Healing Sore Nipples - What Really Helps (and What Doesn’t)
- Hannah Jade Willsmore
- 3 days ago
- 4 min read
Today I want to talk about healing nipple damage - a topic that comes up often in our consultations with clients. It’s a common challenge for breastfeeding mums, and unfortunately one that can quickly make feeding an unpleasant experience.
If you’re experiencing nipple pain or damage while feeding, please know you’re not alone. Research estimates that up to 80 to 90% of breastfeeding mums experience nipple pain, especially in the early weeks. Sadly, pain and nipple trauma are among the top reasons women stop breastfeeding sooner than they planned, which is why I’m so passionate about helping women navigate this.
Breastfeeding pain should not derail your feeding journey. When you’re putting your baby to the breast every two to three hours and experiencing agony, it’s understandable to want to stop. You shouldn’t have to push through that level of discomfort.
In this blog I’ll cover why nipple pain and damage happen, why pain during feeding matters, what actually supports healing, what I recommend (and don’t recommend) for nipple healing, and when it’s time to seek support.
Why Does Nipple Pain Happen?
Let’s start with a common myth: breastfeeding is always pain-free. In reality, when your baby first latches, your nipple needs to stretch two to three times its normal length to reach the soft palate at the back of their mouth. That stretching sensation can be uncomfortable, especially as your body gets used to it in the early weeks. Some discomfort when baby first latches can be normal.
However if you find yourself dreading feeds or if it is painful, it’s time to seek support. With nipple pain, early intervention is ideal - once skin damage progresses, healing becomes more difficult and can take longer.
Attachment and Positioning
The most common causes of nipple pain or damage are attachment and positioning. Tiny tweaks, like holding your baby closer, reclining in your chair, or adjusting their position can significantly decrease friction and trauma to the nipple. These micro-movements can make feeding much more comfortable.
Outdated advice on attachment and positioning can actually increase nipple pain and damage. Reclining into a chair and using positions that support comfort and a deep latch like biological positioning, side lying and cradle hold are often better. There isn’t a one-size-fits-all position, so it’s important to find what works for you.
Sometimes nipple pain is caused by other issues, like nipple thrush or cracks that need different management. After optimising attachment and positioning, if damage persists we may need to consider other causes.
In lactation consultations, we assess both mum and baby. For baby, we check oral function, tongue movement, suck strength, and look for anatomical issues like a high palate, which can contribute to soreness. A tailored treatment plan for healing sore nipples can make a significant impact.
If prevention hasn’t worked and damage has already occurred, focus shifts to promoting healing.
What Actually Helps Nipple Healing
Here’s what we generally recommend as a starting point (keeping in mind treatment may need to be different if there is a complicating factor or underlying infection).
1. Expressed Breast Milk:
After feeding, express a few drops of breast milk and gently rub it over your nipple and areola. Breast milk contains immune factors, antibodies, and growth properties that support healing. It’s evidence-based, free, and easy to add into your routine.
2. Air Exposure:
Airflow is incredibly helpful. After applying breast milk, let your nipples air dry. Spend some time each day with your top off or sleep without a bra. Moist environments can unfortunately increase the likelihood of infections like nipple thrush, so make sure the area has opportunities to air.
3. Nipple Balm (only if needed):
Use a tiny amount of nipple balm only if necessary, especially if scabbing or grazing makes your nipples stick to breast pads. If this happens, soak the pad in water before removing it to avoid disrupting healing. Avoid thick layers of nipple balm/lanolin as overhydration can hinder wound healing.
What I Don’t Recommend
Some products marketed for nipple healing are not supported by research and may even slow healing:
Hydrogel Discs/Dressings and Medicated Breast Pads: These can feel soothing but may increase infection risk and keep the nipple too moist.
-Silver Nursing Cups: These are very popular, but unfortunately we've seen many women experience delayed healing and even increased damage. Constant use, especially if you leak milk between feeds (as it collects inside the cups), can leave your nipples overly moist and macerated, similar to skin that’s been in a bath too long. They may even contribute to thrush, as candida thrives in moist environments.
If you’re currently using silver cups and love them without any problems, that’s great. But if healing is slow or pain persists, consider reducing use or stopping altogether.
When to Seek Help for Sore Nipples
It’s never too early to reach out for support. A full assessment can bring peace of mind and help avoid challenges before they escalate.
Red flags for seeking help:
- Pain during attachment lasts throughout the feed
- Pain is worsening through the feed or not improving as the days and weeks go by
- Nipple damage (cracks, grazes, bleeding nipples)
You don’t need to live with nipple pain. Most women see significant improvements after just one or two consultations, often turning their experience around quickly.
We offer in-home support in Adelaide, and tele-health consultations for anyone outside our area. We’re passionate about helping mums succeed in their feeding journey. If you’re struggling, please reach out - we’d love to help.
