First aid for sore nipples

Breastfeeding isn’t always easy and sore nipples are a common challenge. But with gentle care and support, you can find relief and keep feeding.

Things should improve when the cause of your sore nipples is found and treated. In the meantime, we can help you to find some relief from the pain.

Nipples are a sensitive part of the body, so even very slight damage can cause a lot of pain.

• Early days, no visible damage? Nipples often need time to adjust to the stretching and pulling of breastfeeding. This pain usually happens at the start of a feed and eases as milk flows. It’s common and usually settles within the first week.
• Cracked or grazed nipples in the first few weeks: This often means your baby’s mouth isn’t quite right on the breast. Small changes to how you hold your baby or how they take the breast can help. These are called positioning and attachment.
• Pain after weeks or months of comfortable feeds: Possible causes include hormonal changes, a distracted baby or incorrect breast pump use. With a little problem solving, you and your baby can get back to comfortable feeds.

Not sure what’s causing the pain? Read more about causes of nipple pain and reach out for  chat with a breastfeeding counsellor can help you to find and treat the cause of your sore nipples. Getting help early means your nipples can start to heal. When breastfeeding feels good, it can be as enjoyable for you as it is for your baby.

Ready for relief? Read on for simple tips you can use right now to ease discomfort.

While you’re getting help with the cause, these simple steps can help your nipples recover:

• Warm compress: Lightly press a warm, wet washcloth onto your nipples for about 5 minutes after each feed.
• Keep them dry: Check that breast pads, hydrogel pads or silver caps aren’t holding moisture near your skin.
• Breastmilk magic: Gently smear a little breastmilk on your nipples and let it dry. Breastmilk is healing and helps prevent infection.
• Creams or ointments? Research shows that creams and ointments may not work better than simple measures like applying breastmilk.
• Gentle care:  Treat your nipples with care as they heal. Use gentle soaps when washing and mild laundry detergent.
• Soft clothing: Choose bras or tops that don’t rub or stick.
• If breast pads stick: Moisten the pad with a little expressed milk before removing it.
• Seek help if needed: If pain relief is necessary or healing seems slow, see your doctor.

Once the cause is fixed, nipples often improve within a few days. If not, your doctor can check for infection.

We know breastfeeding can feel overwhelming when your nipples are sore. Still, keeping your milk flowing is important for both you and your baby:

• Comfort: Very full breasts can be painful. Removing milk helps ease discomfort.
• Baby’s needs: Your baby still needs frequent feeds of breastmilk.
• Milk supply: Regular milk removal helps maintain or boost your supply.

If you can, the simplest way is to keep feeding your baby at the breast. If that’s too painful, hand expressing is usually the gentlest option. You might choose to breastfeed sometimes and express at other times. Do what feels manageable for you. Only you know how much pain you’re in, so let your body guide you.

Help your baby to breastfeed

• Offer your baby a feed when they show early signs of hunger (feeding cues). They will be calmer and more likely to breastfeed well.
• Hand express some milk to soften the nipple and the area around it (the areola). This can help your baby to take your nipple deep into their mouth, where it should feel more comfortable.

Help the milk to flow

• Make yourself comfortable and relax as much as you can.
• Offer the less sore side first. You can switch to the sore side after the milk begins to flow.
• Gently stroke your breasts or apply warmth just before a feed. This can help to get your milk flowing.
• Use pain relief if needed. Severe pain can make it difficult to relax and the milk may not flow freely.

Read more on helping your milk to flow.

Adjust as needed

• Try different feeding positions and see what works for you. If your baby is still young, hold them skin-to-skin and let them use their instincts to find your breast. This is known as baby-led attachment.
• If it doesn't feel quite right, gently bring your baby's lower half in closer to help them attach more deeply. Make sure their body is straight and well supported.
• If needed, gently slide a clean finger into the corner of your baby’s mouth to remove them from the breast and try again.

Manage any engorgement

• If your breasts are very full, your baby might have trouble attaching and milk may not flow well. Use your fingertips to soften engorged breasts before feeding. This is called called reverse pressure softening.