Why does breastfeeding hurt even with a good latch?

Understanding Breastfeeding Pain Despite a Good Latch
Breastfeeding is often portrayed as a natural and nurturing experience, yet many mothers find themselves grappling with discomfort, even when they believe their baby has achieved a good latch. This paradox can be perplexing and distressing, leading to questions about the underlying causes of pain during breastfeeding.
The Nature of a Good Latch
A good latch is crucial for effective breastfeeding. It typically involves the baby taking a large portion of the areola into their mouth, with their lips flanged outward and their chin touching the breast. This positioning is designed to facilitate optimal milk transfer while minimizing discomfort for the mother. However, even with this ideal setup, pain can still occur for several reasons.
Common Causes of Pain
1. Initial Tenderness: For many mothers, the early days of breastfeeding can be marked by tenderness and sensitivity in the nipples. This is often a normal part of the adjustment period as the body acclimates to the demands of nursing. The skin on the nipples may need time to adapt to the friction and suction involved in breastfeeding.
2. Nipple Vasospasm: One specific condition that can lead to pain despite a good latch is nipple vasospasm. This occurs when the blood vessels in the nipple constrict, often triggered by cold or stress, leading to sharp, shooting pain during or after breastfeeding. Mothers experiencing this condition may find that their pain persists even when the latch appears correct.
3. Underlying Medical Issues: Certain medical conditions affecting either the mother or the baby can contribute to discomfort. For instance, if the baby has a tongue tie, it may not be able to latch effectively, even if it seems to be latched on well. This can lead to inefficient feeding and increased pain for the mother.
4. Positioning Challenges: While a good latch is essential, the overall positioning of both mother and baby plays a significant role in comfort. If the baby is not positioned correctly, it can lead to strain on the mother’s body, resulting in pain that may be misattributed to the latch itself.
5. Infection or Skin Conditions: Conditions such as thrush or cracked nipples can also cause significant pain during breastfeeding. These issues may arise independently of the latch quality and require medical attention.
Seeking Solutions
For mothers experiencing pain despite a good latch, it is essential to seek support. Consulting with a lactation consultant can provide personalized guidance and help identify any underlying issues. Additionally, exploring different breastfeeding positions may alleviate discomfort, as some positions can be more comfortable than others depending on individual anatomy and the baby’s size.
Ultimately, while breastfeeding is intended to be a comfortable and bonding experience, it is not uncommon for mothers to encounter challenges. Understanding the reasons behind pain, even with a good latch, can empower mothers to seek the help they need and foster a more enjoyable breastfeeding journey.

Why is it so painful when my baby latches?

If you feel discomfort during nursing, stop nursing and reposition your baby to get a better latch. Your nipple areola (the ring around the nipple) should be mostly in your baby’s mouth. When babies are latched on wrong, it can hurt or feel like a pinch each time your baby sucks.

What position should you avoid while breastfeeding?

Avoid leaning your breast forward into your baby’s mouth, as this can lead to poor attachment. Your baby needs to get a big mouthful of breast. Placing your baby with their nose level with your nipple will encourage them to open their mouth wide and attach to the breast well.

How to fix a painful latch?

Signs that baby isn’t latching properly
If you feel nipple pain while nursing, something’s not right. This means your baby is likely chewing on your nipple instead of gumming the areola. The fix: Unlatch (break the suction by putting your finger into the corner of her mouth), and try again.

Why do I get shooting pain in my breasts while breastfeeding?

Nipple vasospasm occurs when blood vessels tighten causing pain during, immediately after, or between breastfeeds. It is usually worse when you are cold or have a history of Raynaud’s phenomenon. Nipple vasospasm can cause intense nipple pain.

Why are my nipples so sore despite a good latch?

If you get sore nipples when breastfeeding, it’s usually because your baby is not positioned and attached properly at the breast. It’s important not to stop breastfeeding. With help, feeding should quickly become more comfortable again.

When does latching pain go away?

Although it may be normal to feel some nipple tenderness in the first few days of nursing, especially during the first 30 to 60 seconds after your baby has latched on, it’s not normal to have prolonged soreness beyond the first week.

How to get a deeper latch?

With your baby’s head tilted back and chin up, lift him or her to touch your nipple. The nipple should rest just above the baby’s upper lip. Wait for your baby to open very wide, then “scoop” the breast by placing the lower jaw on first. Now tip your baby’s head forward and place the upper jaw well behind your nipple.

Can a baby have a good latch but it still hurts?

Initial latching pain/discomfort is normal. It should last less than 30 seconds in any feed and be gone completely in a few days just as the uterus afterpains are. Just as those uterus afterpains can be managed, so can the latch. Some mums will use painkillers, and some will use their labour breathing techniques.

What does a blocked milk duct feel like?

A plugged milk duct feels like a tender, sore lump or knot in the breast. It happens when a milk duct does not drain properly. Pressure builds up behind the plugged duct, and the tissue around it gets irritated. This usually happens in one breast at a time.

How do you get a good latch without pain?

Steps to a Good Latch
Make sure your baby’s chin isn’t tucked into their chest. Aim your baby’s lower lip away from the base of your nipple. Baby’s lips should be turned outward like a fish. Your baby should lead into the breast chin first and then latch onto your breast.