Sore Nipples While Breastfeeding – Causes and Remedies

Breastfeeding is a natural and beautiful process that helps build a strong emotional and physical bond between mother and baby. However, it isn’t always smooth sailing. One of the most common challenges new mothers face, especially in the early days of nursing, is sore nipples. While some degree of sensitivity can be considered normal in the first few days post-birth, persistent pain is not something that should be brushed aside. In fact, ongoing nipple pain can be a sign that something needs to be addressed—either with your feeding technique, baby’s latch, or other underlying issues.

Let’s explore why sore nipples occur, how to ease the discomfort, and when it’s time to seek support from a qualified lactation professional.

 

Understanding the Root Causes of Sore Nipples

1. Poor Latch

The most common reason for sore nipples is a poor latch. If your baby isn’t latching correctly, they may end up sucking on the nipple rather than taking in a good portion of the areola (the darker area around the nipple). This can cause significant pain and even lead to cracks, bruising, or bleeding. In a proper latch, your baby’s mouth should cover more of the areola below the nipple than above it, and their lips should be flanged outwards like a fish.

2. Incorrect Positioning

Even with a good latch, if the positioning of your baby is off, it can put unnecessary strain on your nipples. The baby's head, neck, and body should be aligned in a straight line, with their body facing yours, not turned away. You should not need to lean forward or hunch over to feed. Straining yourself or trying to force your breast into the baby’s mouth can lead to shallow latch and subsequent nipple trauma.

3. Dryness and Friction

In some cases, frequent feeding, especially during the newborn stage, can cause dryness and friction on the delicate skin of the nipples. Wearing non-breathable breast pads, improper use of breast pumps, or not allowing nipples to air dry can further aggravate this.

4. Tongue-Tie or Lip-Tie in the Baby

If your baby has a tongue-tie (ankyloglossia) or a tight upper lip frenulum (lip-tie), they may have difficulty latching effectively. These conditions restrict tongue or lip movement, making it hard for the baby to feed deeply and efficiently. The result is not only sore nipples for the mother, but also a baby who may struggle to gain weight.

5. Thrush (Yeast Infection)

Thrush is a fungal infection that can affect both the mother's nipples and the baby’s mouth. It may appear after a course of antibiotics, or when there’s excess moisture. Symptoms often include a burning sensation in the nipples, shiny or peeling skin, and sharp shooting pains during or after a feed. The baby may also have white patches inside the cheeks or gums.

6. Engorgement and Nipple Shape Issues

Overly full breasts can make it difficult for the baby to latch deeply, especially if the nipple becomes flat or tight from engorgement. Similarly, women with flat or inverted nipples may find it harder to establish a comfortable feeding position in the early days.

 

Remedies and Comfort Measures for Sore Nipples

Thankfully, sore nipples are often manageable with some practical remedies and a bit of guidance. The key is not to ignore the discomfort but to address the root cause promptly.

1. Check and Correct the Latch

Sometimes, just a small adjustment in your baby’s latch can make a world of difference. Try to guide your baby to open wide before attaching to the breast, and aim the nipple towards the roof of their mouth. You may hear or feel a difference when the latch is deeper – the pain will reduce and the suckling rhythm may change.

A lactation professional can demonstrate techniques such as the “baby-led” or “laid-back” breastfeeding approach to encourage more natural latching.

2. Experiment with Breastfeeding Positions

Try different positions to see which one reduces pressure on the nipples. The cradle hold, cross-cradle hold, football hold, and side-lying position are all worth trying. Some mothers find relief in alternating positions during feeds, which helps prevent repeated pressure on the same area of the nipple.

3. Apply Expressed Breast Milk

After each feed, express a few drops of breast milk and gently rub it onto your nipples. Breast milk has natural antibacterial and healing properties. Allow your nipples to air dry before covering them again.

4. Silver Nursing Cups

Silver Nursing Cups—small, dome-shaped silver nipple covers—can be a helpful remedy for sore nipples. Made from pure silver, they have natural antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and healing properties, creating a protective barrier while allowing the skin to heal between feeds. Unlike creams, they do not need to be wiped off before breastfeeding, and taking care of them is very easy, making them a convenient and safe option for nursing mothers.

5. Use Lanolin or Nipple Creams

Nipple creams, especially those made with purified lanolin, can provide a protective barrier and encourage healing. Ensure the cream is safe for baby and doesn’t need to be wiped off before feeding. Natural oils such as coconut oil may also provide moisture and prevent cracking.

6. Cold Compresses and Gel Pads

Applying a cold compress or gel pad between feeds can provide instant relief from soreness. There are special cooling breast pads available that can be stored in the fridge and worn inside your bra.

7. Avoid Harsh Soaps and Overwashing

Excessive washing or using harsh soaps can strip the nipples of their natural oils, making them more prone to cracking. Warm water during your daily shower is generally enough for hygiene purposes.

8. Nipple Shields while feeding – A Temporary Measure

If nipples are severely cracked or bleeding, a silicone nipple shield with perforations may offer temporary protection while still allowing the baby to feed. However, it’s important to use these under the guidance of a lactation professional, as long-term use may affect milk transfer and supply.

9. Addressing Thrush and Other Infections

If you suspect a fungal infection, both you and your baby will need to be treated. Your GP or lactation professional can prescribe antifungal creams or oral medications. It’s crucial that both mother and baby are treated simultaneously to prevent reinfection.

 

When to Seek Help from a Lactation Professional

Sometimes, no matter how many home remedies you try, the discomfort persists. This is when it becomes crucial to reach out for professional help.

Here are clear signs that it’s time to consult a lactation consultant or breastfeeding counsellor:

 

A lactation professional can do a full assessment—observing a feed, checking the baby’s oral anatomy, and guiding you with hands-on support. Often, just one or two sessions can make a huge difference in your comfort and your confidence.

 

Prevention Tips for Long-Term Comfort

While some nipple soreness might occur in the early days, the aim is to make breastfeeding a pleasant and pain-free experience. Preventive care goes a long way.

 

In Summary

Sore nipples during breastfeeding are a common issue, but they are not something mothers should be expected to endure silently. With correct information, a few practical interventions, and professional support where needed, you can overcome this hurdle and go on to enjoy a fulfilling breastfeeding journey.

Remember: discomfort is common, but ongoing pain is not normal.

 

By Sonali Shivlani –

Pregnancy & Parenting Consultant

Founder of Baby360degrees