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Is breastfeeding painful?

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Dr. Ann Kellams: A lot of people think that breastfeeding is painful and that you should expect some discomfort and actually, that's not the case. Generally, if there is discomfort or pain we recommend using your pinky finger and breaking the seal and having the baby try again because they are probably doing something that is either going to damage the tissue to the breast or they are not opening their mouth wide enough or getting on far enough. There is probably something in that latching on process that they haven't quite figured out. Most of the time, in that situation with the help of a lactation specialist or somebody at the bedside watching the baby try to eat, we can fix that problem.

Expert: Dr. Ann Kellams

Assistant Professor of Pediatrics

Dr. Ann Lenox Kellams, assistant professor of clinical pediatrics in the Division of General Pediatrics and medical director of the newborn nursery at the University of Virginia Children’s Hospital, is an expert in newborn care and breastfeeding. Kellams teaches pediatric clinical skills to students and residents and authored the Newborn Nursery Resident and Student Curriculum and Orientation Manual for UVA More »