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Why Breastfeeding Hurts: 8 Common Causes and What Helps By: Brianne Taggart

by Brianne Taggart

Hey there—it’s Bri, the IBCLC (aka “the boob expert”).

One of the most common things I hear from new moms is:
 “Everyone told me breastfeeding was natural… but nobody told me it might hurt.”

And honestly?
 That can feel incredibly discouraging.

Here’s the good news:
 While some tenderness in the early days can be normal, ongoing pain is usually a sign that something needs support—not something you simply have to “push through.”

As an IBCLC and mom of four, I want you to know:
 Painful breastfeeding is common.
 But it’s not something you deserve to suffer through alone.

Let’s talk about some of the most common causes of breastfeeding pain and what can actually help.

1. Shallow Latch

This is probably the most common cause of breastfeeding pain I see.

A shallow latch means baby is mostly attached to the nipple instead of taking a deeper mouthful of breast tissue.

This can cause:

  • pinching pain

  • lipstick-shaped nipples

  • cracked nipples

  • clicking sounds

  • poor milk transfer

What Helps

  • Bringing baby in close “nose to nipple”

  • Waiting for a wide-open mouth

  • Trying laid-back positioning

  • Adjusting body alignment

Sometimes even tiny positioning changes make a huge difference.

2. Engorgement

In the first few weeks postpartum, many moms experience fullness as milk supply increases.

Breasts can become:

  • hard

  • swollen

  • tight

  • painful

And when breasts are overly full, babies often struggle to latch deeply.

What Helps

  • Frequent feeding

  • Gentle reverse pressure softening

  • Hand expression

  • Ice after feeds

  • Avoiding excessive pumping unless medically indicated

3. Incorrect Pump Flange Size

A lot of moms assume pain while pumping is normal.

It’s not.

Incorrect flange sizing can lead to:

  • nipple swelling

  • rubbing

  • cracking

  • reduced milk output

  • vasospasms

And honestly?
 Many moms are using flanges that are too large.

What Helps

  • Proper flange fitting

  • Lowering suction levels

  • Lubricating the flange tunnel

  • Replacing worn pump parts

4. Vasospasms

Vasospasms can feel intense.

Many moms describe:

  • burning

  • stabbing

  • throbbing

  • shooting pain

  • nipples turning white or purple

Cold temperatures often make symptoms worse.

What Helps

  • Keeping nipples warm

  • Avoiding air drying

  • Correcting latch issues

  • Gentle heat after feeds

  • Sometimes magnesium or other medical support (talk with your provider)

5. Tongue Tie or Oral Restrictions

Sometimes babies physically struggle to maintain an effective latch.

Signs can include:

  • clicking

  • slipping off the breast

  • prolonged feeds

  • nipple damage

  • poor weight gain

  • gassiness

  • maternal pain

Not every feeding challenge is caused by a tongue tie—but sometimes oral function absolutely plays a role.

What Helps

  • Full feeding assessment

  • Oral function evaluation

  • Positioning support

  • Sometimes bodywork or additional therapies

  • Collaborative care when needed

6. Thrush or Yeast

Yeast-related pain is often described as:

  • burning

  • itchy

  • shiny nipples

  • pain between feeds

Sometimes both mom and baby show symptoms.
 Sometimes only one does. I would not say this is as common as you might think. Thrush is often blamed but really there’s something else going on. 

What Helps

  • Evaluation by your provider

  • Treating both mom and baby if needed

  • Sterilizing pump parts

  • Keeping bras and pads dry

7. Clogged Ducts or Mastitis

Painful lumps, redness, swelling, flu-like symptoms, or worsening breast pain can signal inflammation or infection.

This can feel scary fast.

What Helps

Current mastitis recommendations focus less on “aggressive emptying” and more on reducing inflammation:

  • frequent but not excessive milk removal

  • ice

  • rest

  • hydration

  • anti-inflammatory support if approved by your provider

  • medical care when symptoms worsen

Work with your IBCLC to learn gentle breast movements and massage. The ABM protocol for mastitis does NOT recommend antibiotics as a first line of defense. 

8. Unrealistic Expectations

This one matters more than people realize.

Many moms are told:
 “If it hurts, just toughen up.”
 “Your nipples need to get used to it.”
 “Pain is normal.”

And honestly?
 That messaging delays support.

Breastfeeding is a learned skill for BOTH mom and baby.

Needing help does not mean you’re failing.

When Should You Get Help?

I always encourage moms to seek support sooner rather than later if they’re experiencing:

  • cracked or bleeding nipples

  • severe pain

  • baby not gaining weight well

  • painful pumping

  • persistent latch struggles

  • worsening symptoms

  • feelings of dread around feeding

Because early support can completely change the breastfeeding experience.

The Big Picture

Painful breastfeeding can feel isolating.
 Especially when everyone around you says breastfeeding is “supposed” to be natural.

But natural does not always mean easy.

You deserve answers.
 You deserve support.
 And you deserve feeding experiences that feel calmer, more comfortable, and more sustainable.

Sometimes small adjustments make a huge difference.
 And sometimes moms simply need someone to look at the full picture.

That’s exactly what lactation support is for.

Written by Bri the IBCLC

Breezy Babies Lactation Group

Need Support?

We offer in-home and telehealth lactation consultations so you can get help wherever you are.

Book a visit:
👉 www.breezybabies.com

Check insurance benefits:
👉 https://breezybabies.com/pages/lactation-insurance-eligibility-check

Text us: 801-513-3255

 

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