Tips For Reducing Nipple Pain During Breastfeeding
Nipple pain is common and is the top reason mothers stop breastfeeding sooner than they want to. Some tenderness is to be expected when you and your baby are learning to breastfeed together. And high hormonal levels also can make your body and emotions feel more tender during the early weeks. In saying this, pain that is persistent and nipple skin damage that is not healing is cause for concern, and can most definitely be improved. When the breastfeeding technique becomes comfortable, it will be more enjoyable and sustainable for both mum and baby.
I have helped a multitude of mothers find the right breastfeeding technique, and they have come to me in tears thinking breastfeeding wasn’t working for them. Often to their delight and surprise, they have a much more comfortable feeding session with my guidance, and their baby is so relaxed because they know their mum is being taken care of!
These are my top tips for tweaking your breastfeeding technique, and it’s all based on how your baby fits your unique body (your baby’s position can differ on each side, just as your breasts do). It’s also important to know that just because the latch isnt feeling quite right, it doesn’t mean you have to take your baby off and start again. Use these tips while your baby is at the breast, so you can avoid that unlatching and relatching process which is often the worst part when nipples are feeling tender and/or sore.
- During breastfeeding, press your baby in closer so that both of their cheeks are evenly touching your breast. (Lips should not be visible, flanged lips are a myth!). Their nose should be flush against your breast – your baby will be breathing if they are drinking milk. You can also watch your baby’s body breathing, and listen for their inhales and exhales.
- Hold your baby slightly lower, and see if this feels more comfortable. Holding your baby higher than the natural level of your nipple can cause nipple drag and discomfort. Holding your baby’s mouth opposite to where the nipple naturally falls is so key, as your baby won’t have to work too hard to keep the nipple deep in their mouth.
- Gently yet firmly wrap your baby further around to the opposite breast he/she is feeding from, and see if this makes the latch feel less “pinchy” and sharp. Reinforce firm pressure over their back and hips – this will allow their nose to remain free.
- If tips 2. & 3. reduce the discomfort, you are getting close to your optimal breastfeeding position! If nipple discomfort feels worse, work towards moving your baby in the opposite direction.
- If your nipple pain does not resolve within three days or pain is more than a 4/10 throughout the breastfeeding seek help from an IBCLC Lactation Consultant to get support with finding your optimal breastfeeding position.
As mentioned in tip 5, it is so essential to get help sooner rather than later if you are experiencing nipple pain. In my experience, many mothers suffer unnecessarily with intense pain that can be corrected with the right expert support. Ongoing pain makes breastfeeding tense and stressful, which has a negative effect on a mum’s mental health and baby bonding. Sometimes determination alone is not enough to get you through, and unfortunately, the statistics in Australia show that the majority of mums do start out breastfeeding, however at 3 months of age only around one-third of babies are still being breastfed. We know nipple pain is common, we know it’s not normal and the majority of the time it is related to how your baby is fitting your body. If unresolved, nipple pain can turn into more complex issues, so act promptly so you and your baby can get into the swing of things in a more relaxed way.
I have helped many mums both in their homes and in clinics and virtually achieved a comfortable breastfeeding technique during my time as an IBCLC Lactation Consultant in Naarm Melbourne. See my booking page to choose an offering that feels right for you or someone you know that is struggling with nipple pain.