Q. Before my baby was born, I had hoped to breastfeed him for the first year. But now, he's been breastfeeding for a week, but I've got a bad case of cracked nipple that it's becoming really painful for me to breastfeed. I'm still persevering but I don't know how long I can take this. Is my baby latching on correctly? Why do some mothers have an easy time of breastfeeding, while I seem to be experiencing the opposite? It makes me cringe everytime it's time for my baby to breastfeed, because of the pain that I'll be feeling. What shall I do? Please help.
Yvonne S., via email

A. Every mother is different and every baby is different. Learning to breastfeed can be very difficult due to many reasons, but the key is not to give up. If she has cracked nipples, it is likely that baby is not latching on well. She may need to see a Lactation Consultant to help her solve the problems.    

KW Chew is a certified midwife and an International Board of Certified Lactation Consultant with a Masters degree in Education.

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