baby and continue nursing regularly and frequently, especially on the affected side. Do not stop nursing as it can increase your risk of developing a breast abscess.

- Nursing at this point will be painful so taking ibuprofen can help to alleviate the pain. Ibuprofen also helps to manage the accompanying fever.

- Vary your nursing position to help baby empty your breasts more effectively.

- Sometimes, though rarely, your baby may object to nursing because of the increased sodium content to your milk resulting from the inflammation. In this case, you will have to express your milk. However, your baby is still the best breast pump you have on hand so it is best to try persisting with nursing. As the inflammation begins to clear, the taste of your milk will return to normal.

- Applying warm and cold compresses to the affected areas, taking warm baths and gently massaging the affected area.

5. Infections

Infections such as thrush can also cause sore nipples. Thrush is a yeast infection (caused by Candida) that causes the nipples to become red and tender, and may be accompanied by a burning sensation. If your breasts are infected by Candida, you will also notice white plaques inside your baby's mouth. Thrush is not an indication to stop breast feeding, however, both you and baby will require antifungal treatment for it. Your doctor can prescribe the appropriate medications.

6. Initial breastfeeding soreness

During the first couple of weeks of breastfeeding, there will be some soreness of the nipples - this is due to the friction of your baby's tongue against your nipples which can leave them feeling raw. As long as you are breastfeeding with good technique, this tenderness will eventually fade on its own as your nipples toughen up. In the interim, applying a little breast milk or breastfeeding ointment after every feed can help your nipples to heal sufficiently between feeds to reduce the sensitivity during nursing.

7. Teething

When your baby begins teething, you may experience something similar to the initial soreness you felt when you first started breastfeeding. This only occurs with the eruption of the upper front teeth since the lower front teeth are covered by your baby's tongue during breastfeeding. The sensitivity usually goes away quickly as long as your baby isn't using your nipple as a teething ring.

At this point, it is important to educate your baby that biting is not acceptable. If your baby bites, simply put away your breast and stop the feed. Your baby will soon get the message. Usually when your baby starts biting your nipple, it is a good indication that the actual feeding part is over and that your baby is just nursing for comfort or playing. A baby that is still actively suckling will be biting his or her own tongue if he or she attempts to bite the nipple.

Conclusion

There are several reasons why your nipples may be sore during breastfeeding. It is important to identify the cause of the pain and treat the underlying problem before applying methods to relieve the pain and sensitivity.

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