In short: Sore and cracked nipples are most often caused by a poor latch, so first fix the latch with help from a lactation consultant (IBCLC). After feeds, drops of breast milk or pure lanolin can help. Use nipple shields only with specialist guidance, and see a doctor if you have a fever and a painful, red breast.
Author: Eva Birsa, mum and co-founder of Evitas · Updated: 28 September 2026
Is breastfeeding supposed to hurt?
In the first few days the start of a feed may feel uncomfortable until the milk flows. A Cochrane review found that, whatever treatment was used, nipple pain for most women eased to mild levels around 7 to 10 days after birth. Pain throughout the feed, cracks, bleeding or pain that isn't improving are not something you have to put up with – they are a sign you need support.
Common causes of sore and cracked nipples
| Cause | Signs | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Shallow latch or poor positioning | Nipple looks flattened, wedged or white after a feed; pain throughout the feed | Adjust position and latch, ask for help with attachment |
| Tongue tie | Baby can't extend the tongue well; latch problems despite good positioning | Assessment by a paediatrician or lactation consultant |
| Engorged breasts | Hard, full breasts; baby struggles to latch | Express a little milk before feeding to soften the areola |
| Infection (bacterial or fungal) | Pus, crusting, swelling; itching, shiny or flaky skin, shooting pain after feeds | See a doctor – treatment only after diagnosis |
| Vasospasm | Nipple turns white after feeds, burning or throbbing pain | Improve the latch first, get specialist advice |
| Wrong flange size or too much pump suction | Pain or abrasions after pumping | Check the flange size and lower the suction |
Latch first: how to recognise good attachment
According to the NHS and UNICEF UK Baby Friendly Initiative, sore and cracked nipples are most often a sign that the baby isn't attached well. UNICEF describes four principles (CHIN):
- Close: hold your baby close so they can scoop the breast deep into their mouth.
- Head free: your baby should be able to tilt their head back slightly.
- In line: head and body are aligned; baby doesn't have to turn their head.
- Nose to nipple: the starting point – baby opens wide and reaches the breast chin first.
Signs of a good latch include a wide-open mouth, chin touching the breast and a nipple that isn't flattened or white after the feed. La Leche League notes that small adjustments can make a big difference. If it still hurts after adjusting, contact your midwife, health visitor, a lactation consultant (IBCLC) or a breastfeeding support group as soon as possible.
What helps cracked nipples
Breast milk after feeds
UNICEF UK suggests expressing a little breast milk onto the nipple and areola after a feed and letting it dry. Start feeds on the less sore side.
Pure lanolin
UNICEF UK lists purified lanolin as an option to support healing of cracked nipples. However, a Cochrane review found insufficient evidence that lanolin reduces pain more than breast milk or no treatment, so see it as a care aid, not a cure. Canpol babies lanolin cream (7 g stick) and LOVI lanolin cream (37 g) contain 100% lanolin with no additives, according to the manufacturers, so they don't need to be washed off before feeding.
Hydrogel pads
La Leche League mentions hydrogel dressings as an option for moist wound healing, as long as they are kept clean. Research on pain relief is mixed. Canpol babies hydrogel pads with lanolin are a medical device with a gentle cooling effect that peel off easily, according to the manufacturer; use them exactly as instructed on the pack.
Dry pads, air and a comfortable bra
The NHS advises changing breast pads at every feed (ideally without plastic backing) and wearing a well-fitting bra without underwire. Options include Canpol babies 3D breast pads or LOVI breast pads; we compare reusable and disposable pads in Reusable or disposable nursing pads. The NHS and La Leche League also mention silver nipple cups between feeds – see Silver nursing cups. The Canpol babies breast milk collector has air vents and protects nipples from rubbing clothes between feeds, according to the manufacturer.
Cold or warm?
For a sore, swollen or inflamed breast, the NHS recommends a cold compress (10 minutes every hour), and the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine (2022) recommends cooling and advises against deep massage for breast inflammation. Canpol babies warm-cold gel packs can be chilled in the fridge or freezer; the manufacturer recommends a warmed pack before feeding or pumping to help milk flow. If your breast stays painful and red, see a doctor.
