People often say breastfeeding is natural as if that means it arrives with instructions. It does not. The first days can be tender, awkward and surprisingly physical. But pain that continues through feeds, cracked or bleeding nipples, or a baby who cannot stay latched are not things you need to grit your teeth through.
Start by looking at the latch. Bring baby close to you rather than leaning your breast toward them. Their body should face yours, with their ear, shoulder and hip in a line. Wait for a wide open mouth, then bring them in quickly. If the latch feels pinchy after the first few sucks, slide a clean finger into the corner of their mouth to break suction and try again. Do not keep hoping it will settle if it clearly hurts.
The usual reasons it hurts
A shallow latch is common, especially when both of you are still learning. Baby needs a good mouthful of breast, not just the nipple. Position can also make a difference; a football hold or laid-back position may take pressure off a sore spot.
Engorgement can make the breast hard for a baby to grasp. Hand-expressing a little milk before a feed may soften the area enough to help. If pain is burning, both nipples are affected, or it continues between feeds, speak to a clinician or lactation professional rather than self-diagnosing.
Sometimes the issue is with baby's mouth, transfer of milk, or a medical problem. A bad latch is fixable, but poor weight gain, fewer wet nappies, clicking, choking, or a baby who seems exhausted at every feed need individual assessment.
Get help early
An in-person look from an IBCLC, midwife, health visitor or pediatric clinician can save weeks of pain and worry. Ask them to watch a whole feed if possible. A ten-second glance while baby is asleep will not answer much.
Call a clinician promptly if you have fever, flu-like symptoms, a hot painful area of breast, spreading redness, pus, or feel suddenly much worse. Those symptoms can need treatment. Mastitis can develop quickly, so do not wait it out if you feel unwell.
Breastfeeding does not have to be an endurance test. You deserve practical help, a plan that fits your body and baby, and permission to change course if feeding is harming your health.