CAUSES OF NIPPLE PAIN:
Baby’s latch and positioning. If your baby isn’t positioned well, you may have soreness and pain over time.
Solution: If your nipple is pinched, flat, or a different shape than usual after you breastfeed, you may need to adjust baby’s latch. If you are in pain while breastfeeding, gently break the latch by inserting a clean finger into the corner of your baby’s mouth. Then try again.
Nipple trauma. This may come from not releasing suction before removing your baby from your breast. Pumping with the wrong-sized flange, cleaning your breast too much, or wearing clothing that is too tight may also cause it.
Solution:
- Remove the baby by gently breaking your baby’s latch by placing a clean finger in the corner of your baby’s mouth.
- Avoid using harsh soaps or ointments that contain astringents (like a toner) on your nipples. Washing with clean water is all that is needed to keep your nipples and breasts clean.
Fungal infections. If your nipple itches, burns, cracks, or is pink or flaky, or you have shooting pain deep in your breast between feedings, you may have a fungal (yeast) infection called thrush. This infection can also cause white spots on your baby’s cheeks, tongue, and gums.
Solution:
- If you think you have thrush, use only water to rinse your nipples after nursing. Then see your doctor or your baby’s doctor right away. Both you and your baby will need to be treated for thrush.
- If pain persists, see your doctor. You may have an infection that needs to be treated with antibiotics.
Milk blister. A milk blister, or bleb, is a smooth, shiny, white dot on your nipple.
Solution: Warm washcloth compresses, massaging and expressing some milk may help relieve it.
If all these solutions don’t work, visit your doctor.
Source: https://wicbreastfeeding.fns.usda.gov/sore-nipples
