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Are you finding breastfeeding a pain in the boob? We get it – it can be tough, but with tips from a lactation consultant and breastfeeding expert, there are ways to ease the discomfort
Summary
1Common types of breastfeeding discomfort
From cracked nipples to neck stiffness, breastfeeding can be associated with a wide range of aches and pains, especially in the early days…
2How to relieve breastfeeding pain
Breast pain and aching muscles can get you down, especially when you’re going through sleepless nights and everything else that comes with…
3How to alleviate body aches after breastfeeding
Your posture is the first thing to consider if you’re struggling with an achy neck, back and shoulders during or after breastfeeding…
Whether you decide to breastfeed, pump, bottle-feed formula or expressed breast milk, or use a combination, there’s no right or wrong way to feed your baby. Each of these forms of feeding comes with its pros and cons.
While it can be a beautiful way to bond with your baby, is cost-effective and can have health benefits for both babies and new parents, some people find it challenging and painful.1
So what are the most common types of breastfeeding discomfort, and how can you manage them? We speak to lactation consultant and breastfeeding expert, Lucy Clark, to find out more.
Common types of breastfeeding discomfort
From cracked nipples to neck stiffness, breastfeeding can be associated with a wide range of aches and pains, especially in the early days (not to mention that caring for babies, in general, can take its toll on our bodies!).
There are a number of causes of each, but thankfully, most issues can be easily prevented or treated – more on that later.
Dry, cracked and sore nipples are the most common complication in breastfeeding women, particularly in the first week or so.2,3 Sore nipples are also the most common reason women stop breastfeeding.2
Sore nipples can come about due to many things, including:2-6
- problems with positioning and latching – if your baby doesn’t latch properly, their tongue or roof of their mouth may rub against your nipple. This is very common in the first few days of breastfeeding, but it is preventable with good support2-4
- a tongue-tie – this is where the strip of tissue that connects the tongue to the floor of the mouth is shorter, tighter or just less stretchy than normal, which can make latching and feeding difficult. Your nipple may become squashed in your baby’s mouth, which could result in damage2,3,5
- clamping down or biting – some newborn babies might clamp down when feeding, sometimes because of a fast milk flow. Teething babies may also clamp or bite down to help soothe sore gums6
‘“Blebs”, or nipple blisters, are another culprit (usually as a result of hyperlactation or pumping). They look like tiny white spots on the nipple and can be incredibly painful.’
General breast pain and tenderness can be common during breastfeeding. This can be down to:7
- breast engorgement – if your breasts are warm, hard and painful, they may be engorged (overly full). It can happen any time, but is most common when your milk transitions from colostrum (the first milk) to mature milk and if there are any sudden changes in your breastfeeding routine7-9
- blocked milk ducts – a blocked milk duct can feel like a small, tender lump in your breast7,10
- mastitis – if a blocked duct isn’t treated, it could lead to mastitis. This is where your breast becomes inflamed, hot and tender. It can make you feel very poorly with flu-like symptoms7,11
- a breast abscess – if mastitis isn’t treated, it can lead to a breast abscess which requires urgent treatment7,11
- the letdown reflex – when you’re breastfeeding, a hormone called oxytocin causes something called the ‘letdown reflex’. This occurs when your baby's sucking causes the muscles in your breasts to squeeze milk towards your nipples, which can also result in breast pain in some women12-14
In addition to localised pain in the breasts, carrying or holding your baby for hours on end every day can put your muscles through the wringer.
It’s therefore very common for new parents to experience muscle tightness and aching in their shoulders, neck and back.15-17 Lucy explains that ‘Breastfeeding parents can also experience pain across their chest (the pectorals) as a result of increased tension from anticipated painful feeding or just sitting for long times in less than comfortable positions while feeding.’
How to relieve breastfeeding pain
Breast pain and aching muscles can get you down, especially when you’re going through sleepless nights and everything else that comes with having and caring for a new baby.
But don't worry – we’ve got some tips and tricks to help you manage and relieve discomfort while breastfeeding.
If your sore nipples are down to problems with latching or positioning, it’s important to speak to your midwife, health visitor or breastfeeding specialist as soon as possible.3 They’ll be able to help you find the right positioning and technique to breastfeed without causing pain.3
There are lots of creams and sprays that claim to help soothe sore and cracked nipples. However, these won’t work if the cause isn’t addressed, and it’s important to be aware that some may cause allergic reactions in you or your baby.4
Unsure which products are suitable? Learn more about what skincare is safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. You can also speak to a breastfeeding expert for their advice on which products are best.
If you’re experiencing breast soreness as a result of engorgement, feeding your baby as often as they’d like and for as long as they like can help. If you’re producing more milk than your baby wants to have, you can try hand expressing or pumping just a little bit of milk until you feel relief.2,7 (Any more than this can increase your supply and worsen any problems, says Lucy.)
Applying cold packs to your breasts between feeds, having a warm shower just before feeding (to help get milk flowing) and taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatories like ibuprofen (if you are usually able) at the recommended dose can also ease pain.2,7,8
If you suspect your pain is caused by a blocked milk duct, mastitis or an abscess, it’s important to continue breastfeeding, as stopping can worsen symptoms, and to contact your healthcare professional or a breastfeeding specialist for advice and treatment.2,7,10
You can also look for drop-in support groups in your area, or contact the National Breastfeeding Helpline over the phone, webchat or social media.
