When breastfeeding hurts
Breastfeeding pain is common as nipples adjust in the first week, but pain that continues through a feed, worsens, or comes with cracked nipples, fever or a lump is not normal, and is usually caused by a shallow latch, thrush, tongue tie or a blocked duct.
Breastfeeding isn't supposed to be painful — but some discomfort is common, especially in the early days. Knowing the difference between normal adjustment and signs that something's wrong can help you get support quickly and protect your breastfeeding journey.
The essentials
- Soreness at latch
- A bit of soreness or tenderness when your baby latches is common in the first week as your nipples adjust. This should improve quickly with each feed.
- Tingling during letdown
- A tingling, pins-and-needles sensation in your breasts during letdown is a sign that milk is being released. It can feel strange but isn't usually painful.
- Shallow latch
- Most breastfeeding pain comes from how the baby latches onto the breast. Even a small adjustment can make a big difference.
- Thrush or tongue tie
- Oral issues like thrush (a yeast infection) or tongue tie can cause deep, burning pain or nipple damage — have baby's mouth checked if you suspect this.
- Cracked, bleeding or blistered nipples
- These are signs that something isn't quite right — usually a shallow latch or poor positioning. Left untreated, damage can worsen quickly.
- Engorgement or milk blebs
- Overly full breasts or blocked milk ducts can cause sharp pain, lumps, or white dots on the nipple.
- Positioning
- You may need some help positioning baby for the best latch.
- Pain that continues through the feed
- Pain at the beginning of a feed may be normal at first, but pain that continues throughout the feed, or worsens, is a red flag.
- Painful lumps or fever
- A red, hot, or swollen area in your breast with flu-like symptoms could mean mastitis, which requires prompt care.
- What you can do
- Book a lactation consultation early to assess latch, feeding technique and oral anatomy. Try different feeding positions — laid-back breastfeeding or a deeper latch technique can reduce nipple pain — and nipple shields can offer temporary relief if guided by a professional. Don't wait it out: pain is your body's way of saying something needs attention, and it usually doesn't go away on its own.
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This guide is informed by current evidence and clinical practice. Individual circumstances vary — it isn’t a substitute for advice from your own midwife, doctor or lactation consultant.