Why breastfeeding hurts: causes of pain and what to do about each

Breastfeeding · Updated July 2026 · All articles

Pain is the most common reason people stop breastfeeding before they planned to. That is a real shame, because most breastfeeding pain has a specific cause and a specific solution. Breastfeeding should not hurt beyond a brief initial sensation at the start of a feed, and if it does, something correctable is usually going on. This guide works through the main causes one by one.

Normal latch sensation versus ongoing latch pain

In the first few weeks, a brief, intense sensation during the first 30 to 60 seconds after a baby latches on is common. Nipple skin is adapting to repeated contact, and let-down has not yet occurred. This initial discomfort should ease noticeably as the feed continues and milk begins to flow. If it does, and the rest of the feed is comfortable, this is within the range of what is considered normal early breastfeeding.

Ongoing sharp or pinching pain that lasts for the whole feed, pain that gets worse rather than better as the feed progresses, or pain that causes you to dread each feed is not normal. Neither is leaving the feed with a nipple that looks compressed, ridged, creased, or lipstick-shaped. These are signs of a shallow or off-centre latch. The fix is always a latch improvement, and a midwife, health visitor, or lactation consultant can help you find it. In the meantime, trying different positions, such as laid-back nursing or a football hold, can sometimes make an immediate difference.

Nipple damage: cracks, grazes and blisters

Cracked, grazed, or bleeding nipples are nearly always caused by a latch that is too shallow, placing friction on the nipple tip rather than distributing pressure across the areola. Tongue tie is a common underlying cause that can prevent a baby from achieving the deep latch needed to avoid this kind of damage.

To help damaged nipples heal, after each feed express a small amount of milk and rub it into the nipple: breast milk has antibacterial properties and supports skin healing. Lanolin ointment (such as Lansinoh) applied sparingly after feeds forms a barrier and helps prevent the nipple from drying out and cracking further. Hydrogel dressings, available from pharmacies, provide immediate comfort for severely damaged nipples between feeds. Let the nipples air dry briefly after feeding if comfortable, and wear a breathable nursing bra rather than synthetic fabrics.

A milk bleb is a specific type of nipple damage: a small white or yellowish dot on the nipple surface caused by a thin layer of skin growing over a milk pore. It can cause sharp pain during a feed as pressure builds behind the blockage. Soaking the nipple in warm water before feeds and allowing the natural pressure of feeding to clear it is the recommended approach. Do not try to pierce it at home; this risks introducing infection. If it persists or is very painful, see a lactation consultant or GP.

Vasospasm: Raynaud's of the nipple

Vasospasm of the nipple is less well known but more common than most people realise. It causes a burning, throbbing, or shooting pain in the nipple after a feed rather than during it, typically triggered as the baby comes off the breast and the nipple is suddenly exposed to cooler air. The nipple may visibly change colour, cycling through white, then blue or purple, then red as blood vessels spasm and then dilate again.

The mechanism is the same as Raynaud's phenomenon in fingers and toes, and people with a history of Raynaud's are more likely to experience it in their nipples during breastfeeding. Managing it involves keeping the nipple warm immediately after a feed: cover it quickly as the baby comes off, apply a warm compress or heat pad, and avoid cold drafts. In more severe cases, magnesium supplements and (under medical supervision) calcium channel blockers have been used to reduce the frequency and severity of spasms.

Nipple thrush

Thrush is caused by an overgrowth of Candida, a yeast organism. Nipple thrush causes a burning, shooting, or stabbing pain that often continues between feeds, not just during them. The pain is sometimes described as shooting deep into the breast, which can make it feel like the problem is inside the breast rather than at the nipple surface. The nipple and areola may look shiny, slightly red or pink, or flaky. There may be itching.

In many cases, the baby will also have oral thrush: white patches on the inside of the cheeks, gums, or tongue that cannot be wiped off (unlike milk residue, which wipes away easily). Both feeding parent and baby need to be treated at the same time, even if only one shows clear symptoms, because the infection can otherwise pass back and forth. Your GP can prescribe antifungal treatment for both of you. It is important to note that thrush is often over-diagnosed: shooting pain in the breast can have other causes, including vasospasm and referred pain from a blocked duct, so the full picture is worth assessing with a professional.

