Breastfeeding is often described as natural, but that doesn’t mean it’s always comfortable. Sore or cracked nipples are one of the most common reasons mums struggle in the early weeks. The good news: most causes can be fixed, and there’s plenty you can do to feel better while you heal.

Is it normal for breastfeeding to hurt?

Some tenderness when your baby first latches, especially in the first week, is common while you both learn. But pain that lasts through the whole feed, gets worse, or comes with cracks or bleeding is a sign something needs adjusting. You don’t have to grit your teeth through it.

Common causes of sore nipples

  • A shallow latch: the most common cause. If your baby only takes the nipple instead of a good mouthful of breast, the nipple gets pinched.
  • Feeding position: your baby’s body should face yours, chest to chest, with their nose level with your nipple.
  • Engorgement: very full breasts are harder for your baby to latch onto deeply.
  • Pumping: a breast pump flange that’s the wrong size, or suction set too high.
  • Tongue-tie in your baby, which can make it hard for them to latch well.
  • Thrush: a yeast infection that can cause burning or shooting pain.

Quick latch checks

  1. Bring your baby to the breast, not the breast to your baby, with their head tilted slightly back.
  2. Wait for a wide-open mouth, like a yawn, before they latch.
  3. Aim for more of the darker area below the nipple in their mouth than above it.
  4. Their lips should be turned outwards and their chin pressed into your breast.
  5. If it hurts, slide a clean finger into the corner of their mouth to break the suction, and try again.

A clinic sister, midwife or lactation consultant can watch a feed and help you fix the latch. This is often the single biggest thing you can do for sore nipples.

Soothing relief while you heal

  • Hydrogel breast discs have a soft, cooling gel that soothes sore or irritated nipples and creates a moist protective barrier that supports natural healing between feeds or pumping sessions.
  • A little breast milk rubbed on the nipple after feeds, then left to air-dry, is a simple, free option.
  • Change damp breast pads often, and wear a soft, well-fitting bra that doesn’t rub.
  • Start feeds on the less sore side where possible, so your baby’s strongest sucking happens there.

How to use hydrogel breast discs

  1. Wash your hands before handling the disc.
  2. Gently clean and pat dry the nipple area after a feed.
  3. Place the disc over the nipple, inside your bra, between feeds or pumping sessions.
  4. Follow the instructions on the pack for how long to wear each disc, and how to remove and store it before your next feed.

Be gentle with yourself

Sore nipples are common, and they’re not a sign that you’re doing anything wrong. With a few latch tweaks, some cooling relief and the right support, most mums find feeding becomes comfortable within days.

Further reading

This guide is general information for parents and isn’t a substitute for medical advice. If you’re worried about your baby or yourself, contact your doctor, clinic or nearest emergency unit.