Sore nipples
Tender nipples at the start of a breastfeeding are normal during the first week or two. But pain, cracks, blisters, and bleeding are not. Your comfort depends on where your nipple lands in baby's mouth. And this depends on how your baby takes the breast, or latches.

Causes of sore nipples:
• Improper latch-on
• Tongue-tie
• Flat or inverted nipples
• Removing baby from the breast without breaking the suction first.
- To take the baby off the breast, put your clean finger in the corner of your baby’s mouth to
break the suction.

Treatment:
• If your nipples are very sore, use ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
• Take a few deep breaths before feeding to relax.
• Before a feeding, ease the soreness by putting ice on your nipples for a few seconds.
• Start the feeding on the less sore nipple.
• Rub a few drops of breastmilk onto your nipple and areola after a feeding. Let nipples air dry.
• Pain that continues during and between feedings, blisters, cracked and bleeding nipples are
not normal. Call a breastfeeding specialist or your doctor for help!

Thrush
Sore nipples may be caused by a condition called thrush, a common yeast infection.
• Your nipples may itch or burn.
• Your baby may have white patches in his mouth or a bright, red diaper rash.
• Your baby may refuse to breastfeed and be fussy.

If you suspect thrush, contact your health care provider for medications for you and your
baby.

You can and should continue breastfeeding!

Show All Answers

1. Is my body ready to breastfeed?
2. How do I know when my baby is hungry?
3. How should I hold my baby when I feed him?
4. What is Laid-back breastfeeding?
5. My breasts feel too full. Do I have too much milk?
6. How can I tell if my baby is getting enough to eat?
7. How do I know my baby is full?
8. How do I feed my sleepy baby?
9. Do I have too little milk?
10. Engorgement and Plugged Ducts
11. Do I have flat or inverted nipples?
12. Sore nipples
13. How do I calm my fussy baby?
14. Calming a Colicky Breastfed Baby
15. Breastmilk Storage and Collection
16. How should I care for myself after my baby is born?
17. How do I know when to call my doctor?
18. Vitamin D and Breastfeeding
19. What are my rights as a breastfeeding mother?
20. Will I spoil my baby if I pick him up when he cries?
21. What if my family doesn't support breastfeeding?