Mastitis and deep breast pain

Mastitis is an inflammation of breast tissue, usually starting with an area of localised pain, redness, and heat in the breast. When it progresses, it can cause flu-like symptoms including fever (temperature over 38°C), chills, and aching muscles. Mastitis often develops from a blocked duct that has not been cleared, or from bacteria entering through a crack in the nipple. It is important to act quickly: continue feeding frequently from the affected side, apply warmth before feeds, and contact your GP on the same day. Antibiotics are often needed, and continuing to breastfeed (rather than stopping) is important for recovery.

Deep breast pain that does not fit neatly into any of the above categories, particularly shooting pain between feeds, can sometimes be referred pain from blocked ducts, nerve pain related to a previous procedure, or rarely, more significant conditions that need medical assessment. If you have unexplained pain that persists and is not improving, see your GP or a lactation consultant.

When to see a lactation consultant

You should seek specialist help sooner rather than later if: pain lasts throughout a feed rather than just at the start; you are dreading feeds or considering stopping because of pain; your nipple is consistently damaged after feeds; you have shooting or burning pain between feeds; or you have any signs of mastitis. A lactation consultant (look for the IBCLC credential) can observe a full feed, assess latch and tongue function, and identify causes that cannot be assessed without seeing you in person. Your health visitor is a good first port of call in the UK; they can refer you on or signpost you to local breastfeeding support groups staffed by trained volunteers.

Frequently asked questions

Is some breastfeeding pain normal?

A brief, intense sensation in the first 30 to 60 seconds as a baby latches is common, particularly in the early weeks as nipple skin adapts. This is sometimes called initial latch discomfort and tends to fade as the feed continues and let-down occurs. However, pain that lasts throughout a feed, causes you to dread feeding, or leaves the nipple damaged is not normal and always has a fixable cause. You should not push through ongoing pain without investigating why it is happening.

What does vasospasm (Raynaud's of the nipple) feel like?

Vasospasm of the nipple causes a burning, throbbing, or shooting pain after a feed rather than during it. The nipple often changes colour, going white, then blue or purple, then red as blood flow changes. It can be triggered by cold air as the baby comes off the breast. Keeping the nipple warm immediately after a feed and avoiding cold drafts can help significantly.

How do I know if I have nipple thrush?

Nipple thrush typically causes a burning or shooting pain deep in the breast or in the nipple, often continuing between feeds rather than just during them. The nipple and areola may look shiny, pink, or flaky, and there may be white spots in the baby's mouth (oral thrush). Both you and your baby need to be treated at the same time, even if only one of you has obvious symptoms. See your GP for antifungal treatment for both of you.

My nipples are cracked and bleeding. Is it safe to keep feeding?

Yes, it is generally safe to continue feeding even with cracked or bleeding nipples. Small amounts of blood in your milk will not harm your baby, though they may cause them to spit up blood-tinged milk, which looks alarming but is not dangerous. The priority is to fix whatever is causing the damage (usually latch, tongue tie, or a skin condition) rather than just managing the injury. See a lactation consultant or your midwife promptly.

What is a nipple bleb or milk blister?

A milk bleb is a small white or yellowish dot on the nipple surface caused by a thin layer of skin growing over a milk pore. It is often intensely painful during a feed as pressure builds behind it. Do not try to pierce it at home, as this risks infection. Soaking the nipple in warm water before feeds and feeding or pumping to create pressure may help it resolve. If it persists or is very painful, see a lactation consultant or your GP.

When should I see a lactation consultant for breastfeeding pain?

You should seek specialist help if pain is ongoing beyond the first minute of a feed, if it is affecting your willingness to feed, if you have nipple damage that is not healing, if you have shooting or burning pain that continues between feeds, or if you have any sign of mastitis (fever, flu-like symptoms, a hot red area on the breast). A lactation consultant (IBCLC) can assess latch, tongue function, and other physical factors that a general appointment may not cover.

This article is for general information only. Always consult your midwife, health visitor, GP, or a registered lactation consultant for advice about your specific situation.