Crying In Pain When Breastfeeding? Moms Share Tried-and-Tested Tips Apart From 'Tiis Lang'

Breastfeeding is natural; it is not easy, but it’s a commitment many moms are willing to uphold due to the many benefits it offers newborns. When we say it isn’t easy, we mean it can hurt really bad. The good news is that it gets better in time. 

Still, that doesn’t mean you should just suffer in silence. You deserve some form of relief from breastfeeding pain. One mom, who has been exclusively breastfeeding for four days, reached out in our Smart Parenting Village Facebook group about the pain. Many moms in the village heeded her plea.

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We’ve heard it before, “Tiis lang, lilipas din 'yan.” It strengthens one’s resolve, and also actually helps relieve the pain if the pain is caused by engorged breasts. But here’s what else worked for moms: 

Check your baby’s latch and nursing position.

“Try researching about good latch, or proper latching on YouTube, at least man lang ma-lessen ang sakit.” — Mommy Reina Jessa

“The key actually is a correct latch position. A common mistake is that it's the nipple that the baby is latching kaya masakit and, worse, nagsusugat. If the latch and the position of how the baby latches are correct, it would be more convenient. — Mommy Mae

“Watch ka YouTube on how to properly position your baby during breastfeeding and also proper latch niya. Bring baby closer to breast, not breast closer to baby. — Mommy Lyka 

Breastfeeding isn’t supposed to be painful. Get your baby in a tummy to tummy position with you. (Check here the different breastfeeding positions.)

When you latch, your baby’s mouth should be wide open with her lower, and upper lip flanged out, like a fish, and take in more breast tissue from under your breast. Your baby should also be able to move his jaw to be able to drink milk properly. (Click here to know more about the correct latch.)

Pump milk before latching.

“I-pump mo, momsh, para mejo ma-lessen 'yung pain. When my LO was born, after two days, we bought a pump because I was crying in pain. After pumping, I tried to latch LO again, and the pain lessened. — Mommy Erika

“Before mo pa-dede-hin si baby, mag-pump ka muna para kapag nagdede na siya sa'yo, 'yung hind milk na made-dede niya tapos less sakit na din ng boobies.” — Mommy Mary Grace

Some experts recommend pumping breast milk after six weeks of exclusive direct breastfeeding when your supply has been established. (Click here to know the reasons why breastfeeding experts prefer direct latching.)

An alternative to using a breast pump, which can also damage your breast if you use the wrong flange sizes, is hand-expressing your milk. (Click here to learn how to hand-express breast milk.)

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Moisturize your nipples.  

“I use nipple cream to moisturize the nipple. It eases the pain due to friction in the dede.” — Mommy Lala 

“Basain ang nipple and areola ng breast milk. I-hand-express then punas sa breast diretso. Mas maganda nakahiga.” — Mommy Gladys 

“On days na nakaka-feel ako ng konting discomfort kasi may days na malakas siya dumede and nagda-dry na 'yung nipples, I put virgin coconut oil (VCO) after every latch. It works for me.” — Mommy Danilette 

Lanolin-based nipple creams are okay, and so are natural alternatives such as expressed breast milk and VCO. Just apply a minimal amount and wipe away the excess before letting your baby latch. (Read all about nipple creams for breastfeeding pain here.)

Try a lactation massage.

“Pa-lactation massage po kayo. After ko pa-massage noon, laking ginhawa talaga and mas correct na latch ni LO dahil maayos na siyang nakakainom ng milk.” — Mommy Regine 

When done properly, a lactation breast massage can be beneficial in increasing the amount of milk expressed by hand or by breast pump, and for helping remove blockages in milk ducts. It could also help breastfeeding moms relax and add to a stress-free breastfeeding experience. (Check here to learn how to do a lactation massage.)

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