{"id":17295,"date":"2023-04-13T15:00:24","date_gmt":"2023-04-13T20:00:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.osfhealthcare.org\/blog\/?p=17295"},"modified":"2026-02-24T14:34:14","modified_gmt":"2026-02-24T20:34:14","slug":"tips-to-treat-sore-nipples-and-other-breastfeeding-problems","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/osf-blog.live.imagescape.com\/blog\/tips-to-treat-sore-nipples-and-other-breastfeeding-problems\/","title":{"rendered":"Tips to treat sore nipples and other breastfeeding problems"},"content":{"rendered":"

Though breastfeeding is natural, that doesn\u2019t mean it always comes naturally. A mom may run into some aches, pains and challenges along the way.<\/p>\n

Nipple pain while breastfeeding<\/h2>\n

It\u2019s normal to have discomfort while breastfeeding, but it shouldn’t be painful. One of the most common problems moms face is sore nipples while breastfeeding. One of the biggest reasons why moms feel pain while feeding is because of latch and positioning.<\/p>\n

\u201cA bad latch<\/a> will make a mama sore and can cause cracked nipples,\u201d said Sarah Musselman, RN, a lactation consultant at OSF HealthCare.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you\u2019ve never breastfed before, using your breasts this way is something new you have to get used to,\u201d Sarah said. \u201cYou\u2019ll likely be able to tell if a latch is good or not based on how it feels.\u201d<\/p>\n

Getting a good latch<\/a> can be tricky. If you\u2019re having trouble breastfeeding or getting a good latch, Sarah\u2019s first suggestion is easy.<\/p>\n

\u201cFirst try skin-to-skin,\u201d Sarah said. \u201cThat will help your baby to latch more naturally.\u201d<\/p>\n

There\u2019s a learning curve to breastfeeding, especially in the beginning. But working with a lactation specialist or talking to your baby\u2019s pediatrician can help you figure out what the problem might be and how to solve it.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019ve tried the techniques suggested by your lactation consultant and still haven\u2019t gotten a good latch, it could be a sign that you and your baby may need some further evaluation.<\/p>\n

Cracked nipples and breastfeeding<\/h2>\n

Moms experience cracked nipples<\/a> most often because of a bad latch. Getting a good latch is imperative to preventing or minimizing cracking and soreness. This could also cause a shallow latch, blisters, cuts or bleeding.<\/p>\n

First try working to get a better latch. If you get help from a lactation consultant, they\u2019ll be able to see from a better vantage point how the latch looks and help you get a better latch.<\/p>\n

Using creams and ointments can also help to alleviate some of the dry, cracked skin. Using your own breast milk for nipple trauma is great and readily available. It has antibiotic, anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties. In addition, using breast shields, wearing nursing pads in between feedings and avoiding harsh soaps can help to<\/p>\n

But, if your baby isn\u2019t latched well, cracked nipples will continue to cause problems.<\/p>\n

Milk supply<\/h2>\n

When moms get cracked nipples, they often worry about their supply. Even with cracked nipples, you won\u2019t run out of breast milk because it quickly replenishes.<\/p>\n

\u201cDrinking more water doesn\u2019t increase breast milk production. Typically if a mom drinks too much water, she\u2019ll actually produce less milk,\u201d Sarah said.<\/p>\n

If you notice that your milk supply is lacking, you should continue to feed your baby on cue. You could add some pumping with gentle breast compression to increase your supply. This sends a signal to your body that there is a high demand for milk and may help stimulate milk production.<\/p>\n

Engorged breasts<\/h2>\n

Engorged or swollen breasts<\/a> happen when your body supplies more milk than is demanded of it. This can happen if you\u2019re not pumping enough or if your baby isn\u2019t interested in as much milk as you\u2019re producing. Your breasts may feel full, tight and sore, which may make it harder for your baby to nurse.<\/p>\n

Feeding your baby or pumping more frequently \u2013 without fully emptying your breasts \u2013 may ease the swelling and can help create a backup supply of breast milk you can store for later use<\/a> for later use. Just be careful not to pump too much. If you pump or nurse until you\u2019re empty, your body will continue to increase supply because it senses higher demand.<\/p>\n

\"Breast<\/a><\/p>\n

Blocked milk ducts<\/h2>\n

A blocked milk duct<\/a> happens when milk gets stuck in one duct and starts to build up. Signs of a blocked milk duct include:<\/p>\n