If breastfeeding hurts, you are not being dramatic. Pain is your body’s way of saying, “Something about this latch isn’t working for me.” The good news? In many cases, a few small tweaks can make a big difference — you don’t have to throw everything out and start over.

Signs Your Baby’s Latch Needs Adjusting

Some discomfort in the first seconds of a feed can be normal, but pain that continues is a red flag. Common signs include:

• Nipples that come out flattened, creased, or with a “lipstick” shape
• Pinching, burning, or sharp pain that lasts the whole feed
• Clicking sounds or lots of popping on and off the breast
• Cracks, scabs, or bleeding on the nipples
• Baby seems frantic but still not transferring milk well

If you’re seeing any of these, it doesn’t mean you’re doing anything wrong. It simply means the latch needs a tune-up — which is exactly what lactation support is for.

The “Deep Latch Reset” Technique

Here’s a gentle, step-by-step way to help baby get more breast tissue in their mouth and take pressure off your nipple:

• Start with baby tummy-to-tummy with you, nose level with your nipple.
• Hold baby close, supporting their neck and shoulders rather than pushing on the back of the head.
• Tickle the top of baby’s lip with your nipple and wait for a big, wide-open mouth.
• When baby opens wide, bring baby quickly and firmly to your breast (not breast to baby).
• Baby’s chin should be buried in the breast and their nose free or just lightly touching.

Once baby is on, check for full cheeks, strong rhythmic sucking, and a tugging sensation rather than sharp pain. If it still hurts after about 30 seconds, it’s okay to gently break the latch and try again.

Position Tweaks That Can Help

Different bodies and babies need different holds. Some things to try:

• Laid-back feeding: You lean back slightly with baby on your chest. Gravity helps keep baby close and deep on the breast.
• Football/clutch hold: Helpful after C-section or with larger breasts; baby’s body is along your side with good head and neck support.
• Side-lying: A game-changer for night feeds once you and baby feel stable and comfortable with it.

When to Ask for Extra Help

If your nipples are damaged, baby isn’t gaining well, or you feel tense every time a feed is coming, please don’t wait. Virtual latch support works surprisingly well — with the right angles and coaching, we can often see exactly what’s happening and make real-time suggestions.

This article is for general education and is not a substitute for medical care. Always reach out to your baby’s pediatrician or healthcare team with concerns.