Pain While Breastfeeding: How To Find Relief

Many expecting mothers dream of the sweet, tender moments they’ll have while breastfeeding and bonding with their newborn. They may not anticipate the sometimes difficulty that can arise in those first few days and weeks. It may seem like breastfeeding should come naturally to mother and child, but the fact is, nursing is a learned behavior. 

“Breastfeeding is very natural and beautiful, but it’s not always intuitive,” explains Libby Milch, MSN, RN, IBCLC, lead lactation consultant at Franciscan Health Indianapolis. “You need a village of people and professionals around you to help you get started correctly, comfortably, and confidently.”

Lactation consultants at Franciscan Health can help with many common concerns, including sore, cracked or bleeding nipples, as well as clogged ducts and mastitis, an inflammation of breast tissue that requires antibiotics. Libby reassures moms that breastfeeding can be a pain-free and wonderful experience with a little problem-solving and support.

Key Takeaways: Pain While Breastfeeding

• Lactation specialists can give you one-on-one guidance to make sure you get breastfeeding off to a great start.
• A poor latch is one of the most common reasons women stop breastfeeding early.
• Sore nipples or pain while breastfeeding are often the result of an incorrect breastfeeding latch, but they can sometimes signal an infection. 

5 Common Causes Of Pain While Breastfeeding

One of the most common questions lactation consultants are asked about is about pain while breastfeeding.

“Breastfeeding should not feel painful,” Milch said. “It should be a gentle tug or pull, rather than a pinch. We encourage all new moms to reach out to one of our consultants so we can get more information to better understand what type of pain they’re experiencing when they feel it and how intense it is.”

Milch shared common causes of pain while breastfeeding.

Improper Latch

Improper latch feels like: Nipple pain or pinching

Latch is the term used to describe how your baby's mouth is positioned on your nipple - and it’s a key component of successful nursing.

A good breastfeeding latch means your nipple is placed in the back of your baby’s mouth with your child's lips around your areola (the darker colored area around the nipple).

When your baby has a proper latch, it stimulates your milk flow and improves the nursing experience for both of you.

A bad latch - when your child is mouthing your nipple only - will quickly lead to sore nipples while breastfeeding and a hungry baby. 

“Newborns are not always good at getting a deep latch,” Milch said. “They can have very tight jaws, tongue restrictions, high palates. Moms need to know what a good latch looks like and how to get baby placed correctly during feedings.”

Milch encourages mothers struggling to get baby to latch to call the lactation department at Franciscan Health. Poor latch can cause blistering, bleeding around the nipples, and scabbing which can become an infection point.

“Latch is something that can easily be addressed, but it’s often one of the primary reasons women stop breastfeeding,” she said.

The best way to make sure you and your baby are breastfeeding right is to ask for help while at the hospital, after giving birth. Our nurses and lactation specialists can give you one-on-one guidance to make sure you get breastfeeding off to a great start. After you've left the hospital, lactation consultants can help you with personal guidance to help make breastfeeding a success for you both. Franciscan Health offers private consultations where they can help moms feel more comfortable. Group sessions are also available where new moms share tips and techniques, have baby weighed before and after feedings, and hear tips from a lactation consultant.

Engorgement

Engorgement feels like: Swollen, tender, or uncomfortable breasts

When mom’s milk “comes in” or increases (typically around three days after delivery), breasts can change drastically. Women with smaller breasts may have a noticeable difference in the size of their breasts, while women with larger breasts may notice their breasts feel firmer and fuller.

“Engorgement doesn’t typically cause pain, but it can be uncomfortable,” Milch said. “It starts to feel better after the first feedings and as mom gets used to her new body.”

Breast, Nipple Changes

Breast or nipple changes feel like: Sensitive around breasts and nipples

Engorgement isn’t the only change a woman will have to her breasts during breastfeeding. Before baby arrives, she’ll notice other changes to her breasts and nipples. These shouldn’t feel painful, but mom may notice new sensitivity or tenderness.

“Women should get to know their breasts before and during pregnancy and while breastfeeding,” Milch said. “It’s crucial for moms to know what’s going on with their breasts while they’re breastfeeding so we can address any problems before they become serious issues.”

Clogged Or Plugged Milk Ducts

Clogged or plugged milk ducts feel like: Hard, swollen area that feels hot, painful to touch

Plugged or clogged milk ducts are another common cause of pain for breastfeeding moms. A clogged duct happens when a milk duct in your breast gets clogged or has poor drainage. It might happen if your baby skips a feeding or doesn’t empty your breast completely. Stress can impact good emptying of the breast.

Fortunately, moms can find relief with gentle massage, heat, or even in a warm shower.

“It’s very important to work to get rid of a clogged duct – not only because it’s painful for mom, but because it can also lead to mastitis,” Milch said.

Mastitis

Mastitis feels like: The flu

Mastitis occurs when inflammation of the breast becomes severe enough that it triggers a full-body immune system response, or it is the result of an infection.  Symptoms of mastitis include:

• Heat, redness, hardness, pain, or tenderness around the breast
• Fever and chills

“If your breast is red and you feel like you have the flu, you may have mastitis,” Milch said. “It’s important to call your doctor immediately so you can start antibiotics to treat the infection and start feeling better soon.”

When Sore Nipples Make You Want to Quit Nursing

Sore nipples or pain while breastfeeding are often the result of an incorrect breastfeeding latch, but they can sometimes signal an infection. The most important thing you can do to avoid sore nipples is to make sure your baby latches correctly every time you nurse.

Other breastfeeding tips that can help prevent sore nipples include:

• Rub a few drops of breast milk over your nipple after every nursing session. Breast milk has natural healing properties.
• Allow your breasts to air dry after breastfeeding.
• Use nursing pads, and change them frequently so your nipples stay dry.
• Regularly switch breastfeeding positions.
• Wash your nipples with warm water only. Soap is not needed.
• Use a lanolin-based nipple cream made for breastfeeding moms.

If your baby is latching properly but you're still experiencing pain during breastfeeding sessions, see your doctor. You could have a common fungal infection, called thrush, which needs to be treated with medication.

Support For Your Family And Breastfeeding Goals

Milch encourages all moms to consider breastfeeding but assures moms that there is no pressure about what she ultimately chooses for her family.

“Breastfeeding is an afterthought for many moms because they think it’s natural and it will work if it is going to work,” she said. “It’s not always that easy. We just want moms to know they have the support and resources to figure out breastfeeding. But at the end of the day, we are here to support families and healthy babies, no matter how they are fed.”

Find Support On Your Breastfeeding Journey

Our lactation specialists are here to encourage, educate and empower you throughout your breastfeeding experience. Call us today to connect with the resources you and baby need – and want.

• Breastfeeding Hotline – Leave a message 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with your breastfeeding questions or concern, and we’ll get back to you as quickly as possible.
• Breastfeeding Class – Learn what to expect during breastfeeding and prepare for the experience before baby even arrives.
• Support Groups – Connect with other mothers and lactation specialists.