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Breastfeeding Nipple Pain: What’s Normal and When to Get Help

August 26, 2026 Women
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Kaylee
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Breastfeeding Nipple Pain: What’s Normal and When to Get Help

breastfeeding Breastfeeding Shouldn't Hurt: Understanding Nipple Pain

Many new parents are told that breastfeeding is supposed to hurt at first. You may even hear that you just have to “push through the pain.” The truth is, breastfeeding should not cause ongoing pain. 

Some mild nipple tenderness during the first few days after birth can be normal as you and your baby learn together. But pain that continues during or after feedings is a sign that something may need to be adjusted. The good news is, In many cases, small changes can make breastfeeding much more comfortable.

White daisies with pale blue petals overlapping
Two illustrated daisies with yellow centers

question normal Is Some Nipple Tenderness Normal?

During the first few days after your baby is born, your nipples may feel a little sensitive as they adjust to frequent feeding. This tenderness should improve over time.

Blue triangle with exclamation mark inside, indicating warning

If you feel sharp pain, pinching, burning, or pain that lasts throughout the feeding or continues afterward, don’t ignore it. Pain is your body’s way of letting you know that something isn’t quite right.

Mother wincing in discomfort while breastfeeding her baby
Baby breastfeeding while held in mother's arms

breastfeed baby What Causes Breastfeeding Pain?

One of the most common causes of nipple pain is a shallow latch. A good latch allows your baby to remove milk effectively while protecting your nipples from unnecessary pressure. When a baby isn’t deeply latched onto the breast, breastfeeding can become uncomfortable for both you and your baby.

Blue blub What Should 
Breastfeeding Feel Like?

A comfortable breastfeeding session usually feels like gentle tugging or pulling as your baby removes milk. If nursing hurts, it’s okay to stop and try again.

It should not feel like:

  • Pinching
  • Sharp pain
  • Burning
  • Cracking or rubbing
  • Pain that continues throughout the feeding
Mother looking down at her newborn while breastfeeding
Close-up of a newborn breastfeeding

baby latch How to Get a More 
Comfortable Latch

A deep latch is often more comfortable and helps your baby remove milk more effectively. If breastfeeding feels painful, gently break your baby’s suction by placing a clean finger into the corner of their mouth before removing them from the breast. Then try latching again.

These tips can also help:

Hold your baby close with their body facing yours.
Make sure your baby's neck can extend comfortably.
Keep some space between your baby's chin and chest.
Let your baby's chin touch the breast first.
Wait until your baby opens their mouth wide before bringing them onto the breast.
Aim your nipple toward the roof of your baby's mouth as they latch.

position Try a Different Breastfeeding Position

Sometimes a simple position change can make a big difference. If one position is uncomfortable, try another that better supports you and your baby. Every family is different, and it may take a little practice to find what works best.

Mother breastfeeding baby in armchair

search hand Check Your Nipple After Feeding

Signs of a good latch

When your baby finishes nursing, take a quick look at your nipple. A nipple that looks round after feeding is usually a sign of a good latch.

Signs of a bad latch

Your baby may not have been deeply latched if your nipple looks:

  • Flattened
  • Pinched
  • Creased
  • Shaped like a tube of lipstick
Tip!
Try adjusting the latch to help reduce discomfort.

plus store shape Caring for Sore Nipples

If your nipples are sore, applying a few drops of your own breast milk after feeding may help support healing. Let the breast milk air-dry before covering your breast. It’s also important to continue working on improving your baby’s latch so the soreness can heal instead of getting worse.

Hand applying cream to nipple icon
Woman examining her breast on bed
Mother on phone while breastfeeding baby

women When to Ask for Help

You don’t have to figure this out on your own. A lactation consultant, healthcare provider, or WIC breastfeeding peer counselor can watch a feeding, help improve your baby’s latch, and answer your questions.

Reach out for breastfeeding support if:

  • Breastfeeding continues to hurt.
  • Your nipples are cracked, bleeding, or damaged.
  • Pain doesn't improve after adjusting your baby's latch.
  • You're worried your baby isn't feeding well.

healthy people You Don't Have to Push Through the Pain

Breastfeeding is a learning experience for both you and your baby. While it may take a little practice, ongoing pain is not something you should simply accept. With the right support and a few adjustments, breastfeeding often becomes much more comfortable.

If you're having pain, reach out to your local WIC office or an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). Help is available, and you don't have to do this alone.

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Side-Lying

Side-Lying Hold

  1. For the right breast, lie on your right side with your baby facing you.
  2. Pull your baby close. Your baby’s mouth should be level with your nipple.
  3. In this position, you can cradle your baby’s back with your left arm and support yourself with your right arm and/or pillows.
  4. Keep loose clothing and bedding away from your baby.
  5. Reverse for the left breast.

This hold is useful when:

  • You had a C-section
  • You want to rest while baby feeds
  • You are breastfeeding in the middle of the night
  • You and your baby are comfortable in this position
cross-cradle

Cross-Cradle Hold

  1. For the right breast, use your left arm to hold your baby’s head at your right breast and baby’s body toward your left side. A pillow across your lap can help support your left arm.
  2. Gently place your left hand behind your baby’s ears and neck, with your thumb and index finger behind each ear and your palm between baby’s shoulder blades. Turn your baby’s body toward yours so your tummies are touching.
  3. Hold your breast as if you are squeezing a sandwich. To protect your back, avoid leaning down to your baby. Instead, bring your baby to you.
  4. As your baby’s mouth opens, push gently with your left palm on baby’s head to help them latch on. Make sure you keep your fingers out of the way.
  5. Reverse for the left breast.

This hold is useful when:

  • Your baby is premature
  • Your baby has a weak suck
  • Your baby needs help to stay latched
  • Your baby needs extra head support
  • You and your baby are comfortable in this position
Football

Clutch or “Football” Hold

  1. For the right breast, hold your baby level, facing up, at your right side.
  2. Put your baby’s head near your right nipple and support their back and legs under your right arm.
  3. Hold the base of your baby’s head with your right palm. A pillow underneath your right arm can help support your baby’s weight.
  4. To protect your back, avoid leaning down to your baby. Bring baby to you instead.
  5. Reverse for the left breast.

This hold is useful when:

  • You had a C-section
  • You have large breasts
  • You have flat or inverted nipples
  • You have a strong milk let-down
  • You are breastfeeding twins
  • Your baby likes to feed in an upright position
  • Your baby has reflux
  • You and your baby are comfortable in this position
CRADLE hold

Cradle Hold

  1. For the right breast, cradle your baby with your right arm. Your baby will be on their left side across your lap, facing you at nipple level.
  2. Your baby’s head will rest on your right forearm with your baby’s back along your inner arm and palm.
  3. Turn your baby’s tummy toward your tummy. Your left hand is free to support your breast, if needed. Pillows can help support your arm and elbow.
  4. To protect your back, avoid leaning down to your baby. Instead, bring your baby to you.
  5. Reverse for the left breast.

This hold is useful when:

  • Your baby needs help latching on
  • You and your baby are comfortable in this position
laid-back

Laid-Back Hold

  1. Lean back on a pillow with your baby’s tummy touching yours and their head at breast level. Some moms find that sitting up nearly straight works well. Others prefer to lean back and lie almost flat.
  2. You can place your baby’s cheek near your breast, or you may want to use one hand to hold your breast near your baby. It’s up to you and what you think feels best.
  3. Your baby will naturally find your nipple, latch, and begin to suckle.

This hold is useful when:

  • Your baby is placed on your chest right after birth
  • You have a strong milk let-down
  • You have large breasts
  • You and your baby are comfortable in this position