Sore Nipples While Breastfeeding? Causes, Relief, and How Silver Cups Help

Sore nipples while breastfeeding are most often caused by a shallow latch, and they are common, treatable, and not something you simply have to endure. The two keys to relief are fixing the underlying cause (usually how your baby latches) and protecting the skin between feeds so it can heal.

This guide covers why nipples get sore, how to find relief, and where products like silver nursing cups and nipple balms fit in. If pain is severe or persistent, please reach out to a lactation consultant (IBCLC), this guide does not replace personalized medical care.

Why breastfeeding can hurt

• Shallow latch: the most common culprit. Baby needs a deep mouthful of breast tissue, not just the nipple.
• Positioning: awkward angles put friction and pressure on the nipple.
• Tongue tie: a restricted tongue can make a deep latch difficult.
• Friction and dryness: repeated rubbing leaves skin cracked and raw.
• Thrush: a yeast infection can cause burning, sharp pain that needs treatment.

Plain-language summary: most soreness comes from how the baby is latching. Fix the latch, protect the skin, and it usually gets better.

How to relieve sore nipples

1. Check the latch. Aim for a wide-open mouth with lips flanged out and more of the underside of the breast in the mouth.
2. Adjust positioning. Bring baby to the breast, not the breast to baby, and keep them tummy-to-tummy with you.
3. Protect the skin between feeds. This is where the right products help most.
4. Air dry when you can and change wet breast pads often.
5. Get expert help early. An IBCLC can spot issues a quick search cannot.

Silver nursing cups: a soothing, drug-free option

Silver has been valued for its naturally antimicrobial properties for centuries. MOOGCO Silver Nursing Cups ($27.90) are made from 925 sterling silver and worn over the nipple between feeds. They trap a little of your own breast milk against the skin to create a moist healing environment, with no creams to wash off and nothing to reapply. Many parents reach for them at the very first sign of cracking. For a full starter set, the Ultimate MOOGCO Silver Cups Bundle ($33.20) adds everything you need.

Nipple balms and creams that help

• Lanolin Nipple Cream by Zomee ($9.99): classic, ultra-pure lanolin that does not need washing off before nursing.
• Organic Nipple Butter by Earth Mama ($14.99): a lanolin-free, plant-based balm for parents who prefer no animal products.
• New Mother Nursing Balm by WishGarden ($14.99): a herbal option for soothing tender skin.

Not sure where you fall? Take our breastfeeding quiz

Every nursing journey is different. Our quick breastfeeding quiz helps you understand your feeding type and points you to the products most likely to help, plus a welcome discount.

Frequently asked questions

Why do my nipples hurt when breastfeeding?

The most common cause of sore nipples is a shallow latch, where the baby takes in only the nipple instead of a deep mouthful of breast tissue. Other causes include positioning, tongue tie, friction, or thrush. Pain that does not improve within the first week or two is worth reviewing with a lactation consultant (IBCLC).

How do silver nursing cups work for sore nipples?

Silver nursing cups are small caps made of pure silver that you wear over the nipple between feeds. Silver is naturally antimicrobial, and the cups keep your own breast milk against the skin in a moist healing environment, which many parents find soothes and protects cracked or sore nipples without creams.

What is the fastest way to heal cracked nipples?

Fix the latch first, since healing is hard if the cause continues. Then protect the skin between feeds. Many parents use expressed breast milk, a lanolin or plant-based nipple balm, and silver nursing cups to keep the area moist and shielded. See a lactation consultant if cracks are deep or bleeding.

Do I need to wash off nipple cream before feeding?

Lanolin and most clean, baby-safe nipple balms are formulated so you do not need to wash them off before nursing. Always check the label, and choose products clearly marked as safe for baby.

Is breastfeeding supposed to hurt?

Some tenderness in the first days is common as you and your baby learn, but ongoing or sharp pain is a signal that something needs adjusting, usually the latch. Breastfeeding should not be persistently painful, and help is available.

The bottom line

Sore nipples are common but they are a signal, not a life sentence. Fix the latch, protect the skin with silver cups or a clean nipple balm, and get help from an IBCLC if pain persists. Explore our Silver Care and Nipple Care collections to build your comfort kit.