Pain when a baby latches onto the breast is a common difficulty for new parents. While breastfeeding is a biological process, it is also a learned skill for both parent and infant. Discomfort signals that something needs immediate correction. A proper latch involves the baby taking a large, deep mouthful of breast tissue, drawing the nipple far back into the soft palate area. A shallow latch pinches the nipple against the hard palate, resulting in a painful, shearing sensation instead of comfortable, deep suckling.
The Normal Adjustment Timeline
Initial soreness is common during the first week or two as the body adjusts to the frequency and intensity of nursing. This temporary tenderness is usually felt most acutely during the first 30 to 60 seconds after the baby attaches to the breast. As the milk ejection reflex, or “let-down,” occurs, the nipple is drawn deeper into the baby’s mouth, and this initial discomfort should quickly subside.
If pain persists throughout the entire feeding, or causes visible trauma like cracking or bleeding, it indicates a mechanical problem, not simple adjustment. Sensitivity should completely resolve by the end of the second week postpartum, leaving a sensation described as gentle tugging or pulling. Pain that is intense, causes bracing, or fails to improve after two weeks is outside the range of normal adjustment and should be investigated.
Techniques for Immediate Comfort and Improved Latch
Achieving a deep latch requires the parent to control the baby’s positioning and wait for the proper feeding cue. Begin by aligning the baby’s head, neck, and body so they face the breast directly, with their ear, shoulder, and hip in a straight line. Positioning the baby so their nose is level with the nipple encourages them to tilt their head back slightly, allowing the chin to lead and touch the breast first.
Wait for the baby to open their mouth extremely wide, often described as a “yawn,” before quickly bringing the baby to the breast. The goal is to move the baby to the breast, not the breast to the baby. Ensure the lower lip and jaw cover more of the areola than the upper lip. This asymmetrical latch places the nipple deep within the oral cavity, protecting it from compression.
After latching, check that the baby’s lips are flanged outward, like “fish lips,” and not tucked in. If the latch is shallow or painful, gently insert a clean finger into the corner of the baby’s mouth to break the suction before trying again. Experimenting with different positions, such as the laid-back position where gravity helps the baby sink onto the breast, can promote a more comfortable and effective attachment.
Underlying Issues Requiring Professional Help
If diligent technique adjustments do not resolve the pain within the normal two-week window, the cause may be structural or medical, requiring professional intervention. A common structural issue is an oral restriction, such as a tongue tie or lip tie. This restriction limits the baby’s ability to extend the tongue and cup the breast tissue correctly, resulting in a shallow latch and constant friction against the nipple.
Persistent, sharp pain accompanied by nipple damage like fissures or bleeding indicates that a lactation consultant (IBCLC) must assess the latch and the baby’s oral anatomy. Pain presenting as deep, shooting, or burning sensations, particularly after a feed, can signal an infection like thrush, which is a yeast overgrowth. Thrush requires treatment for both the parent and the baby to eliminate the fungal pathogen.
A vascular condition called Raynaud’s phenomenon, or vasospasm, can cause intense throbbing pain. This is often accompanied by the nipple momentarily turning white, then blue, and finally red after the feed. If pain is accompanied by systemic symptoms like fever, body aches, or a localized hot, red, and hard area on the breast, it suggests an inflammatory condition like mastitis. In all cases of severe, damaging, or prolonged pain, consulting a healthcare provider or IBCLC is necessary for diagnosis and a targeted care plan.