What causes painful breastfeeding?

A shallow latch can pinch the nipple instead of drawing much of the areola into the baby’s mouth, causing pain and cracks. A blocked milk duct may create a tender, firm area that feels worse before a feed. Mastitis can cause breast pain, warmth, redness, and a flu-like illness. Nipple thrush may cause burning or shooting pain during or after feeds, sometimes with shiny or flaky nipple skin. A very full breast, strong milk flow, tongue movement difficulties, or pumping with an unsuitable setting can also make feeding uncomfortable.

Have a lactation professional watch a complete feed and check positioning, attachment, and pump fit. Offer feeds regularly, vary positions, and use gentle breast massage rather than forceful pressure over a tender area. Keep cracked nipples clean and dry, and avoid harsh soaps. A lactation consultation can help identify the cause quickly. Do not stop breastfeeding suddenly without advice, because abrupt changes can worsen fullness and milk stasis.

Contact a clinician promptly if pain continues despite correcting the latch, or if you have fever, chills, spreading redness, increasing swelling, pus, or feel generally unwell. Seek urgent assessment for severe illness, a rapidly enlarging painful area, or difficulty keeping fluids down. Persistent nipple pain needs an examination because several causes can overlap.

Could my baby’s latch or my pump be causing injury? Do my symptoms fit a blocked milk duct, mastitis, or nipple thrush? How should I continue feeding while treatment starts? When should I return if the pain or redness does not settle?