Why Breastfeeding Still Hurts—And What You Can Do About It

By Dr. Kara Rangel, DC, IBCLC

Perinatal, Postpartum & Pediatric Chiropractor | Cranial & Torticollis Specialist

You’ve read the blogs, watched the videos, bought the nipple cream…

But breastfeeding still hurts.

Let me tell you something up front: pain is not a normal part of breastfeeding, even in the early days. Yes, there’s a learning curve—but persistent pain, cracking, clamping, or shallow latch usually means something deeper is going on.

As both a pediatric chiropractor and an IBCLC (lactation consultant), I work with moms and babies every day who are told “just give it time” or “it’s just a bad latch.” But most of the time, the latch is just the symptom—not the root cause.

Let’s dive into why breastfeeding might still be hurting, and most importantly—how you can get real, lasting relief.

Top 5 Reasons Breastfeeding Still Hurts

1. Tension in Baby’s Body

Tightness from birth (especially long labors, breech in-utero, fast deliveries, or C-sections) can create body tension that affects how baby opens their jaw, turns their head, or lays on your chest.

This can lead to shallow latches, clicking sounds, or nipple pain.

2. Undiagnosed Oral Restrictions

Tongue ties, lip ties, and buccal (cheek) ties are more common than you think—and not always obvious. Even mild ties can limit movement and cause baby to compensate in ways that hurt your nipples and exhaust them.

You may notice gassiness, clicking, or frustration at the breast.

3. Cranial Misalignments

The bones of the head and neck play a huge role in sucking, swallowing, and coordinating latch. If there’s cranial compression or nerve tension from birth, baby’s latch may be affected—no matter how many times you reposition. This is where gentle cranial work and chiropractic care can make a huge difference.

4. Shallow Latch from Compensations

Even without a tongue tie, babies sometimes develop coping mechanisms (like clamping or chomping) to get milk or control the flow of milk (think oversupply!). Over time, these become patterns that hurt both of you.

An IBCLC can help retrain latch and feeding mechanics with hands-on support.

5. Mom’s Nipple or Breast Positioning

Pain isn’t always the baby’s fault. Sometimes, subtle shifts in how baby lines up on your chest—or how your breast tissue sits—can make a world of difference.

A body-aware lactation consult can show you how to adjust positioning for comfort.

How I Approach Breastfeeding Pain

In my office at The Well Chiropractic & Lactation Support, I combine:

  • Gentle pediatric chiropractic care (including craniosacral work)

  • Functional feeding assessments as an IBCLC

  • Deep evaluations of baby’s muscle tone, reflexes, and oral function

  • Positioning support for mom + baby

Because pain isn’t just about latch—it’s often a whole-body issue for your baby, and sometimes for you too.

Real Talk, Mama: You Deserve Help

Breastfeeding isn’t supposed to be a battle. If you’re dreading feeds, bracing your body, or dealing with cracked nipples, it’s time for support that goes beyond Band-Aid fixes.

Ready for Relief?

Book a feeding & full infant body assessment here »

You’re not broken. Your baby’s not broken.

You just need care that sees the full picture.

Let’s work together to make feeding feel better—for both of you.


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Flat Head Worries? What’s Normal and When to Act