Breastfeeding may cause temporary tenderness in the first few days, but ongoing pain after the first week is usually a sign that something needs adjustment. Persistent nipple pain is most often caused by shallow latch, positioning issues, or unresolved tissue damage.

Is Breastfeeding Supposed to Hurt After Week One?

No. While early tenderness can occur as your body adjusts, sharp pain, cracked nipples, or pain that continues beyond the first week typically indicates latch or positioning concerns.

Pain that continues past the first 7-10 days deserves evaluation, not endurance.

Signs the Pain Is Not Normal

• Pain lasting beyond 7-10 days

• Cracked or bleeding nipples

• Lipstick shaped nipple after feeds

• Baby slipping off the breast

• Burning or stabbing pain between feeds

Brief sensitivity during early latch can happen in the first few days postpartum. However, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine, persistent nipple pain is not considered a normal part of breastfeeding.

If you are bracing yourself before each feeding, it’s time to speak with a lactation consultant.

Most Common Causes of Persistent Breastfeeding Pain

Breastfeeding pain after week two is rarely random. It usually has a mechanical cause that can be identified and corrected.

Shallow Latch

A shallow latch occurs when baby attaches primarily to the nipple instead of taking in a deep mouthful of breast tissue. This increases friction and leads to nipple damage and pain.

Common shallow latch symptoms include:

• Lipstick shaped or flattened nipple after feeding

• Clicking sounds while nursing

• Baby frequently slipping off

• Cracked nipples breastfeeding patterns

Positioning Challenges

Even small alignment adjustments can dramatically reduce tissue strain.

If baby’s body is not fully aligned (ear, shoulder, and hip in one line) they may pull on the nipple instead of maintaining deep attachment. Over time, this creates cumulative trauma.

Positioning is often easier to correct than parents expect once observed in real time.

Unresolved Nipple Trauma

If nipple damage occurred in the first few days and latch was never corrected, healing may be delayed.

Repeated friction prevents tissue recovery. Cracks, blisters, and scabbing are signs of mechanical injury, not “sensitive skin.”

Persistent pain almost always means the underlying cause is still present.

Tongue Tie or Oral Restrictions

Oral function challenges can limit a baby’s ability to maintain a deep latch.

A restrictive frenulum may prevent adequate tongue elevation or extension, increasing nipple compression. If pain is accompanied by clicking, poor weight gain, or reflux symptoms, oral function assessment may be appropriate.

When to See a Lactation Consultant

You should seek support if:

• Pain does not improve after the first week

• Nipples are cracked, bleeding, or blistered

• Baby is not gaining weight as expected

• Feeding makes you tense or anxious

• You feel unsure whether latch is deep enough

Early correction prevents supply disruption and reduces the risk of mastitis.

Working with an IBCLC allows for comprehensive evaluation of latch mechanics, positioning, milk transfer, and breast health, not just surface level advice.

Is Virtual Lactation Support Effective?

Yes.

Virtual lactation consultations allow real time observation of feeding, latch mechanics, and positioning adjustments. Research and clinical practice experience consistently show that most latch concerns can be effectively assessed and corrected through secure video consultation.

For many families, virtual care reduces delay in treatment, especially in the early weeks when pain is escalating.

You can schedule a virtual lactation consultation directly from home.

The Bottom Line

Breastfeeding should not become progressively more painful after the first week.

If pain persists, it is almost always correctable.

You deserve feeding that feels sustainable, not something you brace yourself to endure.

Explore more breastfeeding resources in our Lactation Library, schedule a virtual lactation consultation if you’re ready for individualized support, or contact me to check your insurance coverage.

Why Breastfeeding Hurts After the First Week (and When It’s Not Normal)