10/23/2026
Nursing shouldn’t be something you simply "grit your teeth" through. While mild tenderness during the initial latch can happen in the earliest days, pain throughout the entire feed is your body’s signal to pause and readjust. A deep, effective latch protects your tissue and ensures your baby transfers milk comfortably and efficiently.
A few key cues to watch for include conducting a pain check, as persistent soreness or burning during the feed isn’t typical. Perform a shape check after feeding, as your ni**le should look rounded, not flattened, creased, or wedge-shaped like new lipstick. For a sound check, swallowing sounds are great, but clicking or smacking often points to broken suction. Finally, complete a hydration check; consistent wet diapers, around 6–8 daily once mature milk is in, are one of your best indicators of good transfer.
If you’re seeing these signs, gently break the suction with a clean finger in the corner of your baby’s mouth and try again. Never hesitate to reach out to a lactation professional, like an IBCLC or CLC, for hands-on, individualized support. Save this post for your feeding journey or share it with an expecting friend!
