Breastfeeding Pain in the First Week: What's Normal, What's Not, and How to Find Relief

Nobody really prepares you for the fact that breastfeeding can hurt. You’ve got this brand-new baby in your arms, and everyone around you is saying how beautiful and natural it all is—and meanwhile, you’re wincing every time your little one latches. If that’s where you’re at right now, first things first: you’re not alone.

Breastfeeding pain in the first week is incredibly common. But “common” doesn’t mean you just have to grit your teeth and push through. Yes, some discomfort is a normal part of the breastfeeding learning curve. But sometimes, breastfeeding pain is your body waving a little flag that says, hey, something needs attention here! And knowing the difference and finding relief? That’s what we’re digging into today.

The Breastfeeding Pain Learning Curve

First, your body and baby are both learning something completely new. In the first few days, it’s normal to feel tenderness when your baby first latches. That initial 30 seconds can be intense as your nipples adjust and your let-down kicks in. Basically, your skin is toughening up. Your supply is regulating. Your baby is figuring out how to use their mouth. It’s a lot of new information for everyone involved.

Unfortunately, some breastfeeding pain at this stage is par for the course. Sore nipples, a strong let-down sensation, and general tenderness between feedings are all things many moms experience in week one. And honestly, maybe even a little cracking of the delicate skin on your nipple—it happens. You’re not necessarily doing anything wrong.

“Breastfeeding parents should take a class. It can be harder than you anticipate! For some moms, it comes naturally, and they have no problems, but for most, it’s more difficult than we expected,” says Kristin Revere, MM, CED, NCS, certified birth and postpartum doula and founder of Gold Coast Doulas.

That said, don’t be scared. Rather, normalize the feeling and remind yourself that this, too, will pass. And if you need some extra support, taking a breastfeeding class can help clear up the grey area.

Breastfeeding Pain Warning Signs: A.K.A. Something Needs Attention

Okay, so some breastfeeding pain is normal—but some isn’t. Here’s where we really need to pay attention.

It’s worth reaching out for support if you’re experiencing any of the following with breastfeeding:

• Pain that lasts the entire feeding (not just the first minute or so)
• Bleeding or blistered nipples
• A flattened or lipstick-shaped nipple after baby unlatches—this is a classic sign of a latch issue
• Shooting or burning pain between feedings—this can indicate thrush or vasospasm
• Engorgement breast pain that doesn’t ease after feeding or expressing
• Flu-like symptoms with a hot, red patch on your breast—this usually indicates mastitis

“If you see your nipples cracking, if you feel them becoming extremely painful, reach out to your IBCLC for more support. The damage could be a result of your baby’s latch,” Kristin advises. And before you feel defeated, these aren’t reasons to throw in the towel. They are reasons to get the right eyes on the situation—fast.

6 Breastfeeding Pain Relief Options

The good news is that most breastfeeding pain in the first week can be remedied. Here are the quick tips worth knowing about:

Silverette cups

These little silver nursing cups sit over your nipples between feedings and use silver’s natural antimicrobial and healing properties to soothe pain and soreness. No cream required. Lots of moms swear by them.

Nipple butter or lanolin cream

A quality nipple balm can make a huge difference for dry, cracked, or tender skin. Apply after every feeding and look for something lanolin-based or made with clean ingredients you’d feel comfortable with on your and baby’s skin.

Nailing the latch

Honestly? This is the biggest game-changer of all. A poor latch is the root cause of so much nipple pain, and it’s also very fixable. A good latch means baby has a wide, deep mouthful of breast—not just the nipple. A solid breastfeeding course will cover this in depth, showing you what a good latch looks like and how to achieve it.

Breast shells

These create a protective barrier between your nipples and your bra between feedings. Great for when even fabric feels like too much in that first week of breastfeeding. Some brands even double as a breast milk collector to catch your letdown!

Warm and cool compresses

Warmth before a feeding helps with let-down and flow. And using coolness after can reduce inflammation, pain, and soreness.

Hand expressing before a feeding

If you’re feeling engorged, a little hand expression can soften the areola and make it easier for baby to latch properly.

When to Ask for Help

Getting support from a lactation professional isn’t a failure—it’s a smart move. Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs and CLCs) are trained to help with way more than just latch issues. “IBCLCs and CLCs are so important to your breastfeeding journey if you find you’re struggling. They don’t just help you with a proper latch and increasing milk production. They help minimize pain and discomfort while your milk comes in. They also help with weaning, pumping, and some even with bottle feeding,” Kristin explains.

A good middle ground between a DIY solution and in-person professional help is an online breastfeeding class. Ours at Gold Coast Doulas is taught by experts who’ve been in the field for nearly 30 years. You’ll learn everything you need to know and still have time for the extra pumping, work schedule, and bottle feeding questions.

You’ve Got This (And, You’ve Got Support)

Breastfeeding pain in the first week is real. It’s common. And for most moms, it does get better—especially with the right support in your corner. “Trust your instincts. Ask questions. Believe in yourself and know that you’re going to be awesome at this parenting gig. You do not have to do this alone,” says Kristin.

If you’re dealing with breastfeeding pain right now, consider signing up for the Gold Coast Doulas breastfeeding class. It’s one of the best investments you can make in your feeding journey!

Kristin Revere, MM, CED, NCS, is a certified birth and postpartum doula and the founder of Gold Coast Doulas in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She is also the co-host of Ask the Doulas Podcast and co-author of Supported: Your Guide to Birth and Baby.