Many mother's nipples get a little sore at first.

This is normal. But, if your nipples keep hurting during the feeding, there is something wrong.

• If you cannot hear the baby swallowing after a few strong sucks, the baby is not sucking right. You can teach the baby to latch on the right way.
• Using the football hold often makes it easier to help the baby latch on for the first few days (see Breastfeeding Positions Tip to learn how to do this hold.)
• You can see if the baby's mouth is open wide and if the tongue is down before bringing the baby to the breast.
• The baby's sucking should not hurt. If it does, slide one finger of the hand supporting your breast forward to the baby's chin. Gently hold the baby's chin down. This gets the baby's tongue out over the lower gum so the tongue does not pinch the nipple and the baby will get more milk. Someone can sit on the other side of the baby and reach under your breast to hold the chin down for you. Hold the chin down while the baby nurses for a few feedings. The baby will soon learn to do this without help.

Remember to:

• Hold the baby close enough to get the breast far back in the mouth.
• Hold the breast during the feeding, so it stays far back in the baby's mouth.
• Hold your baby so the lips are in line with your nipple, before the baby starts to nurse.
• Hold the baby's head and body in a straight line. Do not push the head forward.
• Use pillows or folded towels under the baby for support. (Babies bite if they feel like they are slipping.)

Healing Sore Nipples

While your nipples are getting better you may want to:

• Start each feeding on the side that hurts less. Babies suck harder at the start of each feeding.
• Let air get to the nipples to make them feel better. Wear a loose top and go with no bra. If you must wear a bra, leave the flaps down after feeding.
• Dry off the nipple and rub a little breast milk into the sore places to help them heal.

Helping your baby to latch on and nurse the right way will help your sore nipples heal quickly. Also, your baby will be getting more milk and be more relaxed nursing the right way.

Thrush infections and your nipples

If you have sharp, burning pain while the baby nurses, you may have a thrush (yeast) infection on your nipples. Usually with thrush, the nipples keep burning even after the baby is done nursing. If you think you have a thrush infection, check with your doctor to get medicine. Both your breasts and the baby's mouth need medicine. You should begin to feel better within a day or so of starting the medicine. Be sure to use the medicine for as long as the doctor or nurse suggested. All pacifiers, bottle nipples and toys that come in contact with the baby's mouth must be cleaned with hot soapy water.

Source: Nutrition NC

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