Pain Due to Breastfeeding?

Well I'm sure everyone else has mentioned this - but breastfeeding creates pretty severe vaginal dryness which can make sex uncomfortable. Get yourself a good lube (I like Liquid Silk)

C-sections can be slow to heal. I had my second one 7 months ago and it still hurts occasionally (if I'm tired, move the wrong way or overexert myself). I have had 2. The first one healed fast and easily. Second one was the complete opposite (got infected then a long slow healing). I pumped breastmilk both times so that was not the difference.

I breastfeed for 2 years and never experienced anything like what you are describing, and never had any of my breastfeeding mom friends describe anything like that either. I would call a lactation consultant (usually free at the hospital you delivered at) or La Leche and get there opinion.
Some Doc's just aren't breast feeding friendly ( I ran into one when I had to go to the ER for a kidney infection when my daughter was 7 months old).....definitely get a second opinion.

Is the pain JUST around the incision? I had my baby 7 weeks ago via c-section so I thought "relations" wouldn't be an issue, but it burns pretty bad the few times we have tried. I'm breastfeeding, too, and my dr said the same thing - they said you just need to use a lubricant because of the hormones that are not plentiful when bfing.

We did try a lubricant but it actually only helped a little, which was discouraging. Maybe we needed to use more?

I'd be interested to see the other responses because I feel like I'm in the same boat...

Congrats on your new baby though!

Sounds like someone is trying to make you choose between baby and Daddy.
please call or email La Leche http://www.llli.org/. they helped me during my fight to keep breastfeeding my baby 12 years ago.
It should never be a choice between being a woman, a wife, and a mom.
I don't know all you details, so I dare not advice. but this group really helped me find the equilibrium so that my whole was satistified and by the time I weaned my child I still felt very much a woman and a partner, they also have great advice for dad.
PS. They have a phone number too if you'd rather talk to to a human voice!!!

P.,
I can't speak to the C-section incision, but as for pain during relations, my MD told me that breastfeeding just makes everything very dry. Lube, lube, lube!!! 3 months is hardly any time at all since the baby. Just let your husband know and ask him to go extra slow, or to let you be in charge. If he wants to get lucky, he will play by your rules:-)
Best of luck!!

I had incision pain, which decreased very slowly and gradually for more than a year! I don't believe it has anything to do with breastfeeding, in fact, breastfeeding helps your body heal as well as being one of the most wonderful first gifts you give your child.
Take it easy, don't overdo it, don't lift any heavier than your baby and let your body do it's work!
Good luck and hang in!

use k y jelly it will help a lot. Its normal for a tightening feeling around your groin when you breast feed its part of the healing process and it will help you lose weight from the pregnancy. It will go away soon don't worry.
From H.

HI P.,

The scar pain could be caused by adhesions: bands of scar tissue that form inside your abdomen or pelvis after surgery. As your body heals from surgery, this scar tissue connects organs together, causing them to stick to one another. They are a common side effect of abdominal surgery. In regard to using lube during intercourse- my midwife suggested using Astroglide instead of K-Y becuase it is "slippery-er" and doesn't get as sticky. I have had dryness issues, and found her assessment to be right!

Hi P.,
Some women will have vaginal dryness after childbirth (esp if breastfeeding) and that can cause pain during intercourse. Using a good lubricant will help. Pain at your incision is not caused by breastfeeding, it's caused by having a c-section, a major surgical operation. Some women do have post operative pain for months. Do make sure that your incision is healed properly and not infected. Good luck

Oh Yea......I didn't start having relations with my husband until about 5 months after the baby was born and still wasn't that comfortable for me. I still have some discomfort around my incision every now and then and my baby is 8 months!
Hang in there, as my mom tells me "this too shall pass"

I second the estrogen cream - it'll be better than anything you can get over the counter. My doc gave it to me at my 6 week follow up and you can use it while breastfeeding.

You can have it both ways! Don't worry. :)

I did. It subsided after three to four months. The pain while having intercourse never went away but the doctor told me that it was from the position my uterus settled into after having my last baby. It is slightly tilted now. Good luck to you. I found if I folded a towel and placed it on my incision while breastfeeding it helped. It did not take the pain away but it helped take the edge off. The pain was an internal pain but for some reason the towel seemed to work. Good luck!!

I would seek a second opinion and see a good naturopath about healing the scar properly. Scar tissue gone wrong can cause all kinds of issues. Best to deal with it sooner than later. Perhaps acupuncture or acupressure would work for this.

I think if breast feeding were such an issue then no one would do it. As the other mom suggested, talk to someone at LLL. Intercourse shouldn't be painful but you may want to try some other positions for now.

Yes, that happened to me also. My OB gave me a ointment that helped treat the symptoms, but that was 7 yrs ago so I don't remember what it was. The fact is our bodies go through so many adjustments before, during & after pregnancy. Definitely talk to your doc about his/her recommendations, but also have some patience with yourself as you continue to heal.

A nurse (and mom of 3) I know recently suggested estrogen cream. Said it works like a charm. It is prescription, so ask your doc. Good luck!