Are cracked nipples normal

4 Proven Ways to Heal

What causes cracked nipples?

Although having cracked nipples is usually associated with breastfeeding, other things can cause the condition. Read on to find out about possible reasons why it may happen.

Cracked nipples: breastfeeding

Cracked nipples are a common postpartum problem in new mothers. While they are often a result of breastfeeding, nursing by itself is not a painful process with the correct technique. Below are some common reasons why it’s possible to experience cracked nipples while breastfeeding:

• Improper latching: Improper latching is one of the key causes of cracked nipples. When perfectly latched, the nipple is in contact with the back of the baby’s mouth, an area called the soft palate. This area is soft and doesn’t irritate the nipple. However, with improper latching, the nipple rubs against the hard palate, causing friction and irritation.
• Thrush: Newborns often experience thrush, a fungal infection of the mouth, soon after birth. This can be passed from the baby to the mother while breastfeeding, causing nipple pain and irritation.
• Nipple confusion: If you’re breastfeeding as well as bottle feeding, it may lead to nipple confusion in the baby. The technique to draw milk in both methods is different, with one focused on the tongue (bottle) and the other involving the mouth (breast). The baby may get confused and use the incorrect technique while latching, causing cracked nipples.
• Incorrect breast pump use: Cracked nipples can also be caused by not using a breast pump correctly. If the suction level is too high, the pressure may damage the nipple. Use a breast shield that is large enough. It’s a good idea to talk to a professional lactation consultant to find the right pump for your breast size and shape.

Cracked nipples: not breastfeeding

It’s possible to get cracked nipples even if you’re not breastfeeding. Find out more about the other possible reasons why it can happen:

• Nipple eczema: This condition causes itchy, scaly, irritated skin around the areola. It can be caused by irritation from certain fabrics, detergent, soap, or lotion. Nipple eczema usually heals once you find and eliminate the source of irritation.
• Local irritation or trauma: Cracked nipples can also be caused by vigorous rubbing, such as from wearing an ill-fitting sports bra. An injury or fresh nipple piercing that hasn’t healed yet can also cause irritation.
• Bacterial or fungal infections: Certain underlying bacterial and fungal infections such as staph or yeast infections can also cause sore, painful nipples.
• Paget’s disease: This is a type of breast cancer that affects the skin around the nipple and can cause itchy, cracked, and flattened nipples, along with yellowish or bloody discharge.

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How to heal cracked nipples

Some cases of cracked nipples can be treated with natural remedies. However, it’s a good idea to talk to your health care provider if the pain persists and the nipples are itchy and oozing discharge. This may be a sign of a fungal or bacterial breast infection and require medical help.

Use breast milk to heal

One study found that breastfeeding mothers who rubbed their own breast milk on cracked nipples experienced much faster healing than using a lanolin ointment. Apply a few drops of fresh breast milk over the nipples and allow it to air dry. Don’t try this remedy in case of a thrush infection, though, as the fungus thrives on breast milk.

Let the baby self-latch

If nursing causes pain, it might be because of improper latching. Letting the baby self-attach may be surprisingly helpful. Babies are born with the reflexes needed to attach naturally. Let the baby adjust their chin, neck, and head in a way that feels comfortable for them. Once properly latched, breastfeeding shouldn’t be painful and won’t cause irritated nipples.  

Try different feeding positions

To prevent further nipple irritation, try different feeding positions to find one that works for you. Nipples come in all sizes and shapes, and the perfect feeding position might be different for you. A lactation consultant may be able to assist you in the process.

Expose the nipples to the air

Exposing nipples to the air for as long as possible may also be able to speed up the healing process. Airing out the nipples when not breastfeeding will give them time to heal. It also prevents anything from rubbing against them, causing further irritation. 

Remedies to avoid

Some people often unknowingly suggest “solutions” that might, in fact, make things worse. Make sure you avoid these methods, as they can cause further damage to cracked nipples. 

• Wet tea bags: While placing wet tea bags on the nipples might seem like a soothing technique, it can further aggravate cracked nipples. Tea has an astringent effect and can dry out skin even more. Stick to warm water to soothe the affected area.​
• Ointments that are not 100% lanolin or not ingestible: Creams that aren’t 100% lanolin can block off the air supply to the nipples. This can delay the healing process. Avoid using nipple creams that are marked non-ingestible, as these can harm the baby if ingested during breastfeeding.

Also, avoid using soap, products with alcohol, or lotions because these products can dry the skin and make cracked nipples worse.

