What should I do if breastfeeding is painful?

Let's talk about boobs. Specifically, let's talk about how sometimes, they can feel like they're trying to wage war on your soul during breastfeeding. It's not all sunshine and baby snuggles, folks. Sometimes, it's more like screaming internally while trying to look serene. If your nipples feel like they've been through a cheese grater, you're not alone. Breastfeeding pain is surprisingly common, but it's not something you just have to grin and bear. This guide is your survival kit, packed with tips, tricks, and a healthy dose of humour to help you navigate sore breasts while breastfeeding and find the right Breast Care Products for you.

Is breastfeeding pain normal? 

Okay, here's the deal: some tenderness, especially in the first few days or weeks, is to be expected. Think of it like breaking in new shoes – a little rub here, a little pinch there. But ongoing, significant painful breastfeeding? That's a red flag. And speaking of infant feeding, whether you're exclusively breastfeeding, combo feeding, or formula feeding, proper hygiene is paramount, especially in the first year. If you're using formula, it's crucial to prepare it exactly according to the instructions on the label, using clean and sterile utensils. Sterilised bottles should be stored in a clean, covered container in the fridge and re-sterilised every 24 hours, even if unused (South Eastern Sydney Local Health District). This helps protect your little one from harmful bacteria. Now, back to those booby woes...

What are the common causes of breastfeeding pain?

So, what's causing all the pain while breastfeeding? Here are some of the most common culprits:

• Latch Problems: The Deep Dive (Not the Shallow One): Imagine your baby's mouth as a giant, hungry Pac-Man. A good latch means Pac-Man takes in a big chunk of the areola, not just the nipple. A shallow latch? That's like Pac-Man just nibbling – painful for you, frustrating for baby. A lactation consultant can be your latch guru, observing your feed and offering personalised guidance.

• Nipple Trauma (aka "My Nipples Are Bleeding"): Cracked, bleeding nipples are no fun. They're usually caused by a poor latch or improper pumping. The good news? Nipple cream (lanolin is a classic), air drying (let those puppies breathe!), and breast shells (to protect them from your bra) can be lifesavers. Make sure to apply nipple cream after each feed.
  

• Mastitis (aka "My Boob Is on Fire"): This is a breast infection, and it's no joke. Think pain, redness, swelling, fever, and feeling like you've been hit by a truck. If you suspect mastitis, see a doctor immediately. It requires antibiotics. Don't delay – it can worsen quickly.
  

• Clogged Ducts (aka "Lumps and Bumps"): A clogged duct feels like a hard, tender lump in your breast. It can be caused by infrequent nursing, pressure on the breast, or even a tight bra. Warm compresses, massage (towards the nipple), and frequent nursing (starting on the affected side!) can usually clear it. If it doesn't resolve within 24 hours, contact your healthcare provider.
  

• Thrush (aka "Nipple Pain and Baby's Mouth Sores"): This yeast infection can cause nipple pain for you and white patches in your baby's mouth. Both of you need antifungal medication, so contact your doctor.
  

• Vasospasm (aka "Sharp, Shooting Pain"): This less common issue causes sharp, shooting pain in the nipple, often after nursing. It's related to the blood vessels constricting. Warm compresses and avoiding the cold can help. Talk to your doctor if you suspect vasospasm.
  

• Incorrect Pumping Technique (aka "Ouch, That Hurts!"): Using the wrong flange size or pump settings can be painful. Make sure the flange fits comfortably around your nipple, and start with low suction. Experiment to find what works best for you.
  

• Tongue-tie or Lip-tie (aka "Baby Can't Latch"): These can restrict your baby's mouth movement and make breastfeeding difficult (and painful). A healthcare professional can assess and, if necessary, correct them. Early intervention is often key.
  

Top pain relief strategies for sore boobs: 

Here are some tools to keep in your breastfeeding pain-fighting arsenal if breastfeeding hurts:

• Positioning is Key: Experiment with different positions! Laid-back, football hold, side-lying – find what works for you. A breastfeeding pillow can be a huge help in finding comfortable positions.
  

• Warm & Hot Breast Pads: Warm compresses can soothe sore nipples and help with milk flow. Try using them before nursing. Cold compresses or ice packs are great for reducing swelling and pain after a feed. Our New Beginnings Breast Care Hot and Cold packs can be used to soothe pain from engorgement or mastitis, or to stimulate milk flow. They can also be used with a breast pump to help increase milk flow and reduce expression time. To use the breast care hot and cold packs, heat the pack in the microwave for up to 16 seconds or place it in the freezer for 2 hours.
  

• Silver Nipple Cups: These can provide soothing relief and promote healing, especially for cracked nipples. Our New Beginnings Silver Nipple Cups are anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, and have antibacterial properties, helping to soothe sore, tender, and sensitive nipples. And if you haven’t heard about Silver Nipple Cups and all their wonderful health benefits, we highly suggest giving this blog a go: What on earth are Silver Nipple Cups and why do I need them?

• Soothing Gel Breast Pads: These offer cooling relief and can be especially helpful for cracked nipples. Store them in the fridge for extra soothing power. Our New Beginnings Reusable Aqua Gel Breast Pads are made of soft, breathable cotton and contain a cooling gel insert that provides relief from sore nipples and mastitis. They are also leakproof and reusable, making them a sustainable and cost-effective option for breastfeeding mamas.
  

• Nipple Cream: Lanolin-based creams are a classic, but there are other options available, too, such as shea butter, cocoa butter, coconut oil, and calendula. It’s best to apply one of these after each feeding.
  

• Pain Medication (Over-the-counter): Ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage the pain. Always talk to your doctor about what's safe for you, especially if you had a C-section.
  

• Nipple Shields: These can be a temporary solution to protect sore nipples, but they can sometimes interfere with latch, so talk to a lactation consultant before using them long-term. Our New Beginnings Nipple Shields can help with latch-on, prevent nipple pain, mould to the breast and are made of 100% food-grade silicone. They are also suitable for all nipple shapes. One of our delighted customers, Anna L, reviewed our Nipple Shields, saying,

“These nipple shields have been a lifesaver! They stay in place really well and helped so much with soreness in the early weeks. My baby had trouble latching at first, but these made a huge difference. Definitely recommend!”

When to call in the pros: Seeking Professional Boob Help

If the pain is persistent, you see signs of infection (redness, swelling, fever, pus), or you're concerned about your latch or milk supply, don't hesitate to contact a lactation consultant (IBCLC) or your healthcare provider for breastfeeding support. They are the experts in all things boob-related and can provide personalised advice and support. 

(Prevention is better than cure (aka "happy boobs, happy baby"):

The best way to avoid breastfeeding pain is to get off to a good start. Focus on a proper latch from the beginning, use the correct pumping technique, and don't be afraid to ask for help early on. Be patient, be kind to yourself (and your boobs!) And remember, there's no shame in switching to formula if breastfeeding isn't working for you. A fed baby is a happy baby, and a happy mama is a happy family.