Painful Latch? Here’s What to Do!

Breastfeeding is a wonderful way to bond and to nourish your sweet baby, but it can be challenging when your little one has a painful latch. Not only does it cause tension and anxiety, but soon enough moms will begin to feel extremely discouraged. Because the pain can be so great, it is one of the top reasons why women stop breastfeeding altogether.

I have had many clients who were told that they should prepare themselves for pain in breastfeeding. This is bad advice. Say it with me everyone: breastfeeding shouldn’t hurt. If it hurts, that is an indicator that something is wrong. Luckily, things that are wrong can usually be addressed and fixed pretty quickly.

In fact, simple latch problems are the most common source of pain while nursing.

Here are some steps you can take to help make breastfeeding more comfortable for both you and your baby:

Check Your Baby's Position

Make sure your baby is positioned correctly, with their mouth and nose facing your nipple, and their chin touching your breast. They should have their stomach against your body and their ear, shoulder and hip should be in alignment.

Nose to Nipple

Remember that your baby’s nose should be in front of your nipple before latching, causing them to have to tilt their head back, open their mouth widely, and reach up for your nipple in order to ensure a wider latch.

Experiment With Different Holds

Try holding your baby in different positions, such as the cross-cradle, football, or side-lying hold. Continue to experiment to see which works best for both you and your baby and encourage pain free breastfeeding sessions.

Let Your Baby Feed Longer on One Breast

Allowing your baby to feed longer on one breast can help to remove more milk and reduce the pressure on your nipple. If you are feeling discomfort in between feeds, this may be an indicator that you need to release more milk from the breast for relief. 

Check for Oral Ties

Oral ties can cause pain during breastfeeding, so it's important to have your baby evaluated by a lactation consultant or pediatric dentist to see if they have one. It is also a good idea to bring baby to a chiropractor to assist with pain reduction during nursing.

Seek Professional Help

If you're still experiencing pain after trying these steps, it's important to seek help from a certified lactation counselor, IBCLC, or a breastfeeding specialist. We can help diagnose the issue and suggest strategies to help you overcome the pain.

If you continue to feel pain while nursing, that can eventually be accompanied by other issues such as slower weight gain, a decrease in milk supply, injury to your nipples and more. Please reach out to us if you are experiencing issues - we are here to help!

Remember that breastfeeding can take time and practice, and it's important to be patient and persistent. With the right support, you and your sweet baby can enjoy a comfortable, successful, and rewarding breastfeeding experience.