My nipples hurt and I'm not sure why. What could be causing the pain and what can I do about it?
It’s normal for nipples to feel sore, sensitive or tender as they adjust to breastfeeding in the early days, but pain lasting longer than 10-20 seconds is not normal.
Causes/Solutions:
- Improper latch. If you’re unsure baby is latched correctly, here’s some things to look for:
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- Baby's chin comes into the breast first, so the nipple is aimed at the roof of their mouth (to achieve this, line baby's nose across from your nipple).
- Baby's mouth is opened wide (more than just the nipple is in the mouth). Some areola may be seen above the lips, but not below.
- Lips are flanged outward like a fish, not tucked in.
- No clicking or slurping sounds can be heard.
- There is a rocker-like motion at the jaw making the ear move.
- Pain does NOT last the whole feeding (some discomfort may occur in the beginning, but should go away shortly into the feeding).
- The nipple is not misshapen after feeding.
- Thrush - a yeast infection that can occur on mom’s nipples and in baby’s mouth. Diagnosis and treatment need to be confirmed by your doctor. Mom and baby should receive treatment at the same time, so thrush is not passed back-and-forth. Click here for more information about thrush.
- Vasospasm - a muscle spasm in the tip of the nipple, forcing blood out of the nipple. This leads to white, blue or purple nipples. When the spasm ends, the nipple turns bright red as blood flows back in. Click here for more information about vasospasm.
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- Keep nipples warm.
- Apply pressure to the nipple or use a warm washcloth when baby comes off the breast.
- Massage the nipples immediately after feeding.
- Avoid/decrease nicotine and caffeine use.
- Using an incorrect breast pump flange or too high of a suction setting when pumping.
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- Get measured for the correct flange size. The size needed can change throughout your breastfeeding experience.
- Use a suction setting that is high enough to remove breast milk, but not so high it hurts. Click here for more information about pumping pain.
To Soothe Sore Nipples:
- Rub a few drops of breast milk on the nipple and air dry.
- After feedings, apply cool packs covered in a cloth.
- Go without a bra or wear one that’s comfy but doesn’t rub.
- Apply nipple cream designed for breastfeeding mothers. (Do not use lanolin products if you have a wool allergy.)