I read this article called Not a single Israeli hospital qualifies for ‘baby-friendly’ status with great interest, because I gave birth in an Israeli hospital, and I experienced the same problem discussed here!! Basically, to qualify for UNICEF and WABA certification as “baby-friendly” institutions, one of the criteria is “help[ing] mothers initiate breastfeeding within a half-hour of birth; show mothers how to breastfeed and how to maintain lactation.”

Indeed, I asked one of the nurses to help me but she was NOT very helpful. She just told me to adjust the way I was holding the baby, but not much else. I wonder how much pain and frustration I could have avoided if someone had given me some time and tips in the hospital!

You would think breastfeeding would come naturally. What could be more natural? Well I learned that there is definitely a science to it, and if you don’t know what you’re doing, it hurts! When I reached the point where every feeding felt like excruciating torture, I turned to Google to show me the way. With the help of some great websites I finally figured out how to do it right!

Breastfeeding.com is very helpful. The also have videos, to show you the technique (it’s all about the latch). I watched the over and over…

Babycenter has a very good resource list to help you out as well.

And when you’ve reached to end of the rope with sore, cracked, and bleeding nipples, read this article at Breastfeed-Essentials on how to sooth and comfort while you figure out how to correct the problem.

This is very common in the first few weeks of nursing! That’s why there are trained lactation consultants. If you want personalized care you can contact LaLecheLeague, an international organization created to help breastfeeding mothers! There is light at the end of the tunnel… I distinctly remember the first latch-on that DIDN’T HURT! I was amazed…

Good luck!