Breastfeeding Feels Like Razor Blades? 3 Common Causes (and How to Fix Them)
Breastfeeding shouldn't feel like razor blades. If every latch makes you grit your teeth, there may be a simple reason why.
Let's talk about the three most common causes of breastfeeding pain and what you can do about them.
Breastfeeding doesn't come with an instruction manual — but our Boob Better: Breastfeeding 101 course is pretty close.
Breastfeeding shouldn't hurt.
Now before half of you stop reading and tell me that's nonsense because breastfeeding totally hurt for you, hear me out.
Breastfeeding is going to feel a certain kind of way in the beginning. You have a baby feeding on postpartum breasts for the first time, and both of you are learning as you go.
But it shouldn't be so painful that you dread every feed. The pain shouldn't keep getting worse. And your nipples shouldn't be coming out of your baby's mouth bruised, flattened, cracked, or bleeding.
If that's happening, there's usually a reason why.
In my experience as an L & D, most breastfeeding pain comes down to one of three things.
1. A Shallow Latch
When someone tells me breastfeeding feels like razor blades, this is the first thing I look at.
Your nipple is supposed to land far back in your baby's mouth. A good latch isn't just about taking the nipple—it's about taking a good mouthful of areola and breast tissue too.
When babies latch shallowly, all the work ends up happening on the nipple itself.
And you can imagine that doesn't feel great.
One of my favorite reminders is:
We're breastfeeding, not nipple-feeding.
For many new moms, improving the latch is the thing that changes everything.
What Can Help?
Break the latch and start again if it hurts.
Aim for a deeper latch with more breast tissue in baby's mouth.
Work with a lactation consultant if you're struggling to get comfortable.
2. A Tongue Tie
Sometimes the problem isn't the latch itself—it's your baby's ability to maintain one.
A tongue tie happens when a piece of tissue restricts your baby's tongue movement. Because babies use their tongue to cup the breast and move milk toward the back of their throat, restricted movement can make feeding less effective and a lot more uncomfortable.
Some signs you might notice include:
Difficulty latching
Clicking sounds during feeds
Frequently slipping off the breast
Long or inefficient feedings
Fussiness after feeds
Persistent nipple pain
Not every tongue tie needs treatment.
That's why my first recommendation is always to see an IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant). They don't just look at your baby's mouth—they assess an actual feeding and help determine what's really going on.
What Can Help?
A feeding assessment with an IBCLC.
Latch and positioning adjustments.
Further evaluation if a tongue tie is affecting feeding and milk transfer.
3. Positioning That Isn't Working
Sometimes the issue isn't the latch.
Sometimes it's the position.
Every baby is different. Every breast is different. A position that works beautifully for one family might be completely uncomfortable for another.
Changing positions can help improve comfort, encourage a deeper latch, and reduce pressure on sore areas.
If you've already got nipple damage, changing the angle of your baby's latch can sometimes make a big difference while you're healing.
What Can Help?
Experiment with different breastfeeding positions.
Use pillows or supports if needed.
Find the position that works best for you and your baby—not the one that worked for someone else.
Bonus: How to Help Sore Nipples Heal
Once you've identified the cause, it's time to help those poor nipples recover.
Get Milk Flowing Before Feeding
If your breasts feel very full, try squeezing out a little milk before a feed. This can help your baby latch more comfortably.
Warm compresses and gentle massage can also help milk flow more easily.
Support Healing
After feeds, consider:
A small amount of lanolin
Hydrogel pads
Silver nursing cups
If you're using silver nursing cups, put a few drops of breast milk in the cups and wear them between feeds.
Just don't use lanolin and silver nursing cups together.
Less is more here.
Cracked and Bleeding Nipples?
I know this can be scary.
But a small amount of blood from damaged nipples is not harmful to your baby.
You can usually continue breastfeeding while you work on correcting the underlying cause of the pain.
Here's What I Want You to Remember
If you're reading this with sore nipples, a crying baby, and a cold cup of coffee sitting beside you, I want you to know something:
You have not failed at breastfeeding.
Most breastfeeding pain isn't a sign that breastfeeding isn't working. It's usually a sign that something needs adjusting.
Sometimes it's the latch. Sometimes it's positioning. Sometimes it's a tongue tie. And sometimes one small adjustment makes a huge difference.
You and your baby are learning a brand-new skill together. So take a deep breath. Ask for help. And give yourselves a little grace. You got this, Mama!
