What causes nipple pain when breastfeeding and can you prepare your nipples for a positive feeding journey?
Nipple pain is a common issue that many women face during their breastfeeding journey. Although it is relatively frequent, it is not considered normal, making it essential to understand potential causes and the ways to alleviate it.
What are the various causes of nipple pain?
Numerous factors can contribute to discomfort during breastfeeding, ranging from latching difficulties to possible tongue-ties or even vasoconstriction. Different issues often lead to distinct types of pain, so recognizing the specific pain you are experiencing can be a beneficial starting point if you encounter challenges.
What can cause nipple pain at the beginning of breastfeeding?
If you feel pain when your newborn latches onto your breast, which then diminishes as the feeding continues, this is likely due to positioning problems and inadequate attachment.
It is quite typical for infants to struggle with proper latching during the first 24-48 hours after birth, as both mother and child acclimate to breastfeeding. Although your baby may improve their latch after this time, you might still experience pain if your nipple has already sustained damage. Usually, in such cases, nipple discomfort begins to lessen within a week or two.
Thus, the best way to prevent nipple pain is to ensure the baby is correctly latched from the very beginning of your breastfeeding experience. Reach out to experts such as infant feeding advisors, lactation consultants, or breastfeeding specialists, who can assist you in achieving a proper latch and avoiding discomfort. Applying nipple cream before and after each feeding from the start may help to alleviate discomfort by keeping the skin moisturised.
What can lead to pain throughout an entire breastfeeding session?
Experiencing consistent pain during an entire feeding may indicate other underlying issues, such as a lip or tongue tie. If your baby cannot extend their tongue adequately, they will struggle to draw your nipple effectively into their mouth, which can lead to irritation as your nipple rubs against their hard palate. This situation increases the likelihood that your baby will bite down rather than suck and draw in the nipple. It may not necessarily be a tongue issue however, constant pain throughout a feed could just mean that the baby isn’t latched on properly.
If you are suffering from nipple pain throughout your feeding sessions, it is critical to examine your baby’s mouth to determine if this could be the source of the issue.
For older infants, persistent pain during breastfeeding could be attributed to teething. While a teething baby may have a challenging time biting, as their tongue extends over their bottom teeth, they might inadvertently bite down as they release the latch at the end of their feed. If you suspect this to be the case, closely monitor your baby as they unlatch, and if they exhibit signs of clamping down, gently insert your little finger into the corner of their mouth to relieve the suction.
What can cause nipple pain that intensifies during breastfeeding?
If you experience pain that starts during breastfeeding and worsens as the feeding progresses, it could be caused by your baby slipping off the latch. This occurrence is particularly prevalent in babies over three months old, as they begin to twist and turn to explore their surroundings.
In such cases, the best course of action is to remove your baby from your breast and reattach them to ensure a secure latch and prevent further nipple damage. Offering them an object or toy, like a rattle, may help keep their attention and reduce distractions.
What is an effective breastfeeding position?
Achieving a good breastfeeding position is essential for ensuring a deep latch. If the latch is too shallow, your nipple may rest against your baby’s hard palate instead of the soft palate further back in their mouth, increasing the risk of your baby clamping down and causing nipple damage.
Make sure that during feeding, your baby is facing your body—a position known as “tummy to mummy”—and avoid twisting their body. When positioning your baby for feeding, ensure they open their mouth wide before bringing them to your breast rather than bringing your breast to them. You can guide them by brushing your nipple down their nose, encouraging them to reach up with a wide-open mouth to latch on. Additionally, their chin should touch your breast, and you should gently support the back of their neck and head with your hands.
There are various breastfeeding positions to explore. For mothers with larger breasts, the ‘rugby hold’ may be advantageous, wherein you support the baby under your arm while ensuring their head is stabilized with your hand. You may also try laid-back feeding, where your baby rests against you with their head slightly turned to the side. Lastly, post-caesarean section, lying on your side with the baby beside you may be comfortable.
What other factors can lead to nipple pain?
Vasoconstriction can also be a contributing factor to discomfort while breastfeeding. This condition occurs when the blood vessels in your breast and nipple become constricted, often triggered by cold temperatures. For example, nursing on a chilly park bench can expose your nipple to the elements, leading to pain. Therefore, it is wise to seek warmer environments whenever possible while feeding.
How can you prepare your nipples for breastfeeding?
During pregnancy, you can ready your nipples for breastfeeding by applying a cream designed for moisturising. This practice helps restore your skin’s natural softness and helps to combats dryness that often leads to cracked nipples.
If you encounter nipple pain while breastfeeding, using a soothing cream can help protect sore or cracked skin. Look for products that are 100% natural, hypoallergenic, tasteless, and odourless—ensuring safety for both you and your baby during breastfeeding.
For more information please have a look at our dedicated breastfeeding class