In plain words
Nipple trauma means the skin of the nipple is damaged. Mothers may see cracks, blisters, scabs, bruising, or bleeding. The pain can be sharp at the start of a feed and may last through it. Most nipple trauma comes from the baby's latch, from pumping with the wrong size, or from a shallow or painful latch that pinches the nipple. Nipple trauma is common in the first two weeks. It is not a sign that breastfeeding must stop. Many mothers recover with changes to positioning, latch, and flange fit. A can check the cause. Persistent or worsening pain can also signal an infection, which is a separate issue.
The deeper version
Nipple pain and trauma are among the most commonly reported reasons for early breastfeeding cessation. The most frequent mechanisms are shallow latch with compression of the against the palate, friction from a poorly fitting pump flange, and prolonged feeding in an incorrect position. Trauma produces epidermal disruption, which can be colonized by or Candida. The clinical differential includes , dermatitis, bacterial and fungal infection, and rarely Paget disease. Assessment is by visual inspection of the nipple, observed feeding, and review of the flange fit and pumping schedule.
Where it comes up
- Getting a deep latchFeeding Your Baby
- Nipple pain, cracks, and healingPostpartum: Your Body
- Flange sizingFeeding Your Baby
- Thrush and other nipple infectionsPostpartum: Your Body
- Pumping: how, when, how oftenFeeding Your Baby
What mothers here say about nipple trauma
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Sources
- Dennis CL et al. — Interventions for treating painful nipples among breastfeeding women. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2014
- Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine — Clinical Protocol #26: Managing nipple pain and damage