Breastfeeding pain: Normal or not?

Many people are told that breastfeeding hurts at first. Some tenderness in the early days is common, but pain that continues is a signal to get help. It is not something you have to push through. 

What is common 

• Tenderness or a brief pinch when baby first latches, easing within the first few seconds of a feed. 

• Some sensitivity during the first days or week while your body and baby learn together. 

• Fullness or firmness when your milk increases in the first few days. 

What is not normal 

• Pain that lasts through the whole feed or gets worse. 

• Cracked, bleeding or blistered nipples. 

• A nipple that looks pinched, flattened or creased after a feed. 

• Nipples that turn white or change colour, or severe burning or shooting pain. 

• A hot, red, painful area on the breast, or fever or flu-like symptoms. 

Common causes 

• A shallow latch, or a position that needs adjusting. 

• Your baby’s mouth anatomy, such as a tight frenulum, which a trained professional can assess. 

• A pump that does not fit well (flange size or settings). 

• Engorgement or a blocked duct. 

• An infection or a skin condition, which needs a medical assessment. 

What you can try right now 

• Break the suction gently with a clean finger, then re-latch. Do not pull baby off. 

• Bring baby in close, with chin leading and mouth open wide before latching. 

• Try another position, such as laid-back, football hold or side-lying. 

• Offer feeds often and avoid letting your breasts get overly full. 

• Ask your consultant what to put on sore nipples. Not every product helps. 

Engorgement, blocked ducts and mastitis 

Breasts can feel full, firm or sore when your milk increases or when feeds are skipped. A blocked duct often shows up as a tender lump. Keep feeding or expressing comfortably, and use a gentle touch rather than deep massage. If you have a hot, red area along with fever, chills or flu-like symptoms, contact your doctor the same day. It may be mastitis, which can need treatment. 

When to book a visit 

If pain lasts past the first few seconds of a feed, your nipples are damaged, or baby seems unsatisfied, book a lactation visit. Pain usually has a cause that can be found and fixed. 

Need personal support? 

Karen Juteau, RN, IBCLC, offers in-home and virtual lactation consultations for families in Gatineau, the Outaouais and Ottawa. Book a consultation or call or text 819‑500‑3081. 

This article is general education. It does not replace advice from your doctor, midwife or other healthcare provider.