Sore nipples

If your nipples hurt, your latch might need a little help. Putting up with the pain could make things worse. Talk to a health care professional.

• Poor latch. Some parents have trouble getting a pain-free latch when they first start breastfeeding/chestfeeding. Learn more about getting a good latch.
• Flat or inverted nipples. Some babies have no problem latching onto a flat or inverted nipple, especially in the first few days before breasts/chest can become full with milk. If you are having trouble you may consider using a nipple shield. It would also be helpful to talk with a public health nurse.
• Bottle-fed baby. Bottle-fed babies can sometimes have difficulties latching back on the breast/chest. The way a baby feeds and sucks from a bottle is very different than the breast/chest. If your baby has been receiving bottles of milk, it's still possible to get your baby back to the breast/chest. Practice lots of skin-to-skin and let your baby learn slowly. Licking and nuzzling at the breast/chest is good practice for breastfeeding/chestfeeding. Some babies go to the breast/chest readily with the use of a nipple shield. This feels familiar to the baby yet you are actually breastfeeding/chestfeeding. Nipple shields are usually used for a short time, then taken away. Talk to a public health nurse for help with this.
• Thrush. Learn more about the common signs and symptoms of thrush. Speak to your health care professional. You and your baby will need treatment.
• Tongue-tie. Some babies are born with a tight piece of skin between the underside of their tongue and the floor of their mouth. Tongue-tie can make it hard for your baby to attach effectively at your breast/chest and can cause sore nipples. Other babies might be affected by a strong piece of tissue between the upper lip and the gum. This may cause problems with breastfeeding/chestfeeding. Talk to your health care professional.

• Squeeze (express) out a drop or two of your milk at the end of a feed and gently rub it into your skin.
• Let your nipples dry before getting dressed again.
• Change your breast/chest pads at each feed (if possible use pads without a plastic backing).
• Don't use soap, as it dries out your skin.
• Wear a cotton bra so that air can circulate.
• Treat any cracks or bleeding with a thin smear of purified lanolin. Put the ointment on the crack (not the whole nipple) to help it heal and prevent a scab forming.
• Don't stop breast/chest feeding. Start feeding on the less sore side first, because baby's suction is the strongest at the start of a feed. Once baby has had some milk, finish off with the other side and ensure you have a deep latch.
• With skilled help and a little practice, you should find that breastfeeding/chestfeeding quickly becomes more comfortable again.

Nipple shields can be helpful for breastfeeding/chestfeeding when your milk supply has increased (about two to five days after birth) and:

• You have flat or inverted nipples.
• Your baby is used to a bottle and you want to get back to breastfeeding/chestfeeding.
• Your baby is premature, has an immature suck or has neurological challenges.

Nipple shields are available at local pharmacies and baby equipment stores. Call ahead to see if they carry nipple shields. They come in various sizes. Try to get one that is closest in size to your own nipple.

• Some mothers/parents find that it helps their baby latch if they use warm wet compresses and breast/chest tissue massage to get their milk flowing first.
• It may help to place the shield in clean, hot water to make it more flexible and help it stick to your breast/chest tissue. Use your own milk or lanolin ointment under the rim also helps it stick.
• Fold the rim of the shield back (like a Mexican hat) and centre it over your nipple.
• Spread the rim back over your breast/chest to form a seal.
• Hand express some of your milk into the nipple shield. You can try keeping a finger over the holes in the tip to keep milk from spilling. The milk will help your baby want to latch.
• Hold the shield in place at the edges with your thumb and forefinger as baby latches on. The shield may stay in place on its own after a while.

During feeding

• Place your baby’s lower lip at the bottom of the shield nipple.
• Wait for your baby to open wide like a “yawn” then bring them quickly onto the shield. If at first you don’t succeed, try again.
• Be sure your baby is latched deeply onto your breast/chest tissue, not just the shield nipple. Your baby may not get enough milk if they are nursing only on the tip.
• You can relax your hand once your baby has latched on, but make sure the rim of the shield doesn’t cover their nose.
• Let your baby nurse as long as they wishes. Switch and offer the other breasts/chest if your baby is still hungry after the first breast/chest.

After feeding

• Wash the shield with hot soapy water, rinse and dry between uses. Refer to the manufacturer’s information for care instructions.
• Boil five to 10 minutes per day if your baby is preterm or ill.

A nipple shield can really help with breastfeeding/chestfeeding. However, it is meant for short term use.

It is best for your baby to be off the nipple shield in three to 10 days. Sometimes it may take longer than 10 days, but as long as your baby keeps gaining weight there is no concern.

You might want to connect with a breastfeeding/chestfeeding expert while using a nipple shield.