Having cracked nipples is a common condition while breastfeeding, but it can also happen to just about anyone. Cracked nipples can be dry, red, and sore to the touch. Some simple treatments can help you recover from this common postpartum issue. If the nipples are itchy or oozing discharge, it might be a sign of an infection. Make sure to talk to your health care provider for treatment and to rule out anything serious.

Sore, cracked or bleeding nipples

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Sore, cracked or bleeding nipples are common. Some mothers have such trouble with them that they stop breastfeeding early.

As a new mother, you may find it could take a few days or weeks to adapt to the strong suck of a healthy baby on your breasts.

It is normal for your breasts to become more sensitive in the first weeks after you have given birth. They may sting, burn, ache or feel tender. Over time, the discomfort and sensitivity should resolve.

If you have sore nipples, it may be that your baby isn’t attaching properly to your breast. This pain usually lasts about half a minute while baby first draws your nipple into their mouth.

Try to make sure your baby’s mouth is attached correctly for suckling from the very first breastfeed.

If you do not correct your baby’s latch, your nipples could be damaged, which causes problems like mastitis (infections).

How to get baby to attach to your breast correctly

• Make sure you are sitting or lying comfortably. Position your baby’s chest against your chest, with their mouth and nose facing your nipple.
• If you are lying down, let your baby’s cheek rest against your breast. If you are sitting up, lift your breast slightly so it does not press on your baby’s chin.
• Position your baby so the first contact point is their chin on your areola — the coloured area around your nipple.
• Bring your baby’s head to your breast, not the breast to baby’s head. Support your baby to move to where they are trying to go — towards your nipple.
• Ensure the nipple and much (or all) of the areola and some surrounding breast are in your baby’s mouth.

After a few rapid gulps, your baby should start to suck and swallow in a regular rhythm. Once you have got the hang of it, breastfeeding can be enjoyable and should not be painful.

How to manage sore nipples

Before putting baby to the breast

Wash your hands and sit in a comfortable position and try to relax. Apply a warm washer to the breast and gently massage or express to help milk flow. Express some milk to soften the areola to lubricate the nipple.

At the breast

Poor attachment is a key cause of sore nipples. Make sure the way your baby latches to your breast is correct. If you are not sure, ask for help from a health professional.

If the attachment feels uncomfortable after 30 seconds, break your baby’s suction by putting your finger in the corner of their mouth. Take your baby off and let them re-latch to your breast. Try different feeding positions. If your nipples are tender, limit your baby’s comfort sucking.

After the breastfeed

Check your nipples for redness and misshapen appearance. Wipe your breasts with clean water and let them dry. It can help to leave your bra off for a while and allow your nipples to air. Make sure your bra fits.

When expressing milk, make sure that the suction on your breast pump is not too strong. If the pain in your nipples increases after the first week, talk to a health professional.

Finding the cause of cracked or bleeding nipples

You will need to work out the source of your nipple problems. The first thing to do is to check if your baby is latching on correctly. You may need to ask a health professional for assistance. They can also check your baby for problems with their lips and tongue and whether you have medical problems like dermatitis or nipple infection. If you use a nipple shield, make sure it is the correct size and if you’re using a breast pump, make sure you’re doing it properly.

How to treat cracked or bleeding nipples

There are a number of things you can do to treat cracked or bleeding nipples.

• Look after your nipples: wash your nipples with water after every feed and clean and sterilise your nipple shield after each feed.
• If you can, continue breastfeeding (it is quite safe for baby to feed on a bleeding nipple). But if it’s too painful, you may need to take your baby off the breast for 24 to 48 hours, rest the nipple and feed your baby expressed breast milk. Gradually reintroduce the breast after resting for a short time and take special care with positioning and attachment.
• If you’re going to take pain-relieving medication, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. Many household remedies are ineffective or harmful.

The Australian Breastfeeding Association has more tips on treating sore or cracked nipples.

If you need further help or are experiencing prolonged abnormal breast pain, contact your doctor, lactation consultant, breast feeding counsellor, child health nurse or Pregnancy Birth and Baby on 1800 882 436.

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Last reviewed: December 2020

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Related pages

• Expressing and storing breast milk
• Breastfeeding your baby

Need more information?

Nipple infections | Australian Breastfeeding Association

About 10% of breastfeeding mothers experience nipple/breast pain (not associated with breast redness or fever) that is often described as one or more of the following: ‘burning’, ‘stabbing’, ‘knife-like’, ‘shooting’, ’sharp’. It is possible that such pain is caused by a nipple infection, especially when baby is attaching well to the breast, it is beyond the first week and other causes of nipple pain/trauma have been ruled out (e.g. tongue tie). This article provides information about the causes and symptoms of nipple infection.

Read more on Australian Breastfeeding Association website