If feeding makes you wince, or you find yourself dreading the next feed — you are not failing, and you don't have to push through it. Sore nipples are one of the most common reasons new parents struggle with breastfeeding, and the good news is that most causes have a clear fix. Pain is a signal that something can be adjusted, not a normal part of feeding to endure.
Is some soreness normal?
A little tenderness in the first few days, especially as your milk comes in, is common. But pain that is sharp, lasts through the whole feed, or comes with cracked, bleeding or misshapen nipples is not something to ignore. Persistent pain almost always has a cause worth tracking down.
Common causes
Latch and positioning. This is the most frequent culprit. A shallow latch — where baby is mostly on the nipple rather than a big mouthful of breast — pinches and damages the nipple. Signs include a flattened, creased or wedge-shaped nipple after feeds.
Thrush (a yeast infection). Suspect thrush if you have burning or itchy pain that continues between feeds, often in both nipples, sometimes after a stretch of pain-free feeding. Baby may have white patches inside the mouth. Thrush usually needs treatment for both of you from your GP.
Vasospasm (Raynaud's of the nipple). Here the nipple blanches white (then may turn blue or red) and you feel a deep, throbbing or burning pain, often worse in the cold or after a feed. Keeping warm helps; a GP can advise if it persists.
| Likely latch | Likely thrush / vasospasm | |
|---|---|---|
| When it hurts | Worst at the start of a feed, eases as baby drinks | Burning or throbbing between or after feeds |
| Nipple appearance | Creased, flattened or wedge-shaped after feeds | Blanched white (vasospasm) or shiny/flaky (thrush) |
| First step | Adjust latch and positioning | See your GP or child-health nurse |
What helps
- Work on the latch first. Aim for baby's mouth wide open, chin pressed in, lips flanged out, and more of the underside of the breast in the mouth than the top. Bring baby to you rather than leaning in.
- Break suction gently with a clean finger in the corner of baby's mouth before unlatching.
- Try different positions — laid-back, cross-cradle, or rugby hold — to change the angle of pressure.
- After feeds, a little expressed breastmilk smoothed on and allowed to air-dry can soothe. Purified lanolin or hydrogel pads also help some parents.
- Keep warm if vasospasm is the issue, and avoid cold air on the nipple straight after feeding.
- Start on the less sore side when pain is sharp, so the strongest suck happens once let-down has begun.
Looking after the rest of you
Sore nipples often arrive alongside cluster feeding, broken sleep and big emotions. Eat when you can, drink to thirst, and accept help. If feeding pain is wearing you down or your mood feels low, that matters too — mention it at your next check.
When to get help
Reach out early rather than waiting it out. In Australia, the Australian Breastfeeding Association National Breastfeeding Helpline (1800 686 268) is free and staffed around the clock, and your child-health nurse or GP can refer you to a lactation consultant. In the US, the AAP suggests contacting your paediatrician, a lactation consultant (IBCLC) or your local WIC office. The WHO recommends exclusive breastfeeding for around the first six months where possible — and getting timely support so pain doesn't end feeding before you're ready.
This guide is general information, not medical advice. Latch, thrush and vasospasm can look alike, so if pain persists, please have it assessed in person by your GP, child-health nurse or a lactation consultant.