Your posture is the first thing to consider if you’re struggling with an achy neck, back and shoulders during or after breastfeeding.
Before starting to feed, make sure you’re sitting or lying down in a comfortable position. Pillows or cushions behind your back or under your arms for extra support can help, though, Lucy’s advice is to use pillows once your baby is latched.18 ‘Pillows before latching can affect the angle at which the baby comes to the breast, which can cause more problems.’
Find tips on how to treat back pain and relieve neck and shoulder tension in our helpful guides.
General nipple and breast care tips
Other things you can do to care for your nipples and breasts when breastfeeding include:3,19
- letting your nipples dry after feeding before getting dressed
- changing breast pads after every feed
- avoid using soap, as this can dry out your skin
- wearing cotton, non-underwired nursing bras and comfortable clothing
- staying hydrated and eating a balanced diet (drink when you’re thirsty and eat when you’re hungry) to support good skin health
The final say
Problems with nipple and breast pain are incredibly common when breastfeeding, but that doesn’t mean that it’s ‘normal’ and it doesn’t mean you have to grin and bear it.
We hope the information and tips on this page help you better cope with the potential challenges of breastfeeding. And remember, if breastfeeding isn’t for you, or just isn’t going to plan, do seek help from an expert.
Want to know more about breastfeeding? Check out our guide on everything you need to know about breastfeeding.
While we strive for accuracy and balance, please be aware that this article may discuss products available for purchase through Holland & Barrett. Consult a healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions.
1. NHS. Benefits of breastfeeding [Internet]. [cited 2024 Oct 23]. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/baby/breastfeeding-and-bottle-feeding/breastfeeding/benefits/
2. National Childbirth Trust (NCT). Sore nipples when breastfeeding [Internet]. [cited 2024 Oct 23]. Available from: https://www.nct.org.uk/information/baby-toddler/feeding-your-baby-or-toddler/sore-nipples-when-breastfeeding
3. NHS. Sore nipples [Internet]. [cited 2024 Oct 23]. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/start-for-life/baby/feeding-your-baby/breastfeeding/breastfeeding-challenges/sore-nipples/
4. Unicef. Overcoming breastfeeding problems: Sore nipples [Internet]. [cited 2024 Oct 23]. Available from: https://www.unicef.org.uk/babyfriendly/support-for-parents/sore-nipples/ 5. NHS. Common breastfeeding problems [Internet]. [cited 2024 Oct 23]. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/baby/breastfeeding-and-bottle-feeding/breastfeeding-problems/common-problems/
6. National Childbirth Trust (NCT). Why babies bite and how to stop it [Internet]. [cited 2024 Oct 23]. Available from: https://www.nct.org.uk/information/baby-toddler/feeding-your-baby-or-toddler/breastfeeding-why-babies-may-bite-and-how-stop-it
7. NHS. Breast pain and breastfeeding [Internet]. [cited 2024 Oct 23]. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/baby/breastfeeding-and-bottle-feeding/breastfeeding-problems/breast-pain/
8. WIC breastfeeding support. Engorgement [Internet]. [cited 2024 Oct 23]. Available from: https://wicbreastfeeding.fns.usda.gov/engorgement
9. Unicef. Engorgement [Internet]. [cited 2024 Oct 23]. Available from: https://www.unicef.org.uk/babyfriendly/support-for-parents/engorgement/
10. WIC breastfeeding support. Plugged ducts, mastitis, and thrush [Internet]. [cited 2024 Oct 23]. Available from: https://wicbreastfeeding.fns.usda.gov/plugged-ducts-mastitis-and-thrush
11. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Mastitis and breast abscess [Internet]. [cited 2024 Oct 23]. Available from: https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/mastitis-breast-abscess/
12. National Childbirth Trust (NCT). Breastfeeding problems and concerns in the early days [Internet]. [cited 2024 Oct 23]. Available from: https://www.nct.org.uk/information/baby-toddler/feeding-your-baby-or-toddler/breastfeeding-problems-and-concerns-early-days
13. World Health Organization. The physiological basis of breastfeeding. In: Infant and Young Child Feeding. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2009. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK148970/
14. NHS. Breastfeeding: The first few days [Internet]. [cited 2024 Oct 23]. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/baby/breastfeeding-and-bottle-feeding/breastfeeding/the-first-few-days/
15. Biviá-Roig G, et al. Biomechanical analysis of breastfeeding positions and their effects on lumbopelvic curvatures and lumbar muscle responses. Appl Ergon. 2023;110:104029. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apergo.2023.104029
16. Aburub A, et al. Nursing mothers’ experiences of musculoskeletal pain attributed to poor posture during breastfeeding: A mixed methods study. Breastfeed Med. 2022;17(11):926–31. https://doi.org/10.1089/bfm.2022.0105
17. Ojukwu CP, et al. Breastfeeding-related neck pain: Prevalence and correlates among Nigerian lactating mothers. Int Health. 2023;15(4):383–8. https://doi.org/10.1093/inthealth/ihac050
18. NHS. Breastfeeding: Positioning and attachment [Internet]. [cited 2024 Oct 23]. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/baby/breastfeeding-and-bottle-feeding/breastfeeding/positioning-and-attachment/
19. The Association of British Dietitians. Skin health [Internet]. [cited 2024 Oct 23]. Available from: https://www.bda.uk.com/resource/skin-health.html
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