Nipple or Breast Pain

Pain or discomfort with breastfeeding is a common (but not normal) complaint many lactating parents have and can cause a parent to dread feeding their baby. Sometimes parents have been told that their baby’s latch looks good, but they continue to struggle with sore or damaged nipples. Some potential underlying causes of nipple or breast pain and nipple damage include: poor positioning and attachment to the breast (shallow latch), variations in maternal anatomy, challenges related to infant anatomy, vasoconstriction of the nipple or breast, bacterial or fungal infection, topical sensitivity or skin condition, and poorly fitting pump flanges or improper pump usage. Determining the root cause of nipple or breast pain is the first step in devising a comprehensive plan to immediately bring comfort and work towards healing. Nipple and breast pain or damage are improved utilizing home care remedies, evidence-based wound healing techniques, and referrals to other medical providers as necessary so that breastfeeding can become enjoyable and pain free.