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When do nipples become less sensitive breastfeeding?

Understanding Nipple Sensitivity During Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is a profound experience for many mothers, but it can also bring about significantNipple Sensitivity During Breastfeeding
Nipple sensitivity is a common experience for breastfeeding mothers. During the early stages of breastfeeding, nipples can be quite sensitive and even painful. This is due to the physical changes and adjustments that occur as the baby learns to latch on properly and the mother’s body adapts to the demands of nursing.
However, over time, the nipples typically become less sensitive as the skin toughens and the mother-baby breastfeeding relationship becomes more established. The nipples usually become less sensitive within the first few weeks to months of breastfeeding.
Factors Affecting Nipple Sensitivity
Several factors can influence how quickly nipple sensitivity decreases during breastfeeding:
Proper Latch: If the baby is latching on correctly, it can help minimize nipple pain and soreness, allowing the skin to toughen up more quickly.
Frequency of Feedings: The more often a mother breastfeeds, the faster her nipples may become less sensitive, as the skin has less time to recover between feedings.
Nipple Conditioning: Gently massaging the nipples or using a nipple cream can help condition the skin and reduce sensitivity over time.
Breast Infections: Conditions like mastitis or thrush can cause the nipples to become more sensitive and painful, delaying the desensitization process.
Seeking Support
If nipple sensitivity persists or worsens, it’s important for the breastfeeding mother to seek support from a lactation consultant or healthcare provider. They can help identify and address any underlying issues to ensure a more comfortable breastfeeding experience.

How can I make my nipples less sensitive while breastfeeding?

  • Apply pure lanolin which is safe for babies
  • Use a breast shell or gel pads which prevent your nipples from touching your bra or shirt

How do you desensitize sensitive nipples?

One of the best ways to reduce sensitivity is to use pads or bandages over the nipples to keep clothing from rubbing on the nipple. Also, although it sounds counterintuitive, rubbing and massaging the nipples can decrease the hypersensitivity.

How long should sensitive nipples last?

In the early weeks, many mums feel some nipple tenderness, discomfort or pain when their baby first attaches. This is often mild and improves as the feed goes on. For most mums, sore nipples stop being a problem after a few days or weeks.

Do nipples get sore even with a good latch?

If your baby is properly positioned and attached at the breast during feeds and your nipples are still sore, ask your midwife, health visitor or breastfeeding supporter for help. There may be an underlying problem, such as an infection like thrush.

When does breastfeeding become easier?

WEEKS TWO TO FOUR
Breastfeeding gets easier as you and your baby learn. Your breasts will feel softer, but you are still making all the milk she needs. As your baby grows and changes there will be times when she wants to eat more often for a day or two.

Why are my nipples suddenly less sensitive?

As we age, the nipples may become less sensitive to stimulation which is normal with changing hormone levels. A sudden change in sensitivity may warrant a visit to your physician if you are not pregnant or breast feeding and have no other reason such as a new medication to have a change in your hormones.

When does it stop hurting when a baby latches?

Although sore or tender nipples are common during the first few days of breastfeeding, it should improve. Normal soreness or pain usually occurs for about a minute when the baby first latches on to the breast. For minor discomfort, you can try home treatment.

How do I toughen my nipples for breastfeeding?

Thankfully this is no longer recommended. There’s no research that supports doing anything to try to toughen up the nipples before breastfeeding begins, so you can leave your toothbrush and steel wool in their respective sinks.

When do nipples stop being sensitive while breastfeeding?

Nipple pain is common in the early days of breastfeeding. This is because your nipples are not used to breastfeeding. The pain lasts for a short time, usually around 1 week. Soreness that continues throughout the breastfeed, or lasts for more than 1 week of breastfeeding, is not normal.

What do nipples look like with a bad latch?

If your baby is not latched properly, you may notice a crease across the tip of your nipple when it comes out of your baby’s mouth. It may be shaped like a new tube of lipstick. Or it may look white at the tip.

Natasha Lunn

Tash is an IBCLC and Business Coach helping fellow IBCLCs create fun, profitable businesses that are more than just an expensive hobby. Before becoming an IBCLC and starting her private practice - The Boobala, Tash graduated as an Osteopath in 2008 and has been in Private Practice in South West Sydney. She was also a volunteer Breastfeeding Counsellor and Community Educator with the Australian Breastfeeding Association for 6 years. Through her business, Your Lactation Biz, Tash coaches and creates products to help new and seasoned IBCLCs build businesses that suit their personality and lifestyle.

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