Marie, my nipples hurt so much and I don’t know what to do! I don’t understand why they hurt, and the nurse is coming in tomorrow to check. In the meantime, I would like to know what the main reasons for nipple pain are for breastfeeding mothers. My baby is five days old, and am looking forward to your help. Thanks! Angèle

Angèle, I remember feeling the same thing for my first child, so I know what you are talking about. It’s a question of time, and the nurse can help guide you when seeing how you breastfeed your baby. After watching you in action, they will be able to identify problems and help reduce your nipple pain.

The most frequent causes of pain are poor positioning and poor latching. It may also be vasospasms, fungual infections (thrush), bacteria (infection), a short tongue frenulum, inverted nipples, mastitis, etc.

Even if the list seems long, this may not be what is happening to you. You will get support from the nurse, and they will be able to evaluate and then suggest changes to ease your breastfeeding. Keep going Angèle!

Talk soon,

Marie
The Baby Expert