Breastfeeding Pain? Two Positioning Mistakes to Avoid for a Better Latch
Breastfeeding Positioning Mistakes That Cause Nipple Pain—What the Research Says
Breastfeeding is often described as natural, but that doesn’t mean it always comes naturally. A powerful study out of Australia helps shed light on a common early challenge: nipple and breast pain. This research, which observed over 650 first postpartum home visits, aimed to identify what causes nipple trauma—and what can help prevent it.
At The Elgin Doula, we take these findings seriously. As doulas and lactation counselors, we believe that better understanding leads to better outcomes. Here's what you need to know—and how to protect your own breastfeeding journey.
The Study: What They Found
The study looked at 653 families who were exclusively breastfeeding and received in-home lactation care shortly after hospital discharge. The goal? To identify potential risk factors for nipple trauma. These weren’t just anecdotal reports. Researchers carefully documented each feed, assessed the baby's position, and even photographed the location of nipple trauma.
The results were eye-opening:
62.9% of mothers were already showing signs of nipple trauma within just 1–2 days postpartum.
58.7% of this trauma occurred at the tip of the nipple, typically caused by compression inside the baby’s mouth from a shallow latch.
Two common techniques were consistently linked to increased breast and nipple pain:
1. Breast Shaping
Also known as “the breast sandwich” aka, shaping the breast to help baby latch, this well-intentioned strategy can backfire. The study showed that breast shaping alters the angle of entry, often causing the nipple to land too shallowly in baby’s mouth.
A shallow latch can lead to:
Increased nipple compression
Pinching or sharp pain during feeds
Visible trauma over time
While some shaping can be helpful in specific circumstances, it’s important to work with someone trained in reading the whole latch, not just the baby’s mouth. Our team at The Elgin Doula specializes in this type of gentle, evidence-based support.
2. A Hand on the Back of Baby’s Head
This might seem like an intuitive way to guide baby to the breast—but the study found it often leads to problems. Placing your hand on the back of your baby's head triggers their startle reflex, making them resist the latch and pull away.
That reflex—paired with pressure—can cause baby to:
Arch backward
Tense up at the neck and shoulders
Land shallowly on the nipple rather than opening wide
Instead, supporting baby from the neck and shoulders allows them to tilt their head back and open wide creating a deeper, more comfortable latch.
What This Means for You
If you’re experiencing breast or nipple pain, you’re not alone—and it’s not your fault. Most new parents haven’t been shown how to position their baby in a way that works with their anatomy and instincts.
We’re here to help.
At The Elgin Doula, our lactation support team includes Certified Lactation Counselors with specialized training in latch mechanics, pain prevention, and personalized positioning techniques. Whether you’re a first-time parent or feeding your third baby, we offer calm, confident support that helps you find your rhythm.
Ready to Breastfeed Without Pain?
You deserve to feel good while feeding your baby. Let us help you:
Get a pain-free latch
Adjust positioning that actually works
Understand what’s normal—and what’s not
Feel confident and capable from the start
Book a lactation visit, explore our Birth Doula Package, or meet our team—we’d be honored to walk alongside you.
