Why do I get sore nipples after my baby feeds?

Why do I get sore nipples after my baby feeds?

Rebecca Charlton (Lactation Educator & Registered Dietitian, Childrens Hospital Los Angeles) gives expert video advice on: How do I soothe the pain of engorged breasts?; Why do I get sore nipples after my baby feeds?; What should I do to alleviate sore nipples during breastfeeding? and more...

Nipple trauma or sore nipples are only caused when the baby doesn't get far enough back on the breast. So, the most important thing you do is encourage the baby to open its mouth nice and wide before you let it go onto the breast. That will keep your nipple from ever being traumatized or caused any trouble. If the baby however keeps latching shallow, just wait and wait and wait, and then you might want to apply a little bit of pressure on its jaw so that the jaw opens wider before it latches onto the nipple.