New Breastfeeder

[Lauren Quinn]

I'm about to bust in two weeks with my first child. His name is Oli and I'm going to breast feed, obviously, but I'm worried about how it's going to feel. My nipples are super sensitive and I don't want it to feel good. I've actually never came out to anyone about this because I find it highly embarrassing, but here I am talking to thousands of mom's about it. Any advice?

[Emily Ferrell- Resident Mom]

This is a totally normal feeling. At least, I shared your concern!!! When my son first started nursing, I was nervous, but there was nothing sensual or arousing about it. In fact, it hurt!!! It took a few days, maybe even a week or two to feel totally fine, but at first it hurt some. Your nipples need time to get used to being used in this way. If it hurts too bad, reevaluate your son's latch, as it shouldn't be super painful, or prolonged. I hope this helps!!

[Lauren Stair]

You aren't the only woman who has thought that! I too am super sensitive in that way also. Its a completely different feeling! I nursed my first for 14 months and my second for a little over 11months now and have never felt an arousal type feeling with either of them. (but don't worry, it didn't ruin things for my husband and I either) If anything as Emily mentioned it may be more uncomfortable than some woman due to your extra sensitivity. With my second i only got one bad latch but it still had a uncomfortable side till my nipples got used to being used in that way some many times a day again. its more of a sore type feeling it shouldn't out right hurt unless they have gotten a bad latch or you're healing from a bad latch (which can take some time even if its just once) I'd get some Medela brand of lanolin. Just a small bottle. Once you get past the first few weeks you wont need any more. I promise getting past the first two weeks is the hardest part of breastfeeding. If you can make it past that without introducing any other type of nipple (bottle or pacifier) you will greatly reduce the chance of bad latches due to nipple confusion. Once or twice shouldn't ruin your breastfeeding either I just don't recommend it unless necessary.

[Megan Lynn]

I had the same thoughts and concerns! At the time of pregnancy, I thought I would only want to pump and not breastfeed because I felt weird having my babies breastfeed for fear it might feel good. My daughter was born at 25 weeks and is 3 months old and I've been only pumping because shes a preemie and had trouble latching on. Its completely different as the other women said, so no worries. For me since I am so sensitive, it never feels good. Its sore every time I pump, I've tried using lanolin and other creams to see if it helps, but they haven't helped. The whole, your nipples will toughen up after a few weeks isn't always true, at least in my case. But i suck it up for the health and well being of my daughter and will continue to do so.
Good Luck!!