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Breastfeeding

Sore nipples and breastfeeding: Tips and advice

Article By
Sonni-Ann
Published On
12 Apr, 2023
Read Time
6 minutes
  • Sore nipples while breastfeeding is completely normal and common. Most of the time, an improper latch is the main cause of sore nipples when breastfeeding, but it can also be because of nipple blanching, dry skin, breast engorgement, milk blistering, blocked milk ducts, mastitis or thrush. 
  • To soothe sore nipples when breastfeeding, ensure your baby is properly latched, break the suction once your baby has finished feeding, try different breastfeeding positions to find one that works for you, avoid irritants in your skincare, and use silicone nipple shields, to name a few solutions. 

Breastfeeding can be challenging at times. Whether it’s finding the right position, or dealing with all the changes to your breasts, including sore nipples. Some women experience nipple pain when breastfeeding, both during the early days and beyond. 

Sore nipples are the most common breastfeeding complication and are usually the result of an improper latch. Try not to worry, nipple pain can usually be resolved at home. But don't hesitate to consult your GP, health visitor, or midwife if you have any concerns. 

To help you out, let's run through what causes nipple pain when breastfeeding a baby, cover some top tips to relieve it, and find the answers to some of the most common questions people ask about sore nipples. 

Why are my nipples sore when breastfeeding?

Most of the time, an improper latch is the main cause of sore nipples when breastfeeding. If a baby is only sucking on the nipple rather than feeding properly and emptying the breast, their tongue or the roof of their mouth can rub against the nipple, which can cause it to become cracked and sore. 

Some causes of an improper latch can include tongue tie. This is when the skin joining the underside of the baby's tongue to the floor of their mouth restricts the movement of their tongue. 

Furthermore, if you have flat or inverted nipples, it may be harder or take longer to breastfeed, and your nipples may become sore as a result. 

It's best to continue trying to breastfeed, even with nipple soreness if possible. Breast milk is created based on supply and demand, so the less you feed your baby, the less milk you’ll produce. 

Other reasons for sore boobs when breastfeeding

Let's run through some other common causes of sore nipples, and conditions that can lead to them becoming sore or overall breast pain when breastfeeding. 

Nipple blanching (vasospasm)

Also known as vasospasm, this happens when blood flow is restricted to the nipple area. It can be caused by a shallow latch or Raynaud's syndrome (a condition that affects blood supply). This can be painful or cause a burning sensation, and the nipple may look white. 

If you experience nipple blanching, it's best to avoid cold exposure, stay warm when breastfeeding, and apply a warm compress immediately after feeds. 

Dry skin conditions (like eczema)

If you have underlying eczema, you might be more prone to breastfeeding discomfort and nipple pain. Dry skin conditions like eczema can develop around the nipple and cause discomfort that might affect breastfeeding. 

Irritants from soaps, perfumes, or detergents can all cause this level of skin irritation. These can also sometimes worsen sore nipples if they're already cracked, so it's best to avoid these if you have irritated, dry skin. 

Breast engorgement

Breast engorgement happens when your breasts become sore because they're too full of breast milk. This can happen when your breast milk first comes in, or at any point in your feeding journey. If you experience breast engorgement, you should continue to breastfeed your baby if you can. Use warm heat packs or have warm showers before feeding to provide some relief. 

Milk blister (bleb)

A milk blister or bleb develops when a small piece of skin grows over a milk duct and causes it to become blocked. This can be painful and appears as a white, yellow, or clear 'dot' on the areola or nipple. These can last for several days to weeks but should clear when the skin breaks in the affected area. 

Blocked milk ducts

When the ducts in the breast aren't drained properly, it can lead to the development of a blocked milk duct. This can present as a hard lump in the breast that feels sore or tender. To help, you can continue to feed regularly, use a warm compress, and gently massage the lump to help unblock it so that your breast milk can flow comfortably again. 

Mastitis

Mastitis is inflammation of the breast that's caused by blocked milk ducts or an infection. It causes the breast to become inflamed, appear darker in colour, and can be painful. It can also lead to a breast abscess that may require treatment from your doctor. 

Thrush

Nipple pain can sometimes be caused by a thrush infection. Thrush occurs when nipples become damaged and it can be painful, often feeling like a burning sensation or shooting pain in the nipple after breastfeeding. It can sometimes also develop in the mouth of the baby and needs to be treated with a prescription medication from a GP. 

