastfeeding, you may feel some discomfort but you will get used to the feeling.

How do I know if something is wrong with my breast while breastfeeding?

Nipple or breast pain is not normal
Your nipples may be sensitive in the first few days after birth and while breastfeeding, but sore nipples or breasts indicate a problem. If you feel pain, you should seek help immediately.

How do you know if you’re breastfeeding properly?

With your baby’s chin firmly touching your breast and their nose clear, their mouth should be wide open. When they attach you should see much more of the darker nipple skin above your baby’s top lip than below their bottom lip. Your baby’s cheeks will look full and rounded as they feed.

What do nipples look like after a good latch?

Your nipple should be round after a feed. If it is lipstick-shaped or flat, this may indicate that baby may not have had a full mouthful of your breast.

Does breastfeeding hurt even with a good latch?

If you have tried to improve the positioning and latch but you still feel intense pain, seek help. Some discomfort when latching in the early days is common as you and your baby are learning. Intense pain that does not subside after a few seconds indicates a problem.

What are the signs of healthy breastfeeding?

A Good Latch
Baby will take feeding pauses, fewer at the beginning and more as the feed continues. Your nipples may become elongated after breastfeeding but not pinched, blanched or damaged. During suckling, there is a wide jaw opening and slight pause as milk transfers into the baby’s mouth (open-pause-close)