Breastfeeding shouldn't hurt... so what do you do when it does?! Wondering why you're facing cracked and bleeding nipples even though it looks like your baby has a good latch? It’s a question so many breastfeeding moms are googling at 2:37am — feeling frustrated, confused, and ven defeated. The truth is, breastfeeding shouldn’t be painful. If your latch hurts, even if it looks perfect, there’s likely an underlying issue that needs attention.
Bad Latch vs. Good Latch: What’s the Difference?
When you think of breastfeeding pain, the first thought is often a bad latch. A bad latch happens when your baby’s mouth isn’t positioned correctly on your breast, leading to pinching, biting, or shallow sucking. This can cause sore nipples, cracks, and ongoing pain. On the other hand, a good latch means your baby’s mouth covers most of the areola, their lips are flanged out, and you hear swallowing instead of clicking sounds. But here’s the twist—sometimes, even with a "good latch," breastfeeding pain can persist.
Why Does a Good Latch Still Hurt?
If your latch hurts despite being told it looks fine, the problem may not be visible from the outside.
Common reasons for latch pain even when it looks right include:
Tongue Tie or Lip Tie: Restricted tongue or lip movement can make it difficult for your baby to latch deeply, causing compensatory habits that hurt your nipples.
Shallow Latch Compensation: Even if the latch looks wide and deep, your baby may be in a position tha isn't helping them maintain a deep latch, eventually compensating
Oral Dysfunction: Some babies struggle to use their tongues correctly, leading to inefficient sucking and ongoing pain.
Vasospasm:Sometimes you can experience something called vasospasm - which is where the capillaries (small veins) in your nipples rapidly constrict & dilate. This is sometimes caused by cold, but can also be impacted by conditions like Reynaud's syndrome, circulatory disorders, nervous system disorders, hormonal shifts, and physical constriction of blood vessels caused by oral dysfunction and shallow latches
How to Fix a Painful Latch
The first step in resolving latch pain is understanding why it’s happening. Here are some steps to troubleshoot a painful latch:
Get a Functional Oral Assessment: A skilled lactation consultant can assess your baby’s tongue, mouth, and feeding mechanics. This is crucial for identifying tongue ties, oral dysfunction, or improper latch habits (Click here to book a virtual consultation with a lactation specialist trained in oral assessments)
Adjust Positions for a Better Latch: Certain breastfeeding positions, like laid-back nursing or koala hold, can help your baby achieve a deeper latch.
Reevaluate Your Baby’s Latch: Ensure your baby’s mouth is wide open, with lips flanged out and their chin touching your breast (not their chest). You should feel a gentle tug, not pinching or pain.
Seek Help From Breastfeeding Consultant ASAP: A virtual lactation consultant can provide one-on-one support and help identify the root cause of your pain—often covered by insurance plans.
When breastfeeding is hard you need support
Breastfeeding pain can feel isolating and discouraging. It’s easy to feel like you’re failing, but you’re not. Pain is a sign something isn’t right—it’s not a measure of your worth as a mother. With the right helpt, you can address the root causes of pain and enjoy a confident breastfeeding experience. Check out Latching With Confidence to start getting a better breastfeeding latch right now -- plus get access to expert breastfeeding support to ensure your questions are always answered, so you can enjoy bonding with your baby through breastfeeding.
Get Expert Help with Breastfeeding Pain
If latch pain has you dreading feeds, don’t suffer in silence. A virtual lactation consultation can help you uncover the real cause of your pain and find personalized solutions.
LittleBearLactation.com offers one-on-one virtual breastfeeding support that may even be covered by your insurance.
Jaimie Zaki is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) and mom of 5! Jaimie has volunteered as a La Leche League Leader, worked as a nurse, doula, and birth photographer, and is the host of the Breastfeeding With Confidence Podcast and founder of the Confident MamaBear Society. Jaimie provides holistic breastfeeding advice for pregnant & new moms, helping them overcome unexpected latching trouble and milk supply issues. She empowers mothers to make informed decisions from a place of confidence and intuition.
Breastfeeding Resources Available:
1:1 Breastfeeding Support (Virtual)
Breastfeeding With Confidence Podcast
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