Sore nipples are common in the early days of breastfeeding, but persistent pain isn't something you should have to tolerate.
Often, small adjustments to how your baby is positioned at the breast can make feeding more comfortable. Here are five tips I regularly use in my lactation consultations.
1. Bring your baby closer
Ensure your baby's body faces yours, with their cheeks resting against your breast. Support their back and shoulders rather than pressing on the back of their head, and make sure they can breathe freely. There should be no gap between their body and your body. Make sure their hips are turned inwards and almost downwards to your body - this will move their head and face deeper into your breast - key for a deep latch.
2. Check your baby's height
Your baby's mouth should align with where your nipple naturally sits. If they're positioned too high, this can create nipple drag and discomfort.
Try moving your baby slightly lower and notice whether the latch becomes more comfortable.
3. Adjust your baby's position around your body
Gently move your baby's body further around towards your opposite breast. Sometimes just a small adjustment can reduce that sharp, pinching sensation.
4. Make adjustments while your baby is feeding
You don't always need to unlatch and start again.
Try adjusting your baby's position while they're attached. If the pain improves, you're moving in the right direction. If it worsens, try a different adjustment.
These approaches share principles with the Thompson Method and Gestalt breastfeeding, which explore how positioning, body alignment and fit at the breast influence feeding comfort.
5. Seek support early if breastfeeding remains painful
If feeding consistently hurts, your nipples are damaged, or you're dreading the next breastfeed, seek support promptly.
Although positioning is a common contributor, nipple pain can have several causes. An individual breastfeeding assessment can help identify what's happening.
Need help with a painful breastfeeding latch?
As an IBCLC Lactation Consultant, Midwife and Naturopath, I help mothers understand what's causing their breastfeeding pain and find practical ways to make feeding more comfortable.
Book a breastfeeding consultation at my Moonee Ponds clinic in Melbourne, or arrange an online consultation from home.
Explore breastfeeding consultations
References
Thompson Method — breastfeeding positioning and attachment approach. The Thompson Method
Douglas P, Keogh R. (2017). Gestalt Breastfeeding: Helping Mothers and Infants Optimise Positional Stability and Intraoral Breast Tissue Volume for Effective, Pain-Free Milk Transfer. Journal of Human Lactation. Read the research
NHS. Sore or cracked nipples when breastfeeding. Read guidance
