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Is breastfeeding painful? 

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nipple pain

Is breastfeeding meant to be painful to start?

Are you dreading the next feed due to cracked, bleeding or sore nipples?
Nikki Mather at The Baby Element Clinic helps find solutions to sore nipples and uncomfortable feeds.

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Is breastfeeding painful? 

Why do nipples my hurt when feeding my baby?

Sore nipples are a common experience for many breastfeeding mothers, especially in the early weeks. While some discomfort is common (not normal!), persistent pain or cracked nipples often indicates a latching issue. If your baby isn’t positioned correctly, they may be damaging your nipples with their suction. Remember, breastfeeding shouldn’t be painful. 

  • Pain during feeds Sometimes nipple pain is just at the beginning of a feed, or can persist throghout the whole feed. One sided sore nipples can also happen, positioning is often the reason why one side feels fine, and the other is painful.
  • Pain after feeds Some women experience pain which continues long after a feed has stopped, remaining uncomfortable or experiencing sharp, shotting pains. 
Is breastfeeding painful? 

Positioning solutions

There are several reasons why a Lactation Consultant can help you optimise your comfort:

A lactation consultant can be a valuable resource for managing sore nipples during breastfeeding. Here’s how a consultation can help:

1. Assess Latch:

  • Observe feeding: The consultant will watch your baby latch and identify any issues like shallow latching or incorrect positioning.
  • Correct positioning: Guide you on proper positioning and techniques to ensure a deep, pain-free latch.

2. Identify Underlying Issues:

  • Tongue-tie: They can assess if tongue-tie is affecting your baby’s ability to latch effectively.
  • Nipple thrush: They can identify and recommend seeing GP for treatment if  thrush is present, a fungal infection known for causing nipple pain.
  • Mastitis: They can help identify signs of mastitis, a breast infection sometimes requiring medical attention.

3. Offer Practical Tips:

  • Pain relief techniques: They can suggest ways to alleviate pain, such as using compresses, change your bra fitting to prevent blocked ducts or lanolin application.
  • Feeding strategies: They may recommend adjusting feeding frequency or duration to reduce nipple stress.
  • Breast Pump use: They can work with you to provide a safe pump plan to protect supply if needed whilst nipples are healing.
  • Nipple shield use: They can support you on the appropriate use of nipple shields if necessary.

4. Provide Emotional Support:

  • Address concerns: They can listen to your concerns and provide personalised advice and support based on your challenges.

Remember, a lactation consultant’s goal is to help you achieve comfortable and successful breastfeeding, and can help you work out solutions based on your situation and preferences. Don’t hesitate to seek their help if you’re experiencing nipple pain.

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Is breastfeeding painful? 

Other reasons for nipple pain

  • Nipple pain during breastfeeding can be caused by a variety of factors. The most common cause is incorrect positioning and latching, leading to nipple damage. Other potential causes include:

    • Tongue-tie: A short or tight frenulum under the tongue can hinder the baby’s ability to latch properly.
    • Thrush: A fungal infection affecting the mouth and nipples, causing sharp, shooting pain.
    • Mastitis: A breast infection often accompanied by fever, flu-like symptoms, and localised warmth or redness.
    • Vasospasm: A temporary constriction of blood vessels in the nipples, leading to sharp, shooting pain.

    If you are experiencing nipple pain, it is important to seek help from a lactation consultant or healthcare professional to identify the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment.

Is breastfeeding painful? 

What can you do for sore nipples?

  • Consultation: It’s crucial to consult with a qualified feeding specialist, such as an IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant) or Breastfeeding Counsellor to determine if power pumping is the right approach for you. They can assess your individual situation and guide you through the process effectively.

    Here are some things that can help heal sore nipples:

    • Breast milk: It has natural antibacterial properties and can soothe sore nipples. Apply a few drops after feeding and let it air dry.
    • Silver nipple shields: These can protect nipples from rubbing against clothing, hold some moisture in to promote healing, and silver is known for it’s own healing properties.
    • Lanolin cream: This product creates a protective barrier on the nipples, helping them heal. Moist wound healing is ideal for sore nipples, preventing a hard scab forming. 
    • Warm compresses: A warm, damp cloth can help relieve pain and inflammation.
    • Cold compresses: A cold compress can help reduce swelling and numb pain.
    • Frequent feeding: This may seem counterintuitive, but frequent, short feeding sessions can help prevent engorgement and reduce nipple trauma.
    • Proper latch: Ensure your baby is latching correctly to avoid nipple damage. Consult a lactation consultant if needed.
    • Nipple shields: These can sometimes protect sore nipples, but they should only be used temporarily and under the guidance of a Lactation Consultant to ensure your supply is protected and baby is latched well. 
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