Is Breastfeeding Supposed to Hurt?

Breastfeeding comes easily and naturally for many women; however, for others, it can be a struggle. Too often, the common myth that “nursing is supposed to hurt” leads mothers to believe that they must suffer through it to feed their baby. The real reason for cracked or bleeding nipples or a poor latch may be that your little one has a lip or tongue-tie that is getting in the way. Keep reading to learn more about common nursing myths and how seeking treatment for your baby’s restricted tissues can help.

What Are Common Myths About Breastfeeding?

Whether you are a first-time mother or attempting to breastfeed your second or third child, you may become frustrated if your baby is struggling to nurse. Unfortunately, too many professionals (doctors, lactation consultants, etc.) continue to reinforce unhelpful statements, which are, in fact, myths. Some of these include:

• It is normal for breastfeeding to hurt.
• It is normal for your nipples to bleed or become cracked.
• Your nipples need to toughen up.
• A lip or tongue-tie will not cause your baby to be unable to nurse.
• Your baby has a small tongue or mouth, or your nipples are too big.

It’s important not to believe these statements, as they will only further your frustration during the nursing stage. Instead, consider if there might be another reason you’re struggling to breastfeed.

Is a Lip or Tongue-Tie to Blame?

The truth is that most babies have a hard time breastfeeding because their lip and/or tongue are restricted. When the tissue behind the upper lip or beneath the tongue is too thick and tethered in place, they will not be able to move it freely. As a result, latching becomes challenging, leading to fussiness, prolonged feedings, cracked nipples, and soreness.

Fortunately, when you take your baby to see a lip and tongue-tie specialist, they can evaluate the severity of the tie and recommend a procedure called a frenectomy. Using a soft tissue laser for a more efficient, comfortable process, they can use the laser’s concentrated beam of light to quickly release the tie so that your baby can freely move their lip or tongue.

Mothers can immediately breastfeed their babies following a frenectomy, as it helps to soothe the baby and encourage greater movement while nursing.

Motherhood can be hard, but feeding your baby shouldn’t have to be. Instead of falling victim to the countless myths out there, trust a lip and tongue-tie specialist who can give you and your baby the help you need.

About the Author

Dr. Maggie Davis is a board-certified pediatric dentist and Diplomate in the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. She is certified in lip and tongue-ties by the American Board of Laser Surgery, and she is a graduate of Dr. Richard Baxter’s Tongue Tie Academy and TOTs: Tethered Oral Tissues Program. If your baby is struggling to nurse and you’re unsure what to do, call our office at (727) 786-7551 or visit our website to schedule an appointment.