Should Breastfeeding Hurt? 7 Red Flags You Need Help
You might’ve heard that breastfeeding is painful. And that it will hurt.
And, truth be told, it MAY.
Pain is actually one of the most common reasons women end breastfeeding.
But what you may not know is that painful breastfeeding is NOT NORMAL. If breastfeeding hurts that indicates something is wrong and an adjustment is needed.
It’s important to understand what’s normal (and what’s not) so you can seek help right away and find potential solutions.
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Should Breastfeeding Hurt At all?
SOME nipple soreness can be expected in the beginning of feedings for the first couple weeks postpartum. However, nipple discomfort should not be severe, should be tolerable, and should not last throughout the whole feeding session.
Give yourself 30 seconds at the beginning of a feeding session. If the sensitivity goes away within 30 seconds, you’re good!
Within a week or two postpartum, nipple sensitivity should be completely gone and breastfeeding should feel like a slight tug at the nipple and nothing more.
If your nipples are sore, these are an absolute lifesaver. They’re super cheap, can be worn for multiple days (perfect when you’re trying to get a good latch), and are soooo soothing.
Now let’s move on to what’s NOT normal and some “red flags” to look out for.
7 Signs You Need To Seek Lactation Help:
Tenderness that doesn’t go away after 30 seconds
Toe-curling pain
Pinching
Pain between feedings
Sensitivity that lasts beyond the first couple weeks
Cracked or bleeding nipples
The shape of your nipple changes after a feeding (looks like lipstick)If you experience ANY of the red flags, it’s a sign that a change is needed.
You can first try troubleshooting yourself. Adjust your baby’s position to help them get a more comfortable latch.
Encourage baby to get at least an inch of breast tissue in their mouth to get a deeper latch. During the latch make sure your baby’s stomach is facing your stomach. (tummy-to-tummy)
Related Article: 9 Genius Breastfeeding Latch Tricks
Our favorite position to get a deep latch is called laid-back breastfeeding because it’s easy, helpful during postpartum recovery, and naturally encourages a deeper latch for baby. Here’s a great video tutorial that demonstrates how to do it!
Often a simple change in position or technique can help your baby latch on more deeply and more comfortably.
Beyond troubleshooting yourself. If you’re still experiencing “red flags,” reach out to a lactation professional for help.
The best experts to call are IBCLCs (International Board Certified Lactation Consultants). I call them the “dairy fairies” because they are the most knowledgeable and trained when it comes to troubleshooting breastfeeding issues.
Breastfeeding that hurts is NOT normal and indicates that a change is needed. Troubleshoot your latching and positioning right away and reach out to skilled lactation help.
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