Breast pain

Breast pain during nursing: Finding the causes

Breast pain is a general term that can describe a wide range of sensations: from mild discomfort to sharp, unbearable pain. Although most breastfeeding problems are related to sore nipples, sometimes the discomfort is felt deep inside the mammary gland. Understanding the possible causes will help you determine whether it is a temporary inconvenience or a signal that you need to seek help.

Possible causes of pain inside the breasts

• Powerful milk let‑down reflex (oxytocin reflex). In some women, the milk surge at the start of a feeding is so strong that it causes a tingling, burning, or even sharp pain lasting from a few seconds to a minute. This is a normal variant and usually subsides over time.
• Breast engorgement. This is a condition where the breasts are overfilled with milk, becoming hard, hot, and very painful. It usually occurs in the first days after birth, when milk “comes in”.
• Blocked milk duct. Felt as a painful, localized “lump” or firmness inside the breast.
• Mastitis. Inflammation of the mammary gland that is accompanied by severe pain, redness, swelling, as well as systemic symptoms such as high fever and chills.
• Thrush (candidiasis). A fungal infection can affect not only the nipples but also the milk ducts, causing deep, burning or shooting pain inside the breasts that often worsens after feeding. More details are in the article “Nipple thrush”.

Any strong or persistent breast pain is a reason to consult a doctor or a lactation consultant. A correct diagnosis is the key to effective treatment. Read about the basics of breastfeeding in our dedicated section.