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Pain

Breastfeeding shouldn’t be painful.

Nipple tenderness

Some nipple tenderness at the beginning of a feed is normal post-delivery – see Tender and sore nipples for more information about what to expect and how long this is likely to continue for.

As many women stop breastfeeding due to nipple pain it is important to seek help and advice if you are experiencing pain and thinking of giving up breastfeeding because of this.

Reasons for sore breasts

Common causes of sore breasts are:

A very small number of mothers experience a cramp-like pain inside their breasts when the milk starts to flow and let-down. This should pass once breastfeeding establishes.

If you have this kind of pain, talk to your lead maternity carer, Well Child health worker, a lactation consultant or La Leche League counsellor for advice.

In this section

  • Pain and pain relief
    You don’t need to suffer through pain when breastfeeding. There are ways to relieve sore breasts that are safe for you and baby. Read more
  • Tender and sore nipples
    Nipple tenderness is common in the early days of breastfeeding, but it should wear off. Find out what causes nipple pain and what to do if it persists. Read more
  • Engorgement
    Engorgement is when your breasts are really sore and hard – find out some simple ways of relieving the discomfort. Read more
  • Blocked ducts and mastitis
    Mastitis is a common reason for pain during breastfeeding. It’s an inflammation caused by blocked ducts inside the breast. Learn how to recognise and treat mastitis, and what to do if the duct becomes infected. Read more

Related websites

La Leche League International
La Leche League is an international organisation who promote breastfeeding.

Related areas

Page last updated: 07 December 2011