Is letdown supposed to sting?

I am breastfeeding my 7 week old son, and pretty much since the beginning the inside of my breast will kind of "sting" (can't think of a better way to describe it, kind of like getting an "indian burn" as a kid just not on the wrist) as I begin to nurse or pump. This happens to both breasts at the same time, not just the one in action at the moment. Is this normal? Doc seems to think it's fine. I don't have any infections or mastisis or anything that.

Yes. Some folks feel a intense tingling sensation, for some it 'stings'. Mine was somewhere between tingling and prickling.

"A painful let-down reflex can occasionally happen while your body adjusts to feeding your baby. You may find that using relaxation techniques that were helpful during labor might help you cope with this early discomfort.

Make sure you are using good positioning techniques and are not straining or leaning over your baby as you are breastfeeding your baby. Your back, arms, feet and elbows should be well-supported, and your shoulders and neck muscles relaxed.

Some deep breast twinges during let down can occur as the milk ducts constrict to force the milk towards the nipple. As your body becomes more used to breastfeeding, these disappear.

Another possible reason for a painful let down:

1. Lots of milk. Some women find that they make a great deal of milk and/or their milk-ejection reflex (let-down) is very strong. If this is the case, you will notice your baby choking or sputtering on the volume and intensity of the milk as it is let-down. Some mothers have found that breastfeeding on one breast only per feeding is helpful. When your milk lets down, you may find that your baby is more comfortable if you gently break suction, allow the milk to spray into a towel, and then re-latch him when the flow slows down. In time, your supply and let-down will become more manageable for the baby to handle and your discomfort should lessen. "

The website below has several other possible reasons for a painful letdown. From your post, it sounds like it's just your body adjusting and I wouldn't worry too much. Just try to relax and enjoy your time with your baby. Your body will adjust and one day, when he's 8 you might look back and (almost) miss the feeling. ;-)

Hi
This is completly normal! I breastfed 3 babies and it happened with all of them. It usually settles down after a few months. Don't stress over it, it's just the milk coming down. Just relax and enjoy the closeness. Goodluck and happy breastfeeding.

I have been breast feeding for almost two months and the same thing is happening to me, from my experience I just think its the new milk comming in that funny feeling is at the top of my breast or in the middle it mostly happens every 2 to 3 hours in time for your baby to eat again. I think its cool to be able to know when u have new milk and to be able to feel it.

yup...isnt it fun....dont worry, it may take awhile, but u will get used to it...when it first happened to me i was really shoked and didnt quite know what was going on...but i got used to it with in a few months....goo luck

I breast fed my daughter and remember the sting during let down, it's completely normal.

With my first son I felt the same thing. I don't know what the cause was but it rectified itself over time. I don't know whether it was because it was my first time breastfeeding or not but I never experienced this with my second child.