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Is Breastfeeding Supposed to Hurt? What’sNormal and What’s Not

Table of Contents

Introduction

Breastfeeding is often described as a beautiful and natural part of motherhood—but let’s be honest, it can also be challenging, especially in the early days. A common question among new moms is: “Is it supposed to hurt?” The short answer is—some initial discomfort can be normal, but ongoing or intense pain is not and may be a sign that something needs attention.
Let’s break down what’s normal, what’s not, and when to seek help.

What You Might Feel at First (And Why It’s Normal)

Breastfeeding is a new experience for both you and your baby, and it’s completely normal to feel some physical discomfort in the early days. As your body adjusts to nourishing your baby and your baby learns to latch and suck effectively, your breasts and nipples go through several changes. Many mothers report that breastfeeding doesn’t feel completely “natural” right away—and that’s okay.
Here’s what you might feel, and why it’s considered normal in the beginning:

A Tugging or Pulling Sensation During Latch-On:

When your baby latches properly, you may feel a strong pulling or tugging sensation. This is a sign that your baby is drawing milk from the ducts. It might feel strange or even a little intense at first, but it shouldn't feel sharp or pinching. Over time, this becomes more familiar and less noticeable.

Nipple Soreness That Eases Quickly:

Mild nipple soreness is common in the first few days, especially if your baby is feeding frequently (as most newborns do). You might feel a quick sting or tenderness at the beginning of a feed, but it usually fades within the first minute or two. This soreness typically improves as the nipples toughen slightly and your baby gets better at latching.

Increased Sensitivity Due to Hormonal Changes:

Post-birth hormonal shifts, especially a sudden drop in progesterone and a rise in prolactin, can make your breasts more sensitive or tender. This is a natural part of your body transitioning from pregnancy to lactation.

Slight Discomfort As Milk Comes In:

Around day 2 to 5 postpartum, your mature milk starts to “come in,” often resulting in breast fullness, heaviness, or mild engorgement. Your breasts may feel warm and slightly uncomfortable as they adjust to milk production and feeding patterns. This should ease within a few days as your milk supply regulates in response to your baby’s needs.
These sensations are all part of your body’s incredible adjustment process. For most mothers, these early discomforts begin to subside within 7 to 10 days as the baby’s latch improves, feeding becomes more coordinated, and your body settles into a rhythm. If pain worsens or doesn’t improve, that’s your cue to check in with a lactation expert.

What You Might Feel at First (And Why It’s Normal)

Breastfeeding should not be a painful experience throughout each feeding session. While some sensitivity is expected in the early days, severe, ongoing pain or visible nipple damage is a sign that something isn't right. Ignoring these symptoms can make breastfeeding more difficult and may lead to complications like infection or reduced milk supply.
Here are warning signs of abnormal pain, what they might mean, and what steps you can take to find relief:

Persistent or Sharp Pain Beyond the First Few Days

If you’re still experiencing sharp or burning pain after the first 7–10 days, it could indicate:
  • An improper latch
  • A tongue-tie or lip-tie in your baby
  • Infrequent or incomplete milk removal
What to do:
  • Seek help from a lactation consultant to evaluate the latch and feeding technique.
  • A feeding observation can help identify tongue or lip tie and guide appropriate management.
  • Try different breastfeeding positions (like laid-back or side-lying) to reduce strain.

Cracked, Bleeding, or Blistered Nipples

If your nipples are cracked, raw, or bleeding, this is almost always due to a shallow or incorrect latch. Continued feeding this way can worsen the damage and make each session painful.
What to do:
  • Check your baby’s mouth position—most of the areola (not just the nipple) should be in their mouth.
  • Apply breast milk or lanolin to the nipples after each feed to aid healing.
  • Temporarily express and feed through spoon/paladai if pain is unbearable, but continue to stimulate milk flow.
  • Get a latch check from a breastfeeding specialist.

Shooting or Stabbing Pain Deep in the Breast

Pain that feels like a deep, burning, or shooting sensation can point to:
  • Thrush (a yeast infection in the nipple or baby's mouth)
  • Vasospasm (constricted blood vessels, often triggered by cold)
What to do:
  • For suspected thrush, both mother and baby should be treated—consult your doctor or lactation consultant for antifungal medication.
  • For vasospasm, keep nipples warm after feeding, avoid caffeine, and talk to your provider about nipple vasodilators or supplements.
  • Use breast compresses (warm before feeding, cold after) for relief.

Hard Lumps, Swelling, or Fever

These are common signs of:
  • Plugged (clogged) milk ducts
  • Mastitis (inflammation or infection in the breast)
Symptoms can include:
  • Localized redness, tenderness, or heat
  • Flu-like symptoms (chills, body ache, fever)
What to do:
  • Keep breastfeeding or pumping to help clear the blockage.
  • Apply warm compresses and gently massage the area toward the nipple before feeding.
  • Ensure good latch and alternate baby’s feeding positions.
  • Hydrate and rest, and consult a doctor if symptoms persist more than 24 hours or you develop a high fever—you may need antibiotics.

Pain That Continues Through the Entire Feeding Session

If you experience constant pain from beginning to end of a feed, this may be due to:
  • Poor positioning
  • Improper latch
  • Oversupply or forceful letdown
What to do:
  • Try adjusting your breastfeeding position—your baby’s head, neck, and spine should be aligned.
  • Work with a lactation expert to identify and fix positioning or latch issues.
  • If oversupply is the issue, feeding in a laid-back position or expressing a small amount before latching can help.

Bottom Line: Don’t Push Through Pain

Pain is a signal—it’s your body’s way of telling you that something needs attention. While some initial tenderness is expected, ongoing pain is not something you should endure. It’s entirely possible to breastfeed comfortably with the right support.
If you’re unsure what’s normal and what’s not, reach out to a lactation counsellor or breastfeeding support professional. You deserve a breastfeeding experience that is nourishing, not painful—for both you and your baby.

Tips for Ensuring a Good Latch

A correct latch is the foundation of pain-free breastfeeding. Here are some tips to help:
  • Hold your baby nose to nipple, not chin to chest
  • Make sure baby’s mouth is wide open before latching
  • Ensure the areola (not just the nipple) is in baby’s mouth
  • Listen for rhythmic sucking and swallowing
  • Try different nursing positions (like laid-back, football hold, or side-lying)
  • Use breast compressions to encourage milk flow if needed
Don’t hesitate to reposition if something feels off—both you and your baby are learning.

Conclusion

While some sensitivity in the early days of breastfeeding is completely normal, ongoing or intense pain is not. It’s important to listen to your body—persistent discomfort is a signal to seek help, not something you have to “push through.”
If you’re struggling, unsure, or just need reassurance, support is just a call away. The Save Babies Breastfeeding Helpline (toll-free 1800-419-2199) is backed by certified lactation counsellors who offer free online consultations to help you navigate challenges and breastfeed with confidence.
You don’t have to do this alone—with the right support, breastfeeding can become a comfortable, empowering, and nurturing experience for both you and your baby.