Sore Nipples While Breastfeeding: Causes and What Helps

The NHS says sore nipples during breastfeeding are usually caused by the baby not being positioned and attached properly at the breast. ¹ The reassuring flip side, from La Leche League, is that in most cases sore or cracked nipples are no longer painful once good positioning and latch-on are achieved. ² Below is what recognised health bodies say about why nipples get sore, the latch signs to check, and what helps, quoted and linked.

Key takeaways

• The NHS says sore nipples are usually caused by the baby not being positioned and attached properly. ¹
• La Leche League says in most cases, sore or cracked nipples stop hurting once good positioning and latch are achieved. ²
• La Leche League says it is rarely necessary to stop breastfeeding because of sore or cracked nipples. ²
• The NHS says to get help early if nipples are cracked or bleeding, as this increases the risk of a nipple infection. ¹

**A quick, honest note:** we're not medical professionals - everything here was researched by us from the public sources listed at the bottom of this page, and it isn't professional advice. Read our full note ↓

Why are my nipples sore when breastfeeding?

The NHS says sore nipples during breastfeeding are usually caused by the baby not being positioned and attached properly at the breast. ¹ La Leche League describes what that looks like mechanically: improper latch-on occurs when the baby does not grasp enough breast tissue or positions the tongue improperly, ² and it adds that tongue-tie can also cause sore nipples. ²

How can I tell if the latch is off?

The sources describe a few checkable signs. The NHS says flattened, wedged or white nipples at the end of a feed can be a sign the baby is not properly attached. ¹ The American Academy of Pediatrics says a sign the baby is not latched correctly is sucking on the nipple only, rather than suckling on the areola with the nipple far back in the mouth, ³ and that pain throughout the feed, or signs of nipple damage such as cracking or bleeding, indicate the baby may not be nursing correctly. ³

What helps sore or cracked nipples?

La Leche League says that in most cases, sore or cracked nipples are no longer painful once good positioning and latch-on are achieved, ² and that it is rarely necessary to discontinue breastfeeding because of sore or cracked nipples. ²

For cracked nipples specifically, the NHS says dabbing a little expressed breast milk on them after feeds can help - and it adds a clear caution that mothers should get help early if nipples are cracked or bleeding, as this increases the risk of a nipple infection. ¹ The NHS also notes that these self-help tips will not be effective if the baby is poorly attached during breastfeeds. ¹

Frequently asked questions

Why do my nipples hurt when breastfeeding?

The NHS says it is usually because the baby is not positioned and attached properly. ¹

What are the signs of a poor latch?

The NHS names flattened, wedged or white nipples at the end of a feed; the AAP names sucking on the nipple only. ^{1 3}

Do I have to stop breastfeeding?

La Leche League says it is rarely necessary to stop because of sore or cracked nipples. ²

When should I get help?

The NHS says to get help early if nipples are cracked or bleeding, because of the infection risk. ¹

A note from us

We're the team behind Yael & Michal. We are not doctors, nurses, lactation consultants, or psychologists, and nothing here is professional advice.

Everything above was researched by us from public, reputable sources - we name and link every one of them below - and summarized as carefully as we could, as a free resource for other mothers. We do this because we wished something like it had existed for us.

When we name an organisation such as the CDC, the NHS, La Leche League, or the Israeli Ministry of Health, we are only citing their published guidance; it does not mean they endorse, sponsor, approve, or are affiliated with us. They have no involvement with this site, and we never use their logos or seals.

Yael & Michal sells nursing bras, which are comfort garments and not medical devices; we do not claim they prevent, treat, or cure any medical condition. The health information here is written for you as a free resource - it is separate from anything we sell.

We try hard to get it right, and we cite our sources so you can check us. But we are not a medical authority, and this cannot replace talking to a professional who knows you and your baby. Please check anything that matters with your doctor, midwife, or an IBCLC lactation consultant. This content has not been reviewed by a medical professional. Reading this site does not create a doctor-patient relationship, or any other professional relationship, between you and us.

If something feels urgent, contact your healthcare provider or emergency services.

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Sources

1. NHS. https://www.nhs.uk/baby/breastfeeding-and-bottle-feeding/breastfeeding-problems/sore-nipples/ (retrieved 2026-07-10).
2. La Leche League International. https://llli.org/breastfeeding-info/breastfeeding-sore-nipples/ (retrieved 2026-07-10).
3. HealthyChildren.org (American Academy of Pediatrics). https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/breastfeeding/Pages/A-Breastfeeding-Checklist-Are-You-Nursing-Correctly.aspx (retrieved 2026-07-10).