Not all of the information may be pertinent to your family's life-style. This information is general in nature, and not intended to be advice, medical or otherwise. If you have a serious breastfeeding problem or concern, you may want to talk to a La Leche League Leader directly. Please consult health-care professionals on any medical issue, as La Leche League Leaders are not medical practitioners. Information from different LLL Leaders is separated by horizontal rules.
Sore nipples are one of the most common problems with new mothers.
Some tenderness at the beginning of feeding during the first few days may be normal. For any pain that is more intense or lasts longer than a few days, some adjustment needs to be made. The first thing to check is the baby's positioning when he latches on. The nipple should be centered in the baby's mouth, and the baby should have as much of the nipple and areola in his mouth as possible. If the baby is just sucking on the tip of the nipple, this will cause soreness and possibly cracked or bleeding nipples.