Sore nipples. Sore nipples are probably the most common complaint in the early days of It may be normal to feel some nipple the first day of nursing, if your nipples burn breastfeeding. A new mother may be surprised at how uncomfortable it is and think about tenderness in the first few days of while feeding or after or between feedings, giving up breastfeeding. breastfeeding—it often peaks around the or if the soreness does not improve after 2 or The following information may help you resolve your sore nipples and go on to breastfeed third day after birth and goes away in the 3 days of consistently trying to correct the your baby for as long as you planned. next several days. But if you feel pain past problem, you should get help from your the first 30–60 seconds after your baby has health care professional or a certified latched on to the breast, if the soreness lactation consultant. SORE NIPPLE keeps getting worse, or if you have pain that conditions starts several days after you begin breastfeeding, something may be happening SYMPTOM POSSIBLE CAUSE that needs more attention. Bruises on skin around nipple Baby is latching on off-center—especially common with flat The most frequent cause of sore nipples is or inverted nipples; mother is using breast pump incorrectly improper positioning of the baby during Crack or scab across center Baby is not latched on correctly; unusual shape latch-on (see “Correct latch-on,” page 14). The 2 of nipple of roof of baby’s mouth most common mistakes new mothers Crack or scab on underside Baby may have lower lip rolled in while sucking make are 1) not waiting for baby’s mouth to of nipple at breast open wide enough before attempting latch-on and 2) not pulling baby far enough onto the Soreness of entire nipple Incorrect latch-on of baby who has very strong suck; breast so that their nose, cheeks, and chin all baby pulling tongue back with each suck (produces touch the breast. “biting” effect); baby curling tip of tongue up; mother Figure 12. Using the side of the index finger to open not breaking suction properly before removing baby The soreness caused by an improper baby’s lower lip. from breast; mother not supporting breast during latch-on is from injury to the nipple and feeding; yeast infection of nipple surrounding skin—blisters, cracks, scabs, Incorrect latch-on. Go back and review Soreness, blisters, bruising, Baby not latching on far enough; mother holding breast and/or bruises. Another cause of nipple “Correct latch-on” (page 14) and or horizontal red stripe on in a way that makes nipple point up or down during soreness can be simple irritation of the “Breastfeeding positions” (page 16). tip of nipple latch-on; baby not sucking properly nipple or surrounding tissue. If the nipple soreness is caused by irritation, the nipple It is possible that the baby latches on Soreness or bruising on top Baby not correctly latched on or not sucking properly skin will be bright pink or red and may burn. correctly in the beginning, but that during of nipple It is possible to have both types of nipple the feeding their mouth slips partly off the soreness at the same time. breast, ending up in the wrong place. If you Burning of nipples during Yeast infection pay close attention, you will be able to tell feedings, right after feeding, It is important to determine what is causing when this happens. Break the suction, and/or between feedings your nipple soreness so that you can correct remove baby, and begin again with a correct Bright red or pink nipples; Yeast infection; skin irritation from friction or from lotion, the problem. The chart on page 30 may help latch-on. Baby should remain snugly against may appear chapped or flaky cream, or soap being used on breasts; improper use you to identify the cause(s). The paragraphs you if you use pillows to support them and of breast pump after the chart describe what to do. Keep in your arms. mind that if it hurts when you breastfeed on 32 33