Other common problems addressed by Amy Spangler include mastitis and thrush . Soreness usually occurs at the beginning of a feeding and lasts 5-15 seconds. However, when babies are positioned incorrectly, the soreness will continue throughout the feeding. Correct positioning is the key to effective breastfeeding. Breast or nipple soreness can occur during or between breastfeedings.
Nipples are pink, red or purple.
Look for a break in the skin at the base of the nipple or on top of the nipple. Thick, yellow material draining from the damaged area can be a sign of infection . Nipple soreness often occurs during the first few days of breastfeeding when the baby latches on and draws the nipple and areola into his mouth. If the baby is positioned correctly on the breast, the soreness will only last a few seconds. If the baby is positioned incorrectly, the soreness will continue and nipple damage can occur.