Disturbed by sensation on nipple when feeding

[Rose83]

I have been EBF since birth of my daughter 16 days ago and haven't had too much problem but in the last two days ivd started to find that I'm really not liking the sensation of her feeding. She seems to have started doing this thing where it feels like she is tickling my nipple as she is sucking, so there is less feeling of suction and more one of a gentle fluttering. She is clearly getting tons of milk and is perfectly happy with what she is doing. However I've always been a bit sensitive with my nipples, at certain times of the month I can't bear it if my other half touches them as they are so sensitive - this sensstion I'm getting while feeding now feels like this, it's like I'm being irritated right to my limit and leaves me feeling like I have an itchy nipple afterwards but like an itch I can't scratch.

Has anyone else felt anything like this? I don't want to stop Breast feeding so I guess I'm just hoping someone can tell me this phase might pass. I feel so guilty that I'm now not enjoying the experience of feeding x

 

[mrswoody]

Yes I have had this too both with my eldest and now this LO.
It is basically them suckling and not feeding. She is likely to be doing it for comfort but it is perfectly normal. xx

 

[Rose83]

Thank you... I had noticed it was more towards the end of the feed so you must be right. It's not irritating me quite as much today so hooefully it is something that will come and go x

 

[Applecrumble]

Oh yes i know exactly what you mean its soo irritating...dont have any solutions im affraid but would love to hear some...

When it really gets to me (after cluster feeding episodes) i just put my finger in her mouth and stop the latch ..i guess at this point you could offer dummy (i just re attach if she isnt asleep) some times she is already satisfied and asleep..

She is actually doing it now...

Other thing for sensitive nipples is breast shields which are good...i tried them, but felt wrong as if inwas bringing another layer of complication to bf

 

[TTT]

I often get that sensation and very sensitive nipples during my menstrual cycles too. My lo I only 3 days old sp I'm still learning lots but I had a visit from the breastfeeding support worker today and she said the creamy, fatty milk I at the end of the feed and will make your baby settled for longer if you can get them to take it. She suggested stimulating if they've fallen asleep while latched on by blowing gently in their face or stroking their cheek, to get them to suck again. She also said that it can help irritated nipples, especially for full breasts, if you express a tiny bit before feeding and massaging it into the nipple.