Why am I finding it painful?

Your might feel tender for the first couple of weeks as you get used to breastfeeding but this should subside. It’s not normal for breastfeeding to be painful or for your nipples to become cracked or damaged.

There are a number of reasons why you may experience breast pain while you're breastfeeding. Always ask for help from your midwife, health visitor or visit a breastfeeding group if you're having problems breastfeeding.

Here's how to deal with some of the most common causes.

One of the most common causes of nipple or breast pain during breastfeeding is your baby's position and how well they are attached to the breast. This can lead to sore nipples and breast engorgement. Breast engorgement is when, for whatever reason, your breasts become overly full. They may feel hard, tight and painful.

In the early days, engorgement can be due to your milk coming in. Newborns need feeding little and often. It can take a few days for your milk supply to match your baby's needs.

If your baby is not well attached to the breast, it may be hard for them to take your milk when your breast is engorged.

The nipple can become a little overstretched and flattened, and possibly painful.

Small changes to your baby's position and attachment on the breast can make feeding more comfortable.

Find out more about breastfeeding, positioning and attachment.

Unlatch your baby and start again if you feel uncomfortable during a feed. It's better to break the seal by putting your little finger in the corner of your baby’s mouth rather than pulling your baby off the nipple. Your nipples should look the same after the feed. If they look a different shape or colour after a feed this could mean the latch isn’t quite right.

If your nipples are damaged or cracked

Put a couple of drops of breastmilk on as this has healing properties. You can also use something like petroleum jelly or purified lanolin to help the wound heal.

Stopping breastfeeding suddenly can lead to mastitis so try to continue if you can. If it’s too painful to feed on the breast you may want to look at our page on alternative ways to feed baby which includes information on nipple shields. If your baby isn’t feeding at the breast but you would like to continue breastfeeding it’s important to express your milk to maintain your supply.

When breastfeeding isn't quite going to plan, this can lead to other problems and really make you feel down. Find out more about mastitis and thrush below and reach out for support if you need it.