Did you know breastfeeding is not supposed to hurt?
Some tenderness and sore nipples, in the beginning, is normal – if you ran five miles your legs might be sore until you got used to it… BUT if the skin is broken, you really need to get help.
Here's how:
1. Get your latch assessed
Ask for help, don’t suffer in silence. There’s lots of help for breastfeeding problems. One key thing to try is to give your baby more control when he or she is latching. Laid-back breastfeeding is your best bet of getting the latch right.
2. Try a Lactation Consultant
If 48 hours after getting latch assessed the soreness is not much better, see a Board Certified Lactation Consultant who are sometimes available in your maternity hospital, the local health center or privately through
alcireland.ie.
3. Washing the area
Washing your nipples two or three times daily with mild soap and water reduces the risk of mastitis and can even cure mild infection.
4. Coconut oil
This miracle oil has an antiviral and antibacterial effect. It provides moist wound healing too, which is preferable for damaged skin as it encourages faster healing. Dab a little bit on after each feed.
5. Check for Tongue Tie
A certified Lactation Consultant is the best person qualified to assess for tongue restriction (Tongue Tie). They will be able to ascertain whether this is what is impacting your baby’s ability to get or maintain a good latch. Tongue Tie is easily fixed by a super-simple procedure, so get the help you need, and you and your baby's feeding experience will benefit hugely.
Nicola O’Byrne is the President of the Association of Lactation Consultants in Ireland. 
