By Demi Lucas
IBCLC, PMH-C, Doula
Nipple pain while breastfeeding is something many parents experience, especially in the
early days of breastfeeding. It might surprise a new parent if they experience nipple pain while breastfeeding and you might feel unsure how to navigate it and what to do. You are not alone and pain is not something you are expected to simply tolerate. While some mild tenderness can be normal as your body adjusts, ongoing or worsening nipple pain is usually a sign thatsomething about the feeding process needs support or adjustment.
Most nipple pain during breastfeeding is related to how the baby is latching and
transferring milk. A shallow latch, where the baby is mostly on the nipple rather than taking in a good amount of breast tissue, can lead to friction against the hard palate of baby’s mouth instead of sitting further back against the soft palate where friction damage is less likely to occur. Compression of the nipple tissue can cause soreness, cracking, blisters, or misshapen nipples after feeds. Positioning plays a major role in how comfortably and deeply a baby can latch, and small changes, even just positionally here can make a big difference. When the baby’s body is well supported and aligned, they are better able to open their mouth wide and maintain a deep, effective latch. Bringing baby up and onto the breast instead of leaning down offering the breast toward baby, keeping baby’s ear, shoulder, and hip in one straight line, and allowing baby’s head to tip back slightly looking up at the breast as they latch can all help support a more effective latch.
Starting with the baby’s nose aimed at the nipple and waiting for a wide open before
latching can allow the baby to take in more breast tissue, which helps facilitate a more
comfortable latch. A deep latch allows the nipple to rest further back in the baby’s mouth rather than being pinched at the front, and signs of this often include lips flanged outward, nipple and areola taken into baby’s mouth, more areola visible above the top lip than below, and rhythmic sucking and swallowing without clicking noises, baby slipping down or the breastfeeding parent experiencing a pinching feeling. If your nipple looks creased, flattened, or shaped like a tube of lipstick after a feeding, that can be a clue that the latch might need some tweaking to becomedeeper.
Other factors that may contribute to nipple pain include frequent unlatching, tension in
baby’s jaw or body, damage trying to heal or discomfort related to pumping such as incorrect flange sizing or suction that is too high. Gentle nipple care, like allowing nipples to air-dry, using a small amount of nipple balm or expressed breast milk, and changing breast pads frequently, can support healing, but addressing the underlying cause is essential for lasting relief. There are times when professional support is especially important, including pain that lasts beyond the first couple of days, cracked or bleeding nipples, sharp or burning pain during or after feeds, baby struggling to stay latched, or concerns about clogs/mastitis, milk transfer or weight gain.
An International Board Certified Lactation Consultant can watch a full feeding, assess
latch and positioning, and help tailor adjustments to your body and your baby. Breastfeeding pain is not a failure and does not mean you are doing something wrong; it often simply means you and your baby need a little more support as you learn together.
This information is intended for general education only and is not meant to replace
individualized breastfeeding care. If you are experiencing nipple pain, working with an IBCLC Clinical Articles (1216 words total) - February 6, 2026 can provide personalized guidance and hands-on support to help make feeding more comfortable.
Nipple Pain with pumping
Pumping parents may be surprised when they experience pain when pumping,
especially when pain is more commonly attributed with breastfeeding or latch. If pumping hurts, it’s your body’s way of saying something needs adjusting, and the good news is that pain is not a normal or necessary part of pumping. Just like with breastfeeding, nipple pain is usually related to mechanics rather than “nipple toughness or tolerance”. One of the most common causes of pumping-related nipple pain is improper flange sizing. A flange that is too small can cause rubbing, pinching, or blanching of the nipple. While a flange that is too large may pull in excess areola, leading to swelling and soreness. Both a flange too large or small can impact milk production as well.
Suction that is set too high can also cause pain or nipple damage, even if it feels like
stronger suction should result in more milk removal. Suction should feel comfortable and not painful. Nipple pain can also occur if pumping sessions are too long or too frequent without adequate rest, or if nipples are already irritated from breastfeeding challenges such as a shallow latch. It’s important to remember that pumping and breastfeeding are connected experiences for many parents, and discomfort at the breast can carry over into pumping.
When a baby is not able to latch deeply or comfortably, nipples may already be cracked
or sensitive, making pumping more uncomfortable. Positioning and latch fundamentals during breastfeeding play a big role in overall nipple health. When a baby is well aligned, supported, and able to open wide and take in a deep latch, the nipple is drawn farther back into the mouth and the nipple experiences less friction and compression. A shallow latch, frequent slipping on and off the breast, or tension in the baby’s body can all contribute to nipple damage that later makes pumping painful if nipples are already damaged or healing. Supporting the baby’s body so the head can tip back slightly, bringing the baby to the breast rather than leaning forward, and waiting for a wide gape before latching are all foundational strategies that can protect the nipples over time.
During pumping, nipple pain may also be influenced by dryness or friction, especially if
pumping without adequate lubrication or if the skin is already irritated. Some parents find that a small amount of pumping lubricant can improve comfort and prevent friction damage. Signs that it may be time to seek in-person support from an IBCLC include pain that persists despite making adjustments, nipples that are consistently cracked, bleeding, blistered, or scabbed, sharp or burning pain during or after pumping or breastfeeding, nipples that appear white, purple, or misshapen after pumping, or concerns about milk removal or supply.
An IBCLC can assess both breastfeeding and pumping together, observe a feeding if
applicable, evaluate flange fit, and help you fine-tune settings and techniques so pumping
supports your goals without causing harm. Gentle nipple care, such as allowing nipples to
air-dry, using nipple balm or expressed breast milk to support healing, and ensuring pump parts are in good condition, can be helpful, but pain should always be addressed at the source rather than managed alone. Pumping and breastfeeding are skills learned over time, and needing guidance does not mean you are doing anything wrong.
Disclaimer:
This article is intended for general educational purposes only and is not meant to provide medical or clinical advice or replace individualized care. Every parent and feeding journey is different. If you are experiencing ongoing pain, concerns about milk production, or persistent pumping challenges, please seek personalized support from an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant or other qualified healthcare professional who can provide guidance specific to your situation.