Is it normal for breastfeeding to hurt?

Is nipple pain actually a ‘thing’ or is it simply a ‘breastfeeding rite of passage’?

Research tells us that more than 80% of breastfeeding mothers experience some form of nipple pain within the early weeks. But is all nipple pain and soreness created equal? And when would we benefit from the help of an IBCLC Lactation Consultant?

These days, you wouldn’t ever consider rubbing your nipples with a wire brush in the later stages of pregnancy to “toughen them up” in preparation for breastfeeding, but there was some method in the madness applied by our breastfeeding foremothers.

Think.. ice bucket challenge for your nipples! The shock of the jolt is real! Repeat that 12 times a day for the next 4 weeks. Nipples are a super sensitive area of our bodies and when exposed to the constant attention they receive during the round the clock breastfeeding patterns of newborns, our poor nipples may experience tenderness, swelling or bruising. This early nipple discomfort is considered ‘typical’ and should only ever be experienced intermittently and for a limited amount of time ie a few days.

Another form of ‘typical nipple pain’ includes latching discomfort; usually described as mild pain and tends to settle in the first 20 seconds of the feed. The important thing to note with this type of nipple pain is that; pain typically peaks around day 3 of breastfeeding, the nipple skin remains intact and that the nipple shape is not flattened, ridged or pinched after the feed.

If you are experiencing nipple soreness that has an onset after a period of good breastfeeding, is persistent or is accompanied by grazing, blisters, trauma, lingering pain between or after breastfeeds it is recommended you seek advice from a Lactation Consultant. If not remedied these problems can lead to larger problems such as plugged ducts, mastitis or supply issues and potentially causing slow weight gain in baby.

So, to answer the original question on whether breastfeeding nipple pain is a concern or part of our breastfeeding initiation; it is true on both accounts. But the only way to tell what’s what is by monitoring your nipples and breasts and not putting up with any pain. If you are not sure about the nipple pain you are experiencing please reach out.