What should a lactation consultant recommend for mothers experiencing nipple pain?

Recommending an assessment of latch technique and suggesting proper positioning is crucial for addressing nipple pain in breastfeeding mothers. Proper latch and positioning can significantly reduce or eliminate discomfort during breastfeeding. A poor latch can cause excessive friction and trauma to the nipple, leading to pain, cracking, or bleeding.

By focusing on latch and positioning, the lactation consultant helps ensure that the baby is positioned in a way that promotes an effective and comfortable feeding experience. Correctly aligning the baby’s mouth to take a significant portion of the areola into their mouth can help in distributing the sucking pressure more evenly and reducing pain for the mother. Providing education on signs of a good latch and assisting with adjusting the baby’s position can empower mothers to manage and prevent nipple pain effectively, thus promoting successful and enjoyable breastfeeding experiences.

While increasing the frequency of feedings, applying ointments, or taking a break may sometimes have their place in a breastfeeding plan, they do not address the root cause of nipple pain as effectively as ensuring proper latch and positioning. These strategies might provide temporary relief or alternative approaches, but they do not support the mother and baby in establishing a pain-free breastfeeding relationship, which is crucial for long-term success.