Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsCausesSensationReliefResources and Support
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Causes
Sensation
Relief
Resources and Support
Breastfeeding pain is a common reason why many people feel nervous about or avoidbreastfeeding. Common causes of breastfeeding pain include an improper latch,clogged milk duct, and infections likemastitis. Fortunately, these issues can be managed successfully with appropriate treatment.
This article will discuss the different types of breastfeeding pain, how they feel, and how to treat them.
Marko Cvetkovic / Getty Images
What Is Breastfeeding?
Common Causes of Breastfeeding Pain
Breastfeeding pain can happen for a variety of reasons. You may experience discomfort in the early days of breastfeeding or sudden pain that signals a problem later on.
Engorgement
Engorgement is a common experience in the first few days of breastfeeding. Breast milk usually comes in about three days after birth. Before that, the breasts produce a creamy substance called colostrum.
Postpartum Care: A Guide to Taking Care of a Body That Just Delivered
Sore Nipples
Improper Latch
Clogged Milk Duct
A clogged milk duct may occur at any time during breastfeeding. It often feels like a tender lump right under the breast skin. The area may be inflamed with redness and warmth. Risk factors for a clogged milk duct include wearing a tight bra, skipping feedings, and weaning from breastfeeding.
Causes of Clogged Milk Ducts
Infection
It is possible to experience a breast infection during breastfeeding. Mastitis is a common breast infection that causes a tender area of the breast that feels painful and hot. Mastitis may also cause a fever, chills, and body aches. Mastitis requires treatment with antibiotics.
How Breastfeeding Pain Feels
Breastfeeding pain can be very uncomfortable. The symptoms may differ depending on the underlying cause. Types of breastfeeding pain include:
How to Relieve Breastfeeding Pain
To relieve breastfeeding pain, consider the following ideas:
A Word From VerywellYou may also consider seeing a lactation consultant (many hospitals have one that you can see shortly after delivery while you are still in the hospital) or your child’s pediatrician if pain persists or you are not sure why you are having pain.—DANIEL COMBS, MD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
A Word From Verywell
You may also consider seeing a lactation consultant (many hospitals have one that you can see shortly after delivery while you are still in the hospital) or your child’s pediatrician if pain persists or you are not sure why you are having pain.—DANIEL COMBS, MD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
You may also consider seeing a lactation consultant (many hospitals have one that you can see shortly after delivery while you are still in the hospital) or your child’s pediatrician if pain persists or you are not sure why you are having pain.
—DANIEL COMBS, MD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
Additional Resources and Support
For more support, contact the following organizations:
Summary
7 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.What to expect while breastfeeding.U.S. Department of Agriculture.Help for sore nipples.MedlinePlus.Overcoming breastfeeding problems.MedlinePlus.Mastitis.MedlinePlus.Breast infection.Office on Women’s Health.Common questions about breastfeeding and pain.Kent JC, Ashton E, Hardwick CM, et al.Nipple pain in breastfeeding mothers: Incidence, causes and treatments.Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2015;12(10):12247-12263. doi:10.3390/ijerph121012247Additional ReadingCochrane Review.Breastfeeding or breast milk for procedural pain in newborn babies.
7 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.What to expect while breastfeeding.U.S. Department of Agriculture.Help for sore nipples.MedlinePlus.Overcoming breastfeeding problems.MedlinePlus.Mastitis.MedlinePlus.Breast infection.Office on Women’s Health.Common questions about breastfeeding and pain.Kent JC, Ashton E, Hardwick CM, et al.Nipple pain in breastfeeding mothers: Incidence, causes and treatments.Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2015;12(10):12247-12263. doi:10.3390/ijerph121012247Additional ReadingCochrane Review.Breastfeeding or breast milk for procedural pain in newborn babies.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.What to expect while breastfeeding.U.S. Department of Agriculture.Help for sore nipples.MedlinePlus.Overcoming breastfeeding problems.MedlinePlus.Mastitis.MedlinePlus.Breast infection.Office on Women’s Health.Common questions about breastfeeding and pain.Kent JC, Ashton E, Hardwick CM, et al.Nipple pain in breastfeeding mothers: Incidence, causes and treatments.Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2015;12(10):12247-12263. doi:10.3390/ijerph121012247
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.What to expect while breastfeeding.
U.S. Department of Agriculture.Help for sore nipples.
MedlinePlus.Overcoming breastfeeding problems.
MedlinePlus.Mastitis.
MedlinePlus.Breast infection.
Office on Women’s Health.Common questions about breastfeeding and pain.
Kent JC, Ashton E, Hardwick CM, et al.Nipple pain in breastfeeding mothers: Incidence, causes and treatments.Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2015;12(10):12247-12263. doi:10.3390/ijerph121012247
Cochrane Review.Breastfeeding or breast milk for procedural pain in newborn babies.
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