If you’re dealing with cracked nipples while breastfeeding, or searching for nipple pain breastfeeding help, please hear this first:

👉 Breastfeeding should not hurt — and ongoing nipple pain is not something you have to push through.

Nipple damage is one of the most common breastfeeding challenges, especially in the early weeks. But with the right support and up-to-date advice, most nipple pain can be prevented, treated, and fully healed.

This guide covers:

• Why nipple damage happens
  
• How to prevent nipple damage while breastfeeding
  
• What helps nipples heal faster
  
• When to seek professional help
  

All guidance aligns with current lactation consultant recommendations.

Preventing nipple pain starts with early correction, not endurance.

1. Ensure a Correct, Deep Latch

This is the most effective way to prevent nipple damage.

A good latch looks and feels like this:

• Baby’s mouth covers more than just the nipple
  
• A large portion of the areola is in baby’s mouth
  
• More areola visible above the nipple than below
  
• Baby’s chin pressed into the breast
  
• Lips flanged outward (not tucked in)
  

💡 Tip: Pain that continues beyond the first few seconds of a feed is a sign something needs adjusting.

2. Position Your Baby “Chest to Chest”

Proper positioning makes deep latch possible.

• Baby’s body should face yours directly
  
• Ear, shoulder, and hip in one straight line
  
• Baby should not need to turn their head to feed
  

Good positioning protects your nipples just as much as good latch.

3. Wait for a Wide-Open Mouth

Tickle your baby’s upper lip with your nipple and wait.

When their mouth opens wide like a yawn:

• Bring baby to the breast quickly
  
• Aim the nipple toward the roof of their mouth
  

This helps baby take in more breast tissue and reduces nipple compression.

4. Break Suction Gently When Unlatching

Never pull baby off the breast.

Instead:

• Insert a clean finger into the corner of baby’s mouth
  
• Break the suction first
  
• Then remove baby gently
  

This simple step prevents repeated nipple trauma.

Keep Nipples Clean — With Water Only

Avoid soaps, shampoos, alcohol wipes, or antiseptics. These strip natural oils and delay healing.

Air-Dry After Feeds

Allow nipples to air-dry for a few minutes after each feed whenever possible.

Apply Expressed Breast Milk

Rubbing a few drops of breast milk onto the nipple and letting it dry can support healing due to its natural protective properties.

Use Ultra-Pure Lanolin or a Nipple Balm

Apply a thin layer after feeds to keep skin supple and protected. Most do not need to be washed off before the next feed.

Change Breast Pads Frequently

Damp pads increase the risk of infection. Change them as soon as they’re wet.

Feed on Early Cues

Feeding before baby becomes frantic improves latch quality.

Early cues include:

• Sucking motions
  
• Hands to mouth
  
• Rooting
  

Crying is a late cue.

Avoid Engorgement

If your breasts are very full or hard:

• Hand express a small amount first
  
• Soften the areola before latching
  

This allows baby to latch deeply and comfortably.

Pump Carefully (If Pumping)

Incorrect pump use can cause nipple trauma.

• Ensure correct flange size
  
• Use the lowest effective suction
  
• Pumping should not be painful
  

Pain = adjustment needed.

If damage has already occurred, healing is still very possible.

Support healing by:

• Correcting latch immediately
  
• Continuing gentle nipple care
  
• Keeping nipples moist (moist wound healing is recommended)
  
• Using hydrogel pads if advised
  
• Seeking professional help early
  

Many nipples heal rapidly once the cause is corrected.

You should seek help from a lactation consultant, GP, or breastfeeding-trained health professional if:

• Pain persists beyond the early days
  
• Nipples are cracked, bleeding, or not improving
  
• There is redness, pus, fever, or shooting pain
  
• Pain worsens instead of improving
  

A professional can assess for:

• Tongue-tie or lip-tie
  
• Thrush or bacterial infection
  
• Vasospasm
  
• Latch and positioning issues
  

Early help prevents long-term pain and breastfeeding disruption.