Let’s Talk About Sore Nipples: Why They Happen & How We Can Help

Sore nipples are one of the most common concerns parents experience in the early days of breastfeeding or chest-feeding — but that doesn’t make them normal. Pain is a signal, not a milestone, and you don’t have to “push through” or wait for your nipples to “toughen up.” With the right support, feeding can (and should!) feel comfortable.

Understanding why soreness happens is the first step toward relief. The good news? Most causes are treatable, and many can be improved quickly with targeted adjustments and expert guidance.

Why Do Nipples Get Sore?

In the newborn stage, tiny changes in latch, positioning, or anatomy can make a big difference in how feeding feels. Some of the most common contributors to nipple pain include:

• Shallow or inefficient latch

• Suboptimal positioning

• Oral tension or asymmetry

• Tongue tie or restricted oral tissues

• Excessive vacuum strength

• Fast letdown or milk flow changes

• Incorrect pump flange size

• Pumping patterns that irritate nipple tissue

• Early feeding habits (long stretches, cluster feeding, etc.)

Some parents experience soreness from just one of these factors — others have a combination. That’s why personalized care matters so much.

Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Nipple Pain

Persistent soreness isn’t just uncomfortable; it can affect:

• Milk transfer

• Milk supply

• Feeding duration

• Parent mental health

• Baby’s comfort and feeding efficiency

And for many families, pain becomes the first domino that leads to avoidable issues: cracked nipples, damage, clogged ducts, mastitis, low supply, or early weaning.

Early support can stop that domino effect before it starts.

How Our Team Helps You Find and Fix the Root Cause

At our clinic, we don’t just treat the symptom — we uncover the reason behind it.

Our multidisciplinary team includes:

• IBCLC lactation consultants

• Physical therapists (PT)

• Occupational therapists (OT)

• Speech-language pathologists (SLP)

• Craniosacral therapists (CST)

This collaborative model allows us to address feeding from every angle, including:

✔ Improving Latch Mechanics

Small tweaks in angle, depth, or alignment can dramatically reduce pain.

✔ Optimizing Parent & Baby Positioning

We help you find positions that work for your body and your baby’s unique anatomy.

✔ Addressing Oral Tension & Body Imbalances

Babies use their entire body to feed. Tension in the neck, jaw, or torso often shows up as painful latch.

✔ Identifying and Managing Tongue Tie or Oral Restrictions

We screen for oral function, not just appearance, and build a comprehensive care plan.

✔ Correcting Pump Flange Size & Technique

Many parents are given the wrong flange size at the hospital — and it matters. A poor pump fit can cause swelling, pinching, vasospasm, and deep soreness.

✔ Supporting Healthy Feeding Patterns

We help you navigate cluster feeding, early milk transitions, pumping routines, and more.

Our goal is simple: feeding without pain — whether you breastfeed, chest-feed, pump, or combination feed.

When to Reach Out for Help

If you’re experiencing:

• Pinching, burning, or stabbing sensations

• Pain that lasts beyond the first few seconds of latch

• Cracks, blisters, or visible nipple changes

• Pain with pumping

• Baby struggling or slipping off the breast

• Concerns about tongue tie or oral motor skills

…you deserve support.

Pain is not a requirement for a successful feeding journey.

Most issues can be improved quickly with the right adjustments and care.

You Don’t Have to Feed Through Pain

Feeding your baby should be a bonding experience — not something you dread. If you’re dealing with soreness, you’re not alone, and you don’t have to figure it out by yourself.

We’re here to help you feed comfortably and confidently. 💛
Reach out to schedule a visit with our team and start feeling better today.