4 Common Causes of Latch Pain (& How to Fix Them)

Nothing derails a feeding journey faster than latch pain. If you’re here, you probably know exactly how painful it can be—sharp, toe-curling discomfort that makes you wonder, "Feeding is supposed to be natural, right? Why does it feel like this?"

Here's the truth: feeding your baby is natural, but that doesn’t mean it’s always easy—especially without the kind of village support that was once there for new parents. Latch pain is more common than most people realize, and it doesn’t mean you're doing anything wrong. It just means that something needs to be adjusted, and there are absolutely ways to fix it.

In this blog, I’ll walk you through the 4 most common causes of latch pain and share practical, actionable steps to ease that discomfort. You’re not alone in this, and the good news is—there’s a solution to help you get back to enjoying feeding time.

Cause #1: Nipple Pinching During Latching

Pinching is one of the most common causes of latch pain, but it’s often brushed off—especially when someone tells you that your latch “looks fine.”

What’s likely happening: instead of your baby opening wide and taking in a good amount of breast tissue, their jaw clamps down tightly on your nipple. It can feel like someone is stabbing your nipple with broken glass. (Sound familiar?) Your nipples aren’t being dramatic—they’re telling you something is wrong.

Clues Your Pain is From Pinched Nipples

✔ Pain fades after the first few seconds of feeding.
✔ Some feedings hurt, while others feel fine.

How to Fix It

💡 Try a chin-first latching technique: This method helps your baby open wide and latch deeply, reducing pinching. It taps into your baby’s natural reflexes and allows for a deeper, more comfortable latch. You can find detailed instructions in my free Reflexive™ Latching Guide—download it below!

💡 Seek expert lactation support: If you’ve been told that your latch “looks fine,” but it still doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts. Find a lactation consultant who specializes in latch mechanics and can help you get it just right.

Cause #2: Oral Function Challenges in Your Baby

Feeding involves over 20 muscles working together—so when one or more of those muscles aren’t working properly, it can cause pain for you and frustration for your baby. Oral function issues are more common than you might think, and they can be caused by things like tongue-tie, body tension, or being born prematurely. These challenges can make it harder for your baby to latch properly or coordinate sucking, swallowing, and breathing, which often leads to painful feedings.

Clues Your Pain is From Reduced Oral Function

✔ Your baby’s tongue slides over your nipple instead of staying attached.
✔ It feels like your baby is chewing rather than sucking (sucking should be rhythmic and gentle, chewing feels more like grinding).
✔ Feeding is noisy—clicking, choking, or leaking milk can signal an oral function issue.

How to Fix It

Fixing oral function issues takes patience, but it can make a huge difference in your feeding experience. Here’s what you can do:

💡 Find an expert in oral function: Not all lactation consultants specialize in oral function, so it’s important to ask. Find someone with the right expertise to assess how your baby is using their muscles while feeding.

💡 Assess for a tongue-tie: A tongue-tie can limit your baby’s ability to latch deeply, so it's worth checking with a specialist.

💡 Build oral muscle tone: Just like adults need exercise to stay strong, babies need to develop their oral muscles for effective feeding. A specialist can provide exercises to help improve coordination.

Cause #4: Other Medical Issues

While most latch pain stems from latch mechanics or oral function challenges, some rare medical issues could be causing persistent pain during feedings. Conditions like vasospasms, Raynaud’s syndrome, or other circulatory issues can cause pain that lingers after feedings. These conditions are uncommon but important to be aware of.

Clues Your Pain is From Other Medical Issues

✔ Pain feels burning or sharp and lingers after feeding.
✔ You notice color changes in your nipples (white, blue, or red).
✔ You feel emotional discomfort, like sadness or anxiety when your milk lets down.

How to Fix It

💡 **Monitor your symptoms:** Keep track of when the pain occurs and note any changes in your nipples' color.

💡 **Consult a healthcare provider:** If you suspect a medical issue, consult a provider who specializes in breastfeeding medicine. Your primary care physician might not be equipped to handle these specific conditions.

💡 **Do your research:** There isn’t a lot of research on breastfeeding issues, so it’s okay to seek second opinions or look for specialists who can help you with specific conditions.

Expanded Explanations on Medical Conditions:

- **Vasospasms**: This happens when blood vessels in your nipple constrict, causing a sharp, burning pain that persists after feeding. The nipple may turn pale or blue. This condition can be triggered by cold weather, stress, or poor latch. Warm compresses can help, but seeking medical advice is essential.

- **Raynaud’s Syndrome**: Raynaud’s syndrome affects blood flow to your nipples, causing intense pain during breastfeeding. The pain is often described as burning, and you’ll notice that your nipple changes colors—alternating between pale, blue, or red. You may also feel pain with sudden temperature changes, like stepping out of a warm shower or walking in front of an open refrigerator. The pain can last much longer than the feeding itself and is often triggered by stress or cold.

To manage it, try keeping your nipples warm with a **warm pad** until they return to room temperature. **Seek help from a breastfeeding expert**—there are medications, like nifedipine, available to help manage pain and improve your overall feeding experience. It can be incredibly painful—*it’s not you*.

Struggling with Latch Pain?
If latch pain or feeding challenges are making breastfeeding or chestfeeding feel overwhelming, my Reflexive™ Latching Guide is here to help. This step-by-step guide will show you how to work with your baby’s natural reflexes to get a deep, comfortable latch, so feeding feels better for both of you.

⭐ Click Here to Get a Better Latch

Have More Questions? Check Out These Related Resources:

• Why a Deep Latch Matters (and How to Get One)
• Finding the Right Lactation Consultant for You
• The Gaping Reflex: The Hidden Secret to Your Baby's Best Latch