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How to relieve sore nipples breastfeeding

Finding the right type of relief for your sore nipples depends on what's triggering the discomfort in the first place. 

Here are some ways to alleviate nipple soreness and discomfort caused by breastfeeding: 

  • Ensuring your baby is properly latched on when feeding. Once your baby's latch is improved, your sore nipples should heal on their own.  

  • Making sure you break the suction of their latch before removing your baby from the breast. You can do this by gently sliding a clean finger into their mouth to break the hold they have on your nipple. 

  • Trying different breastfeeding positions for sore nipples to see if they work better and are more comfortable for you and your baby.  

  • Using a breast pump to express for a while if breastfeeding directly is too uncomfortable. 

  • Changing your breast pads after each feed. 

  • Wearing soft, cotton nursing bras that fit correctly. 

  • Avoiding irritants in soap or detergents. Instead, use ordinary mild soap - not antibacterial. 

  • Dabbing expressed breast milk onto your nipples after feeds. 

  • Applying a warm water compress to soothe your nipples. 

  • Applying a cold compress or chilled cabbage leaves can soothe sore breasts. 

  • Using silicone nipple shields when breastfeeding to protect your nipples. 

  • Applying nipple cream to soothe sore nipples. Products like Vaseline or lanolin may also help. 

  • Taking breastfeeding-friendly painkillers or anti-inflammatory medication. Ibuprofen and paracetamol are compatible with breastfeeding. But if you're not sure about a painkiller, speak to a pharmacist for reassurance. 

It’s natural to have some nipple soreness when breastfeeding, especially if baby's latch isn’t mastered or you haven’t found the position that works best for you. Whatever the reason, your healthcare provider is there to support you if you feel you need extra support with treatment.

If you found this article helpful, discover our advice on breastfeeding in public. 

How long will I have sore nipples after breastfeeding?

Lots of parents experience some nipple pain in the early days of breastfeeding, and this usually only lasts for around a week. However, nipple pain can sometimes occur beyond the start of your breastfeeding journey. Soreness that lasts throughout the feed or continues for more than one week should be addressed with your lactation consultant.   

An improper latch is usually the cause of nipple pain when breastfeeding, but if this isn't the case, there may be underlying problems, such as an infection like thrush. If your baby is properly attached and positioned and nipple pain still occurs, you should contact your midwife, health visitor, or a lactation consultant for support.   

Some breastfeeding positions can potentially offer some relief if you're experiencing sore nipples. These include the laid-back, football, and cradle positions.

Having sore nipples alone won't affect your breast milk supply - as milk is produced on a supply and demand system. But if the discomfort causes you to limit your baby's time on the breast, this could end up decreasing your milk supply, so it's important to keep breastfeeding or expressing if you can. 

If you can, it's best to persevere and try to continue breastfeeding regularly to maintain your milk supply. Expressing your breast milk manually or using a breast pump and then feeding your baby with a bottle can help by giving your nipples a break and time to heal. 

Even in the case of a breast infection like mastitis, it's best to continue breastfeeding if you can, unless you've been advised otherwise by a health professional. The antibodies in your milk help to protect your baby from infections. Although you may think that keeping feeds short to let your nipples 'rest' will ease nipple pain, this can be detrimental because decreasing feeds can reduce your breast milk supply. 

If you're experiencing pain when feeding or sore nipples that are not healing, you should ask for help and advice from your health visitor, doctor, or an IBCLC lactation consultant. 

Yes, it’s usually safe to continue breastfeeding if you have sore nipples, and it’s even recommended that you do for milk supply reasons. The only reason you might stop is if bleeding, severe cracking or signs of an infection in which you’d need to seek medical attention before continuing. 

You can prevent nipple pain while breastfeeding by making sure that your baby is properly latched on when feeding. This will mean that your nipple can reach the back of their mouth, protecting it from being rubbed, squashed, or irritated while you’re breastfeeding. 

Yes, some nipple pain is very normal when breastfeeding and often lasts for around a week. 

You can relieve cracked nipples from breastfeeding by ensuring a good latch, applying purified lanolin after feeds, keeping your nipples dry and regularly changing your breast pads, and using expressed milk on the nipple and letting it dry. 

Similar to sore nipples when breastfeeding, there are several reasons why your nipples may be in pain due to pumping too. Reasons could include using the incorrect flange size, setting the suction too high, pumping for too long or often, dryness or friction, or not using the correct size pump. Check out our guide on breast pumping comfortably to ensure the best experience. 

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