Milk Wisdom with Clare Keys

5 Tips for Preventing Nipple Pain & Damage 

For our third knowledge offering, Midwife, Lactation Consultant and Mother to 3 Clare Keys of The Womb Rooms, shares invaluable wisdom about how to prevent nipple pain and damage when learning to breastfeed. 

Nipple pain and damage is one of the major reasons women discontinue their breastfeeding journey earlier than they had planned. Nipple pain in many cases is caused a suboptimal latch, which can result in ineffective transfer of milk, low weight gain and supply issues.

Here are 5 tips to help prevent nipple pain and damage through enhanced attachment.

1. Chest to chest
Position your baby close to you with their legs wrapped around your body and their chest against yours. This alignment ensures your baby’s head and body are facing inward, preventing them from turning their head to drink at the breast. Keeping their head and body in alignment promotes a deep and effective latch, reducing the risk of nipple pain.

2. Nose to Nipple
Align your baby’s nose with your nipple and gently move them in the opposite direction of the nipple. This encourages your baby to reach up towards the breast, promoting neck extension rather than flexion. This positioning helps your baby open their mouth wide and makes it easier for them to coordinate sucking, swallowing and breathing.

3. Support baby’s upper back and shoulders
Use your forearm or the palm of your hand to support your baby’s upper back and shoulders. This technique encourages self-attachment, allowing your baby more control to come on and off the breast as needed. A soft but supportive hold helps your baby maintain a good latch.

4. Explore different positions/styles
Experimenting with different breastfeeding positions can enhance the breastfeeding experience for both mother and baby. Consider trying cradle hold, cross-cradle hold, football hold, side-lying position and laid-back position and discover what works best for you and your baby. Varying techniques can improve comfort, ensure a more effective latch, promote milk drainage and encourages more flexibility and confidence.

5. Comfort is key
Your comfort is crucial during breastfeeding. Ensure you are comfortable and supported before you attach baby. Wear comfortable bras and clothing made of natural fabrics with easy access to make feeding more convenient. Your comfort will help you relax, which can positively impact your baby’s feeding experience.

Finally, breastfeeding should be a comfortable and rewarding experience for both mother and baby. If you encounter persistent pain or difficulties, seek support from an IBCLC who can provide personalised guidance and solutions. 

Clare Keys is passionate about the physical, psychological and emotional impact of matrescence and through her platform @the.womb.rooms, helps support parents through this process. You can listen to Clare speak about this transition into motherhood on this Beyond the Bump Podcast Episode. 

Clare has also released a Breastfeeding Planner in partnership with @mammae.the.embodied.mother, a practical tool to help mothers become well-informed and plan for a well-prepared breastfeeding journey from day one. 

This information is general in nature and is not intended to be a replacement for seeking personal and individualised advice when overcoming feeding challenges.