Bringing your baby into the world comes with a mix of emotions and sometimes, discomfort. If you’re breastfeeding and experiencing pain, you're not alone. One of the most common questions new moms ask is:
Let’s talk about what’s normal, what’s not, and when to reach out for support (especially from an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC)).
In the first few days after birth, it’s common to feel some tenderness or sensitivity as your body adjusts to feeding your baby. Your nipples might feel a bit sore, especially at the beginning of a feed (counting down from 20 can oftentimes be helpful!) but that should ease up within the first week or two.
But persistent pain, cracked or bleeding nipples, sharp or burning sensations, or pain that makes you dread feeding time are all signs that something’s off.
Pain is a signal from your body and when it comes to breastfeeding, pain usually means your baby isn’t latching properly or that something else needs attention.
Here are some signs that your breastfeeding pain deserves a closer look:
If any of this sounds familiar, it’s time to reach out for help (and not just any help!! An IBCLC can be a game changer!)
An IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant) is a trained professional who specializes in clinical management of breastfeeding. They’re the gold standard when it comes to understanding infant feeding and can help with:
They don’t just give tips, they offer personalized, evidence-based support that makes breastfeeding less stressful and more sustainable.
Any time breastfeeding is painful, frustrating, or overwhelming.
You don’t need to “wait it out” or “tough it out.” The earlier you reach out, the easier it is to fix what’s going wrong. Many moms say they wish they had connected with a lactation consultant sooner. It's completely free to call or text me and we can chat to see who I can help!
Even a single session can bring huge relief and help you feel more confident and comfortable feeding your baby.
Breastfeeding isn’t always easy but it should never be constantly painful. You’re not “doing it wrong,” and you’re not failing. Sometimes, you just need the right support.
If you're struggling, take this as your sign: Reach out to a lactation consultant to help you with breastfeeding. You don’t have to do this alone.
Your comfort matters. Your baby’s feeding journey matters and help is only a call/click/text away.
Whether you’re days into your journey or months in, lactation support can help at every stage. Don’t hesitate to contact me, your local IBCLC for one-on-one care. In home support available for lactation / breastfeeding support. Service areas include: Markham, Stouffville, Richmond Hill, Vaughan, Aurora, Thornhill, Ajax, Pickering, Oshawa. If you're outside of these areas, feel free to contact me and I may still be able to help!
