Causes of Breastfeeding Pain and Treatments to Help

Carrie Madormo, RN, MPH
·6 min read

Understanding Pain in the First Few Weeks of Breastfeeding

Medically reviewed by Daniel Combs, MD

Breastfeeding pain is a common reason why many people feel nervous about or avoid breastfeeding. Common causes of breastfeeding pain include an improper latch, clogged milk duct, and infections like mastitis. Fortunately, these issues can be managed successfully with appropriate treatment.

Breastfeeding is a skill that requires practice and resources. It may take time to improve your experience through positioning, recognizing your baby’s hunger cues, and managing your milk supply.

This article will discuss the different types of breastfeeding pain, how they feel, and how to treat them.

<p>Marko Cvetkovic / Getty Images</p>

Marko Cvetkovic / Getty Images

Related: What to Know About Lactation

Common Causes of Breastfeeding Pain

Breastfeeding pain can happen for a variety of reasons. You may experience discomfort in the early days of breastfeeding or sudden pain that signals a problem later on.

Engorgement

Engorgement is a common experience in the first few days of breastfeeding. Breast milk usually comes in about three days after birth. Before that, the breasts produce a creamy substance called colostrum.

When breast milk first comes in, it can cause the breasts to feel very full and hard. This usually feels uncomfortable. Engorgement is normal for the first two to five days after birth. The discomfort is usually relieved by breastfeeding.

Learn More: Postpartum Care: A Guide to Taking Care of a Body That Just Delivered

Sore Nipples

It is normal to experience sore nipples when first starting breastfeeding. It can take time for the nipple skin to adjust to the feeling of the baby sucking. The nipples may feel very sensitive as you are learning to breastfeed. The nipple skin may also become cracked and damaged.

Improper Latch

A common cause of breastfeeding pain is an improper latch. When a baby is ready to feed, they latch their mouth onto the nipple and areola. For a proper latch, the baby’s mouth should cover almost all of the areola.

When your baby does not latch correctly, you may experience sharp pain in the nipple. It may feel like an intense pinching sensation. This is not normal, so gently remove the baby’s mouth and try to latch again. 



Explainer

Improper latch is a common reason for breastfeeding pain but it is not the only reason. If you are still experiencing breastfeeding pain once your baby latches properly, talk with your healthcare provider.



Clogged Milk Duct

A clogged milk duct may occur at any time during breastfeeding. It often feels like a tender lump right under the breast skin. The area may be inflamed with redness and warmth. Risk factors for a clogged milk duct include wearing a tight bra, skipping feedings, and weaning from breastfeeding.

Related: Causes of Clogged Milk Ducts

Infection

It is possible to experience a breast infection during breastfeeding. Mastitis is a common breast infection that causes a tender area of the breast that feels painful and hot. Mastitis may also cause a fever, chills, and body aches. Mastitis requires treatment with antibiotics.

Another infection that can lead to breastfeeding pain is thrush. When a baby has a thrush infection in their mouth, it can spread to the breastfeeding parent’s breast. This fungal (yeast) infection can cause the nipples to turn deep pink and painful. Your baby’s mouth may look red with white patches.

How Breastfeeding Pain Feels

Breastfeeding pain can be very uncomfortable. The symptoms may differ depending on the underlying cause. Types of breastfeeding pain include:

  • Engorgement: Very full, heavy breasts

  • Sore nipples: Sensitive nipple skin

  • Improper latch: Sharp, pinching sensation in the nipples

  • Clogged milk duct: A tender lump under the breast skin

  • Mastitis: Area of the breast that feels hot and painful

  • Thrush infection: Tender nipple skin

In the first few days of breastfeeding, it is normal to experience discomfort. Engorgement causes the breasts to feel uncomfortably full. The nipples may feel very sensitive as they get used to the baby’s sucking.

When your baby first starts feeding, you may feel an uncomfortable tugging sensation. After that initial feeling of discomfort, you should feel relief while your baby feeds. Talk with your healthcare provider if you are experiencing pain during the feeding. 



Explainer

To understand if you are experiencing an improper latch, inspect your nipples after a feeding. If your nipples hurt and appear flattened or wedged, it's likely that your baby did not latch correctly.



How to Relieve Breastfeeding Pain

Fortunately, there are several strategies available to address breast and nipple pain during breastfeeding. One of the best actions you can take is to work with a lactation consultant, an expert in breastfeeding. Talk with your healthcare provider or baby’s pediatrician to receive a recommendation.

To relieve breastfeeding pain, consider the following ideas:

  • Feeding schedule: To relieve engorgement discomfort, plan to feed your baby or pump every two to three hours.

  • Proper latch: Make sure that your baby’s mouth covers all of the nipple and areola area during a feeding. If the areola (area around the nipple) is visible, your baby may not be latched correctly. Gently insert your finger into your baby’s mouth to break the suction, and then reposition them.

  • Comfortable bra: Wear a supportive bra that does not have an underwire. This will help to ease discomfort and prevent clogged milk ducts.

  • Warm compress: To relieve the pain of a clogged milk duct, try placing a warm compress or washcloth over the painful area before nursing.

  • Massage: To help relieve a clogged milk duct, gently massage the area before and during feedings.

  • Rest: To ease pain and heal from mastitis, rest as often as possible.

  • Pumping milk: If breastfeeding is too painful, consider pumping milk and feeding your baby with a bottle.

  • Antibiotics: Mastitis is an infection that requires antibiotics.

Additional Resources and Support

Breastfeeding can feel very challenging in the beginning. Do not hesitate to reach out for support. Contact your healthcare provider or baby’s pediatrician for recommendations. Inquire about a referral to a lactation consultant as well.

For more support, contact the following organizations:

Summary

Breastfeeding is a healthy way to feed your baby. Breastfeeding pain may occur for a variety of reasons, including engorgement, nipple soreness, an improper latch, a clogged milk duct, or an infection. Breastfeeding pain may feel like fullness, tenderness, or sharp pinching.

Fortunately, there are treatments available to help. To improve breastfeeding pain, start by talking with your healthcare provider. Consider meeting with a lactation consultant for support.

Read the original article on Verywell Health.