Breastfeeding Pain: What’s Normal, What’s Not, and Why Words Matter - Ep 9

Breastfeeding pain is one of the most common reasons mums stop feeding — yet many are never given the language to describe what they’re feeling.

In this episode of The Latch Revolution, Katie James and Johanna Sargeant unpack breastfeeding pain with nuance, practicality, and honesty.

Breastfeeding pain is often talked about in extremes: either it’s “normal, push through,” or “it should never hurt.” In this conversation, Katie and Joh slow the topic down and help differentiate between normal, stretchy discomfort and pain that signals injury or a deeper feeding issue.

They talk about why pain often peaks in the early days, what ongoing pain is telling us, and how positioning choices — particularly upright feeding with firm pillows — can contribute to shallow attachment and nipple damage. The episode also explores laid-back feeding, why it supports baby reflexes and maternal comfort, and why it still isn’t taught routinely despite decades of discussion.

A key theme throughout is observation. Rather than focusing only on the breastfeeding, Katie and Joh discuss watching the whole mum — posture, breathing, hands, shoulders, voice, and tension — and how these cues give vital information about what’s really happening during a feed.

This episode is about giving mums and lactation supporters better language, clearer guidance, and confidence to know when to seek help — without guilt or dismissal.

In this episode, we cover:

• Why breastfeeding pain isn’t one thing and needs better language

• The difference between normal stretchy discomfort and injury pain

• Why the belief that breastfeeding should never hurt is unhelpful

• When pain typically peaks in the early days

• Signs that pain needs further assessment

• How positioning and pillows affect attachment and comfort

• Why laid-back feeding supports deeper attachment

• What observing the whole mum can tell us about pain

Need more support?

If you want to go deeper into breastfeeding assessment and support:

Decoding the Suck: Gentle support for babies with sucking difficulties

Learn how to assess suck, attachment, and oral function with confidence, and support babies whose feeding challenges aren’t straightforward.

Visit thelatchrevolution.com

Breastfeeding & Lactation: The Fundamentals

A comprehensive, evidence-based foundation for birth workers who want to strengthen their understanding of breastfeeding physiology and clinical decision-making.

Visit katiejames.site

The Feeding Couch® – Breastfeeding SOS

Ongoing support for breastfeeding mums who need reassurance, clarity, and help navigating feeding challenges.

Visit katiejames.site

Follow on Instagram: @katiejameslactation @milkandmotherhood

Watch on YouTube: The Latch Revolution

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Medical Disclaimer

The content of this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for personalised medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Listeners should always seek the guidance of their own healthcare provider, midwife, or lactation consultant with any questions they may have regarding their own situation or that of their clients. Katie James and Johanna Sargeant do not accept responsibility for any decisions made based on this content.

Keywords:

breastfeeding pain, nipple pain breastfeeding, normal breastfeeding pain, painful latch, laid-back breastfeeding, breastfeeding positioning, breastfeeding assessment, lactation support, midwife breastfeeding care, IBCLC support