If breastfeeding is unbearable
La Leche League notes that you can express for a while and feed your baby your milk until your nipples heal. Make sure the flange size is right – see How to choose a breast pump. Ask a pharmacist or doctor about pain relief that is safe while breastfeeding.
Nipple shields: only with specialist support
For sore nipples, the NHS advises avoiding nipple shields because they can affect how your baby attaches to the breast. La Leche League stresses that a shield cannot correct the underlying problem; in some cases (such as latch difficulties) it may help temporarily, but only with skilled support, monitoring of wet nappies and weight, and a plan to wean off it. The right size matters too.
If your lactation consultant recommends them: Canpol babies EasyStart nipple shields S and M/L or LOVI Skin Touch nipple shields S and M/L have a cut-out edge so the baby's nose and chin can touch your skin, and are BPA-free, according to the manufacturers.
Quick guide to breastfeeding aids
| Aid | When | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Breast milk | After every feed | Let it air-dry |
| Pure lanolin | After feeds, thin layer | Skin care, doesn't replace fixing the latch |
| Hydrogel pads | Between feeds | Keep clean, use as instructed |
| Breast pads | When milk leaks | Change at every feed |
| Silver cups / milk collector | Between feeds | Protection from rubbing |
| Nipple shields | Only on IBCLC advice | Size, weight checks, temporary |
| Cold compress | For swelling and pain | Fever means see a doctor |
Find all breast care products in our Breast care, Breastfeeding, Canpol babies and LOVI collections. For everything you need in the first weeks after birth, see our postpartum essentials checklist.
When to see a lactation consultant or doctor
- Pain lasts throughout the feed or doesn't improve within a few days despite a better latch.
- Nipples are cracked or bleeding – the NHS advises getting help early, as this raises the risk of infection.
- You notice pus, crusting or swelling, or the wound isn't healing.
- A red, hot, painful area on the breast with a fever (for example 38 °C or higher), chills or flu-like symptoms (signs of mastitis) – seek medical help. According to the NHS, also see a GP if symptoms don't improve within 12–24 hours of home care.
- You suspect thrush: itching, shiny or flaky skin, shooting pain after feeds, or white patches in your baby's mouth that don't wipe off. UNICEF UK advises a specialist assessment before any treatment.
- You suspect tongue tie, or your baby has too few wet nappies and isn't gaining weight well.
Frequently asked questions
Can I breastfeed with a cracked nipple?
Usually yes. The NHS advises continuing to breastfeed; the key is improving the latch. If the pain is too much, you can express for a while and feed your baby expressed milk.
Do I need to wash off lanolin before feeding?
With 100% lanolin, the manufacturers (Canpol babies, LOVI) say it doesn't need to be removed. For other creams, check the instructions.
How long do cracked nipples take to heal?
According to the Cochrane review, pain eases to mild levels for most women 7–10 days after birth. If it isn't improving, get help – usually the latch needs adjusting.
Will a nipple shield solve the problem?
No. A shield doesn't fix the cause of the pain and can affect the latch and milk supply. Use it only on a lactation consultant's advice and temporarily.
Can I prevent cracked nipples by using cream during pregnancy?
UNICEF UK notes that creams support healing but don't prevent damage. The best prevention is a good latch from the very first feed.
Sources
- NHS – Sore or cracked nipples when breastfeeding
- NHS – Mastitis
- UNICEF UK Baby Friendly Initiative – Sore, cracked or painful nipples
- UNICEF UK Baby Friendly Initiative – Information sheet on Candida (thrush)
- La Leche League GB – Nipple pain
- La Leche League GB – Nipple shields
- Cochrane – Interventions for treating painful nipples among breastfeeding women
- Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine – Clinical Protocol #36: The Mastitis Spectrum (2022)
This content is for information only and does not replace advice from your doctor, paediatrician or lactation consultant (IBCLC).
