Okay, this doesn't apply to most folks, but for my friends and cousins with newborns, it might be helpful. I did not (do not) have sore nipples. I don't think this is a given AT ALL, although many nursing mothers seem to think it is. I received excellent advice and did lots of research on the subject, and here is what I think saved me and might help others: I call it the "4 L's"-
Latch: this is probably the most important thing. I couldn't believe the difference when a nurse at the hospital adjusted the baby (note, this was after the lactation consultant had already helped me get started). The nipple was DEEP in the throat. no sucking on the nipple itself, just the areola.
Let the nipple dry: I think this is the second most important thing. I walked around for weeks with my tits hanging out, so that they could stay dry. I imagine this might be easier in arid Denver versus where you are. Sunshine can dry them. Just make sure they aren't in a wet bra for any time at all. I slept on a towel because I was dripping all of the time. If you have terrible pain, it may be because you have a yeast or bacterial infection- I would talk to your doctor about this.
Lanolin: I didn't get cracked nipples at all (many complain of this) maybe because I was religious about applying lanoin (I used Lasinoh) brand after every feeding.
La Leche League: I just used their book (the Womanly Art of Breastfeeding), but I think a lot of problems can be solved by talking to these women. A friend of mine got a yeast infection in her breasts and it took consulting several different folks until it was figured out- sadly, it was too late and she simply wasn't able to breastfeed after that (I'm not sure why, but maybe because the baby was just too used to the bottle by then). If one person isn't helping you, ask someone else.
Good luck! Nothing more awful (well, okay, almost nothing) than pain while feeding your baby. Finally, know that it is alright to unlatch him after he's been sucking for a long time (for me, I had to unlatch him after 30 and 40 min sessions)- he's almost certainly gotten what he needs nutrition-wise, and you may be able to replace your nipple with a finger for comfort sucking. It doesn't have to be your nipple all of the time (this is what my doc advised and it worked great). Don't give up- the benefits are almost too many to count. In an era of so much money and time spent on dubious products to benefit baby (such as special foods, videos, classes, etc.), doesn't it make sense to work at one of the few things we know for sure helps their life-long health and development?
