My baby is a week old and my nipples are still sore. Is this common?

Breastfeeding should not be painful. If you are experiencing pain including nipple soreness, schedule an appointment with your local lactation consultant. Soreness can be caused by a variety of factors and it is important to get to the bottom early in breastfeeding.

In the meantime, here are some suggestions to ease the pain:

• Nurse on the least sore side first. Babies tend to suck a little harder at the beginning of a feeding.
• Switch breasts every few minutes instead of leaving your baby on each side 10-20 minutes at a time.
• Use hydrogel pads over the nipples between feedings. Hydrogel pads can be found at retail or drug stores that also carry breastfeeding supplies.
• Wear nursing bras made of soft, breathable fabrics that will not further irate the nipple.
• Make sure your baby’s mouth is wide open before he latches onto the breast.
• If you are still not finding relief, pump and give the baby breastmilk through a cup or syringe until you can get some assistance.

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