"Qualified help and a personal approach"

I was 10 weeks into my breastfeeding journey with my first baby. My nipples were still sore and uncomfortable, painful to touch. Midwife and GP were not concerned as she was gaining weight well and following her percentile. I was wondering how long this uncomfortable sensation could last and if I had to just get along with it as inevitable part of breastfeeding. I watched all the videos recommended on NHS about latching correctly, I’ve done an online course for which I paid and I attended NHS antenatal classes but I could not put theory in practice.

It just didn’t work for my baby until one of my mum friends who had similar problem recommended to contact Breastfeeding support team. They replied quickly and Colette visited us shortly at our home setting which made me more comfortable to demonstrate what I was doing. Colette was patient and very knowledgeable and she explained well what I was doing wrong and gave some good tips for different breastfeeding positions that I was using. She then watched me implemented the adjustments she suggested and I had to admit it was immediately more comfortable. 2 weeks after her visit now and I don’t use nipple cream or silver cups anymore and I enjoy breastfeeding so much better now! I am confident I can continue our breastfeeding journey for as long as my baby and I want.

My advice would be not to suffer alone if it’s not comfortable. It doesn’t have to be uncomfortable! Even if you think you read everything possible to find, qualified help and personal approach are much more likely to resolve the problem.  Very grateful patient/mum.