She is a redhead and we have been told that redheads are very sensitive. She couldn't breastfeed our other son because of this pain. She wants to do it now, but it is really very painful. She is a Board Certified Lactation Consultant, as well as a retired La Leche League Leader. Passing nipple tenderness in the first week of breastfeeding is fairly common, but you should see it beginning to improve by the end of the week.
Redheads are typically no more affected by nipple soreness than women with darker complexions.
Women with particularly sensitive skin, in general, may experience more soreness in this first week of breastfeeding. Proper positioning and attachment is very important. Correcting this alone will take care of the majority of cases of sore nipples. When the baby is correctly positioned, even nursing with very abraded nipples should not be too painful. When the baby takes in a good mouthful of breast tissue, the nipple is drawn far into the baby's mouth and is well protected from further damage.