Why Do My Nipples Hurt While Breastfeeding?

Yes—mild nipple tenderness during the first few days while breastfeeding can be normal. But sharp, cracked, bleeding, or ongoing nipple pain isn't. In many cases, nipple pain is a sign that something can be adjusted, like your baby's latch or feeding position.

In many cases, nipple pain is a sign that something can be adjusted, like your baby's latch, feeding position, or how often they're nursing.

The good news? Most causes of nipple pain improve with the right support, and breastfeeding doesn't have to hurt long-term.

If you're still preparing for your breastfeeding journey, our guide on how to prepare for breastfeeding before your baby arrives explains what to expect before those first feeds and how to feel more confident as you get started.

🌿Is Nipple Pain During Breastfeeding Normal?"

If you've found yourself holding your breath every time your baby latches, you're not the only one.

Many moms are surprised that breastfeeding can feel uncomfortable at first. It's common to wonder:

• Is this normal?
• Am I doing something wrong?
• Should I just push through the pain?

Those questions are incredibly common—and they deserve answers.

🌿 Doula Tip

One of the biggest myths I hear as a postpartum doula is that breastfeeding is supposed to hurt.

While mild tenderness during the first few days can happen as you and your baby learn together, persistent pain usually means something can be improved not that you have to "tough it out."

Getting support early can often prevent small challenges from becoming bigger ones.

🌿What's Causing Your Nipple Pain?

Your baby isn't getting a deep latch

A shallow latch is the most common cause of nipple pain.

Instead of taking a large mouthful of breast tissue, your baby may only be latching onto the nipple, creating friction and discomfort.

A few small adjustments can make a big difference.

Read: How Do You Help Your Baby Latch During Breastfeeding?

🌿Your feeding position needs adjusting

Sometimes the issue isn't your baby it's positioning.

Trying a different nursing hold or bringing your baby closer to your body can help them latch more deeply and reduce pressure on your nipples.

🌿Your baby is feeding very frequently

During the first weeks, babies often nurse much more than parents expect.

Frequent feeding can leave already tender nipples feeling even more sensitive.

This doesn't always mean something is wrong it can simply be part of your baby's normal feeding pattern.

🌿Engorgement is making latching harder

Very full breasts can make it difficult for your baby to get a deep latch.

Softening the breast slightly before feeding may make nursing more comfortable.

🌿It could be something that needs medical attention

Pain that continues despite improving your baby's latch may sometimes be caused by:

• Thrush
• Tongue tie or lip tie
• Infection
• Vasospasm
• Other breastfeeding challenges

If pain isn't improving, it's worth speaking with your healthcare provider or a lactation consultant.

🌿How Can You Relieve Sore Nipples?

Many moms notice improvement with a few simple changes.

Try to:

• Check your baby's latch before every feeding.
• Change breastfeeding positions throughout the day.
• Break suction gently before removing your baby from the breast.
• Allow your nipples to air dry after nursing.
• Wear clean, breathable nursing pads.
• Reach out to a lactation consultant if pain continues.

Some parents also choose a nipple balm to help moisturize dry, tender skin between feedings.

If you're deciding between products, our guide comparing lanolin vs. plant-based nipple balm explains the differences and what to consider while breastfeeding.

Because anything applied to your nipples may come into contact with your baby's mouth, it's also worth paying attention to ingredient quality. Learn more about ingredients to avoid during pregnancy and postpartum when choosing personal care products.

🌿When Should You Call Your Healthcare Provider?

Don't wait to ask for help if:

• Pain is severe or getting worse.
• Your nipples are cracked, bleeding, or blistered.
• You develop redness, swelling, or fever.
• Breastfeeding is so painful you're thinking about stopping.
• Your baby struggles to latch or isn't gaining weight as expected.

Getting support early often makes breastfeeding easier for both you and your baby.

🌿Takeaway

Breastfeeding is something both you and your baby learn together.

Some tenderness can be part of those first few days, but ongoing pain isn't something you simply have to accept. Often, small adjustments to your latch, positioning, or feeding routine can make a meaningful difference.

If something doesn't feel right, trust your instincts and ask for support. You deserve to feel cared for, too.

🌿Continue Exploring

You may also find these articles helpful:

• How Do You Prepare for Breastfeeding Before Your Baby Arrives?
• Lanolin vs. Plant-Based Nipple Balm: Which Is Right for Breastfeeding?
• Clean Postpartum Care: Ingredients to Avoid During Pregnancy & Postpartum
• What Postpartum Supplies Do I Need?

🌿Getting Ready for Life With a Newborn?

Preparing for your baby's arrival means preparing for your recovery, too. Download our Newborn Survival Plan for practical guidance on breastfeeding, postpartum recovery, and navigating the first weeks with your newborn.

🌿Gentle Support for Tender Nipples

If you're looking for extra comfort between feeds, our Plant-Powered Nipple Balm is made with nourishing botanical ingredients to help moisturize dry, tender nipples. It's free from lanolin, petroleum, and added fragrance, so you can choose a product that aligns with your preferences.

🌿Recovery Deserves Preparation.

Because preparing for breastfeeding is only part of preparing for life after birth. When you care for your recovery alongside your baby's needs, you're giving both of you the support you deserve.