Is Nipple Pain Normal when Breastfeeding and Pumping?
While nipple soreness during the first few weeks can be common with breastfeeding or pumping, ongoing nipple pain is a sign that something may not be right.
The good news is that nipple pain is often treatable with the right support and care.
Common Causes of Nipple Pain
Nipple pain can happen for several reasons, including:
- Shallow latch
- Incorrect pumping flange size
- Improper positioning
- Infant with a tongue tie or lip tie
- Friction from pumping
- Engorgement
- Yeast infections or mastitis
- Milk bleb or nipple blister
Finding the root of the cause will be the key to eliminating nipple pain. A lactation consultant can be helpful with discovering the cause of the problem.
Remedies for Breastfeeding-Related Nipple Pain
Improve Baby’s Latch with the help of a lactation consultant
One of the most common causes of nipple pain is a shallow latch. A deep latch allows the baby to feed more effectively while reducing pressure directly on the nipple.
Signs of a deeper latch include:
- Wide-open mouth
- Lips flanged outward
- Chin and cheeks touching the breast
- Rhythmic sucking and swallowing
Trying different breastfeeding positions, such as cross-cradle, football hold, laid back hold or side-lying, may also improve comfort.
Use Breast Milk for Healing
Breast milk has natural healing properties. After feeding, express a few drops of milk and gently rub it onto the nipples. Allow the area to air dry before covering.
Apply Nipple Creams or Ointments
Lanolin-based creams or nipple balms designed for breastfeeding can help protect damaged skin and reduce dryness.
Look for products that are safe for breastfeeding and do not need to be removed before feeds.
Let Nipples Air Dry
Constant moisture can worsen irritation. When possible, allow nipples to air dry after feeding or pumping sessions.
Changing breast pads frequently can also help prevent trapped moisture and friction. If you use silver nursing cups, be sure to use them sparingly and not wear them constantly.
Cold Therapy
For soothing, hydrogel pads can provide a cooling effect especially when the nipple symptom is described as raw or burning. It is important that you keep your hydrogel pads in the package when not in use to keep the pads clean and moist.
Remedies for Pumping-Related Nipple Pain
Check Your Flange Size
A poorly fitting flange is one of the biggest causes of pumping pain. Flanges that are too small or too large can cause swelling, rubbing, and tissue damage.
Signs your flange may not fit properly:
- Nipple rubbing against the tunnel sides
- Swelling after pumping
- Cracking or blanching
- Reduced milk output
- Persistent pain
Many parents are using the wrong flange size without realizing it because pump boxes tend to act like one size fits all. The proper flange fit should be 2-3 mm larger than the diameter of your nipple base (where nipple everts from the areola) and the nipple should move freely through the flange tunnel without having the areola pulled through the flange tunnel. A lactation consultant can measure your nipple base and give the right advice on proper flange fit.
Lower Pump Suction
Higher suction does not always mean more milk. In fact, too much suction can damage tissue and increase inflammation.
Start with a comfortable setting and gradually increase only if needed.
Use Lubrication
Applying a small amount of nipple balm or food-grade coconut oil to the flange tunnel may help reduce friction during pumping.
Remedies for nipple pain caused by yeast infections or milk blebs
If you suspect that you or your baby has a yeast infection, notify your OB provider or pediatrician for prescription treatment. Yeast on nipples is very painful and can appear as pink or red scaly, shiny, or flaky skin. Yeast can have an appearance like cottage cheese with white patches that cannot be easily wiped away on the baby’s tongue, gums, and inner cheeks. Both mom and baby should be treated for yeast with an anti-fungal in a breastfeeding dyad.
Milk blebs can appear as a small white, yellow, or clear spot on the nipple. This is a sign of inflammation and causation can be due to the baby not fully emptying the breast properly or having a shallow latch. The best course of action is to place a moist warm compress on the affected area for 5-10 minutes prior to latching. Continue to monitor the area for signs of infection. Ensure that you are achieving a deep latch and work with a lactation consultant if unable to achieve a deep latch independently.
When to Seek Additional Help
Soreness that continues beyond the early days of breastfeeding should not be ignored.
Contact a lactation consultant or healthcare provider if you experience:
- Cracked or bleeding nipples
- Severe pain
- Burning pain between feedings
- Sudden changes in feeding behavior
- Experience a latch that is persistently pinching and painful
Breastfeeding should not be painful. Support and solutions are available, and many challenges improve significantly with skilled guidance. Every breastfeeding journey is different. Some parents need only small adjustments, while others benefit from more hands-on support. Seeking help early can prevent pain from becoming overwhelming and help make feeding a more positive experience for both the parent and the baby. If you are struggling with nipple pain while breastfeeding or pumping, the lactation consultants from The Confident Latch are here for you.