Expert Answers to Breastfeeding Questions

Breastfeeding Pain

Susan Reulbach Wirtjes, RN, IBCLC, a lactation consultant at Covenant Medical Center in Waterloo, Iowa, answers readers' breastfeeding questions:

Question:

I've been nursing for one week and it still hurts, especially my right nipple. I know the key to comfortable breastfeeding is getting my baby latched on correctly, but I'm positive that her mouth is covering my entire areola. What could be the problem?

Answer:

I suspect the problem is with your latch. It sounds like the baby's lower lip is not grasping enough of the bottom of the areola. To tell for sure, look at your nipple after you're done nursing. If it's crooked and tipped, you need to slightly fine-tune the way you're positioning the baby.

If you're nursing while cradling the baby in your arms, the tendency is to hold baby's head in the crook of your arm, near your elbow. Instead, move her down a few inches closer to your wrist. This should put her in a position where her lower lip can take in more of the underside of the areola. Don't worry if you see some of the areola exposed on top -- that's okay.