Why Breast Feeding Mothers Get Sore Nipples

Sore nipples are not an ordinary condition of breast feeding. If a mother experiences sore or cracked nipples, this is a sign that something is wrong. It may take some investigating to determine what might be causing the sore nipples, but there is no reason for a mother to continue suffering if the problem can be solved. Here are some of the common causes of sore nipples in breast feeding mothers...

A little tenderness in the early days of breast feeding is fairly normal. Usually, once the mother's milk "comes in" and the baby is getting full feedings this will go away. If it continues or the nipples get sore and painful, it may mean that the baby is not latching on and sucking properly. If the baby is not taking the full nipple back into his mouth or has other problems with latching on and sucking. It is generally easier to correct problems in a baby's nursing in the early days before it becomes his established way of doing things. The mother may need to consult a physician, nurse, midwife, or lactation consultant to help determine how the baby may be nursing improperly and make the necessary corrections.

Sore nipples may also develop if the mother is not breaking the baby's suction onto the nipple when she removes the baby from the breast. Just pulling the baby off the breast of pulling the breast away from the baby's mouth can cause soreness. If the mother's breasts are becoming engorged or are extremely full at each feeding, it may make it tough for the baby to get latched on properly. Expressing some milk before putting the baby at the breast can help soften the nipple area and make it possible for a good suck.