Breastfeeding Pain: Common Causes and How to Find Relief

Pain during breastfeeding is one of the most common reasons parents stop nursing earlier than they planned. That's understandable — feeding your baby shouldn't feel like something you have to endure. The reassuring part is that most causes of breastfeeding pain are fixable, especially when addressed early.

What's Normal and What's Not

Some tenderness when your baby first latches in the early days is common. Your nipples are adjusting to a new kind of stimulation, and it can take a little time. This initial sensitivity usually fades within the first week or two.

What's not normal:

• Pain that lasts throughout the entire feed
• Cracked, blistered, or bleeding nipples
• Pain that gets worse over time rather than better
• Sharp or burning pain between feeds

If you're experiencing any of these, something specific is usually going on — and it's worth investigating rather than pushing through.

The Most Common Cause: Latch Issues

By far the most frequent reason for breastfeeding pain is a shallow latch. When the baby doesn't take enough breast tissue into their mouth, the nipple gets compressed against the hard palate, causing friction and soreness.

Signs of a shallow latch include:

• Pinched or misshapen nipple after feeding (often looks like the tip of a lipstick)
• Clicking sounds during feeds
• Baby's lips are tucked inward rather than flanged out
• Baby's chin is not pressed into the breast
• You feel pain throughout the feed, not just at the start

Improving the latch often resolves the pain quickly. Aim for a deep, asymmetric latch where the baby takes more breast from below the nipple than above, with their chin pressed firmly into the breast and their nose free.

Other Common Causes

Engorgement — In the first days after your milk comes in, breasts can become very full and firm. This can make it harder for the baby to latch and can cause discomfort. Feeding frequently and hand expressing a little before latching can help soften the breast.

Tongue-tie — If a baby has a restricted frenulum (the tissue under the tongue), they may not be able to latch deeply or move their tongue effectively. This can cause persistent pain and often needs assessment by a professional.

Thrush (candida) — A yeast infection in the nipple area can cause burning, stinging pain that continues between feeds. The nipples may look pink, shiny, or flaky. Both parent and baby usually need treatment.

Vasospasm — Some parents experience sharp pain and colour changes in the nipple after feeding, caused by blood vessels constricting. Keeping the nipples warm and avoiding sudden temperature changes can help.

Early signs of mastitis — If pain is accompanied by a red, hot, or tender area on the breast, along with flu-like symptoms, mastitis may be developing. This needs prompt attention.

What Helps

• Focus on latch and positioning — even small adjustments can make a big difference. Try different holds to find what works
• Let breast milk air-dry on nipples after feeds — it has natural healing properties
• Avoid harsh soaps or alcohol-based products on the nipples
• Apply purified lanolin or a hydrogel pad if nipples are cracked or dry
• Feed frequently to prevent engorgement and keep milk flowing
• Break the suction gently with a finger in the corner of baby's mouth before unlatching

When to Get Help

Don't wait too long if things aren't improving. Seek support from a lactation consultant, midwife, or breastfeeding counsellor if:

• Pain doesn't improve within a few days of adjusting latch and positioning
• Your nipples are cracked, bleeding, or showing signs of infection
• You notice white patches in your baby's mouth (possible thrush)
• You feel a painful lump or red area on your breast
• Breastfeeding is making you dread feeds

Early help makes the biggest difference. Most breastfeeding pain can be resolved with the right support.

Source

This article draws on information from Ammehjelpen. You can find the original guidance there.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider for personalised guidance.