What to do if you have painful nipples during breastfeeding?

For many new mothers, the joy of bonding with their little ones through breastfeeding might be overshadowed by painful nipples. If you find yourself wincing every time your baby latches on or dread your next feeding session due to sore nipples, know that you are not alone. Pain during breastfeeding can be alleviated following some simple steps. Let's run through all the basics about breastfeeding and look at some of the solutions to reduce nipple pain.

Stinging pain in the breast while or after feeding is one of the common challenges of motherhood. It's essential to understand that while some initial discomfort is normal, persistent or severe pain is not something you should ignore. Left unaddressed, nipple pain can lead to:

• Reluctance to continue breastfeeding and switching to alternatives
• Psychological distress and feelings of inadequacy
• Interference with daily activities  
• Problems bonding with your baby

By identifying the underlying causes of your nipple pain, you can take the necessary steps to find relief and enjoy a more comfortable breastfeeding journey.

Several factors can contribute to sore nipples during breastfeeding. Understanding these causes is the first step in finding the right solution for your discomfort.

Improper Latch and Breastfeeding Positions:

One of the most common reasons for sore nipples while breastfeeding is an improper latch or incorrect breastfeeding position. When your baby is not latching onto the breast correctly, it can cause friction and trauma to the nipples. This might lead to pain, redness, and even cracking or bleeding. Here are some signs of an incorrect latch:

• Your baby is only latching onto the nipple, not the areola
• You feel a pinching or biting sensation when your baby feeds
• Your nipples appear flattened or misshapen after feeding

Other Causes:

Other common causes of painful nipples during breastfeeding include:

• Nipple Trauma: Occurs from not breaking suction before pulling the baby away from the nipple, using the wrong-sized pump, or tight clothing.
• Infections: Conditions like thrush can cause itching, burning, and cracking of the nipples before feeding.
• Milk Blisters: These appear as white dots on the nipple and can be painful.
• Skin Irritation: Allergies to soaps or laundry detergents may also contribute to nipple discomfort

Painful nipples during breastfeeding can present in various ways, and it's important to recognise when the discomfort is unusual. Mild soreness or sensitivity is common in the first weeks of breastfeeding and should improve over time. However, some symptoms might warrant a visit to the doctor. Here are a few to keep in mind:

• Prolonged Pain: If pain continues beyond the initial period or returns after seeming to resolve, it should be evaluated by a professional.
• Visual Signs of Issues: These include cracked, bleeding, or bruised nipples, fissures, skin abrasions, scab formation, redness and swelling. While some of these are temporary and generally not a cause of concern if they persist or hinder your day-to-day activities, you might want to seek help.
• Signs of Infection: These include yellowish discharge from the nipple, and itching, burning, or stinging pain during breastfeeding. If you experience severe or prolonged pain or notice signs of infection, seek help from a healthcare provider or lactation consultant.

Additionally, pain during latching, especially if the nipples become red, raw, blistered, or cracked, may point to structural problems in the baby's mouth. If you suspect this might be the case, please contact your doctor.

Certain practices and home remedies can help soothe and heal tender, cracked nipples during breastfeeding. Here are some breastfeeding pain relief methods:

• To achieve a proper latch:

1. Position your baby's mouth wide open, ensuring their tongue is extended towards the roof of their mouth.
2. Bring them to your breast so their chin touches first.
3. Ensure they take a large portion of the areola into their mouth, not just the nipple.
4. Check that their lips are turned outward, creating an effective seal around your nipple.
5. Adjust your hold as needed to minimise nipple friction and enhance comfort.

• Consider using a nipple shield to reduce discomfort and allow healing while continuing to breastfeed.
• Apply a 100% lanolin nipple cream or soothing oil/ointment after each feeding. This can promote healing and protect the nipples.
• Keep the nipples exposed to air between feedings. This can aid in the healing process.
• To alleviate pain, apply ice wrapped in a soft towel before feeding. Alternatively, apply mild heat after feeding to relax the tensed and sore nipples.

Breastfeeding Pain Relief Techniques

In addition to home remedies, the following techniques can provide breastfeeding pain relief:

• You can experiment with different breastfeeding positions to find one that minimises discomfort. The football hold, side-lying position, or laid-back nursing may be more comfortable.
• Use a cold compress or gel pads designed for breastfeeding pain relief before and after feeding sessions. You can even use them during sessions, on the breast that the baby is not suckling.
• Take over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen, as directed by your healthcare provider, to manage breast pain during breastfeeding.

If you struggle to achieve a proper latch or soreness despite home remedies and pain relief techniques, don't hesitate to seek help from a lactation consultant or healthcare provider.

To alleviate painful nipples during breastfeeding, it is crucial to focus on proper breastfeeding positions and techniques, particularly the baby's latch. As mentioned earlier, remember to ensure that your baby is latched on correctly, with their mouth covering the areola, not just the nipple.

Additionally, the baby's body should be aligned with yours, and its chin should point towards the breast. This helps achieve a comfortable and effective latch, reducing the risk of breast pain during breastfeeding.

When removing your baby from the breast, gently break the suction by slipping your finger between the baby's gums and your breast to prevent trauma to the nipple. Also, try different breastfeeding positions to avoid putting constant pressure on the same area of the nipple, which can help distribute the pressure more evenly and provide breastfeeding pain relief.

Ensuring a correct latch and proper positioning can significantly reduce sore nipples during breastfeeding and make the experience more comfortable.

If you experience persistent or severe sore nipples after breastfeeding, it is important to consult a lactation consultant. You can also consult a paediatric dentist to assess your baby for tongue tie, which may affect latching and cause nipple pain. Identifying and addressing tongue ties early can help improve breastfeeding comfort and effectiveness.

Look for signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or discharge from the nipples, accompanied by fever or flu-like symptoms. If you notice any breastfeeding pain lumps or have concerns about your baby's tongue-tie affecting their latch, consult a healthcare provider for an evaluation and guidance on managing these issues effectively.

Professionals can help identify issues such as tongue-tie or lip-tie in the baby, contributing to sore nipples during breastfeeding. They can also provide guidance and support to identify problems such as tongue-tie or lip-tie in the baby. Professional help will relieve your nipple pain and make breastfeeding a more enjoyable experience for both you and your baby.

Correcting your baby's positioning and attachment is crucial to overcoming nipple pain during breastfeeding. Seek guidance from a doctor, lactation consultant, or paediatric dentist to ensure a proper latch or if you notice any abnormal, severe, or persistent symptoms.

Certain home remedies can help soothe painful nipples during breastfeeding. Keep your nipples dry after each feed, and avoid using soap. Wear loose, non-underwired bras to promote air circulation. Using highly purified anhydrous lanolin or vitamin A ointment can also help soothe sore nipples after breastfeeding. Please consult your doctor before applying any medicinal product to your nipples.

Addressing breastfeeding pain early on is essential for a successful and comfortable breastfeeding journey for both you and your baby.