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Sore Nipples? Find Relief Here!

September 24, 2025 Women

Relief for Breastfeeding Pain

Sore, painful nipples are a common problem with early breastfeeding. This can happen to moms if their baby has a strong suck or if they’re not getting a good latch, but usually improves with practice or help.

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Here are tips to help prevent sore nipples and treat pain you may be having:

Tip #1
Check Your Baby’s Latch
  • To help with latching, encourage your baby to open their mouth wide by tickling their lips with your finger or nipple. Pull your baby close by supporting their back (rather than the back of their head) so their chin dives into the breast and their nose is touching the breast at the nipple.
  • You can also encourage your baby to latch on by using your hand to gently squeeze a little milk out of your nipple.
  • Untuck your baby's lips so they look like fish lips. A wide latch should look almost like a straight line so your baby can get more than your nipple in their mouth.
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Did you know?

Your nipple should be round when it goes into your baby’s mouth, and you should make sure it is not a different color or shape when it comes out. Always break your baby’s suction with your finger when they are coming off the breast.

Tip #2
Use Topical Treatment
  • Keep nipples covered with a medical-grade pure lanolin ointment and a hydrogel dressing, Soothies Gel Pads, or Saran Wrap. A moist environment will help wounds heal and allow any cracks to heal without scabbing or crusting.
  • It can be helpful to cool the gel or wrap by placing it on a clean plate in the refrigerator while nursing. Mini–ice packs can be made from 4” × 4” gauze placed in a resealable bag in the freezer. With severe nipple damage, temporary use of a plastic nipple shield may help during healing.
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Important Note

Washing lanolin off nipples is not needed.

Tip #3
Ask Your Healthcare Provider About Pain Control
  • Ibuprofen (like Advil or Motrin) is often a good choice for treating pain caused by inflammation. Ask your healthcare provider if ibuprofen is a safe option for you.
  • If your baby’s latch is not improving, reach out to your baby’s healthcare provider or WIC for support. WIC has lactation experts who can help.

You may see blood from your cracked nipples in your baby’s stool, but this does not hurt your baby.

Tea bags, a common folk remedy, are NOT recommended for sore nipples because the tannic acid in tea is an astringent and can cause drying and cracking, making the problem worse.

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You’ve Got This!​ You’ve Got This!​

Sore nipples can make breastfeeding hard, but you’re not alone—and help is available. With a good latch, some gentle care, and support from your healthcare provider or WIC, things can get better. Every feeding is a chance to heal and learn together with your baby. Be kind to yourself—you’re doing something amazing!

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REFERENCES:

Adapted from Breastfeeding Telephone Triage and Advice 5th edition© Maya Bunik MD MPH

Author: Dr. Maya Bunik, MD, MPH

Side-Lying Hold

  1. For the right breast, lie on your right side with your baby facing you.
  2. Pull your baby close. Your baby’s mouth should be level with your nipple.
  3. In this position, you can cradle your baby’s back with your left arm and support yourself with your right arm and/or pillows.
  4. Keep loose clothing and bedding away from your baby.
  5. Reverse for the left breast.

This hold is useful when:

  • You had a C-section
  • You want to rest while baby feeds
  • You are breastfeeding in the middle of the night
  • You and your baby are comfortable in this position

Cross-Cradle Hold

  1. For the right breast, use your left arm to hold your baby’s head at your right breast and baby’s body toward your left side. A pillow across your lap can help support your left arm.
  2. Gently place your left hand behind your baby’s ears and neck, with your thumb and index finger behind each ear and your palm between baby’s shoulder blades. Turn your baby’s body toward yours so your tummies are touching.
  3. Hold your breast as if you are squeezing a sandwich. To protect your back, avoid leaning down to your baby. Instead, bring your baby to you.
  4. As your baby’s mouth opens, push gently with your left palm on baby’s head to help them latch on. Make sure you keep your fingers out of the way.
  5. Reverse for the left breast.

This hold is useful when:

  • Your baby is premature
  • Your baby has a weak suck
  • Your baby needs help to stay latched
  • Your baby needs extra head support
  • You and your baby are comfortable in this position

Clutch or “Football” Hold

  1. For the right breast, hold your baby level, facing up, at your right side.
  2. Put your baby’s head near your right nipple and support their back and legs under your right arm.
  3. Hold the base of your baby’s head with your right palm. A pillow underneath your right arm can help support your baby’s weight.
  4. To protect your back, avoid leaning down to your baby. Bring baby to you instead.
  5. Reverse for the left breast.

This hold is useful when:

  • You had a C-section
  • You have large breasts
  • You have flat or inverted nipples
  • You have a strong milk let-down
  • You are breastfeeding twins
  • Your baby likes to feed in an upright position
  • Your baby has reflux
  • You and your baby are comfortable in this position

Cradle Hold

  1. For the right breast, cradle your baby with your right arm. Your baby will be on their left side across your lap, facing you at nipple level.
  2. Your baby’s head will rest on your right forearm with your baby’s back along your inner arm and palm.
  3. Turn your baby’s tummy toward your tummy. Your left hand is free to support your breast, if needed. Pillows can help support your arm and elbow.
  4. To protect your back, avoid leaning down to your baby. Instead, bring your baby to you.
  5. Reverse for the left breast.

This hold is useful when:

  • Your baby needs help latching on
  • You and your baby are comfortable in this position

Laid-Back Hold

  1. Lean back on a pillow with your baby’s tummy touching yours and their head at breast level. Some moms find that sitting up nearly straight works well. Others prefer to lean back and lie almost flat.
  2. You can place your baby’s cheek near your breast, or you may want to use one hand to hold your breast near your baby. It’s up to you and what you think feels best.
  3. Your baby will naturally find your nipple, latch, and begin to suckle.

This hold is useful when:

  • Your baby is placed on your chest right after birth
  • You have a strong milk let-down
  • You have large breasts
  • You and your baby are comfortable in this position