When Breastfeeding Is Painful: Could Baby’s Body Be the Missing Piece?

Breastfeeding is often described as natural - but that doesn’t always mean easy. If you’re experiencing ongoing nipple pain, shallow latch, clicking sounds, inefficient milk transfer, or feeding that just doesn’t feel right, you’re not alone. And importantly - it may not be just about latch.

Many breastfeeding challenges are connected to how a baby’s body moves, rests, and coordinates - especially in the early weeks of life. Understanding the whole‑body can be a game‑changer for both baby and parent.

Is Painful Breastfeeding Normal?

Some initial tenderness in the first few days postpartum can be common. However, persistent pain is not something you’re expected to push through.

Signs that breastfeeding pain may need further support include:

• Sharp, pinching, or burning nipple pain

• Flattened nipples after feeds

• Clicking or popping sounds while nursing

• Baby frequently losing suction

• Long feeds with poor milk transfer

• Fussiness, gassiness, or reflux‑like symptoms

When these signs continue despite good positioning support, it’s time to look a little deeper.

How Baby’s Body Affects Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is a full‑body activity for babies. It requires coordinated movement of the jaw, tongue, neck, shoulders, rib cage, and core. When there is tension, asymmetry, or limited mobility, feeding can become inefficient and uncomfortable.

Common body‑related contributors include:

1. Body Tension

Babies with body tension are often described by parents as appearing “very stiff” or uncomfortable, and have difficulty relaxing into feeds. Body tension can limit jaw opening, tongue movement, endurance at the breast, and much more!

2. Torticollis or turn Preference

Babies with torticollis or who prefer turning their head one direction may struggle to latch and feed effectively on one side - leading to nipple pain, a shallow latch, and uneven milk transfer.

3. Oral Restrictions (Tongue and/or Lip Ties)

Tethered oral tissues result in limited mobility, which is crucial for comfortable and efficient feeds. This oftentimes leads to nipple pain/damage, compensations elsewhere in the body, fatiguing quickly, and poor milk transfer.

4. Birth‑Related Factors

Fast deliveries, long labors, assisted births, and/or in‑utero positioning can all influence early body tightness and feeding mechanics.

Why “Fixing the Latch” Isn’t Always Enough

Latch support is incredibly valuable - but sometimes it addresses the symptom rather than the source. If a baby’s body can’t comfortably get into or maintain an effective latch, no amount of repositioning will fully resolve the issue.

This is where a whole‑body approach becomes essential.

How Pediatric Physical Therapy Supports Breastfeeding

Pediatric physical therapy focuses on how a baby moves, rests, and coordinates their body - all of which directly impact feeding.

At Roaring Start Pediatric Therapy, breastfeeding‑informed PT support may include:

• Assessing head, neck, and trunk mobility

• Identifying asymmetries or tension patterns

• Supporting jaw and oral motor skills

• Improving comfort and endurance during feeds

• Collaborating with lactation providers and other specialists

When the body feels supported, feeding often becomes more efficient, comfortable, and sustainable.

You’re Not Doing Anything Wrong

If breastfeeding is painful, it’s not because you’re failing - and it’s not because your baby is “bad at feeding.” Many families simply need the right lens and the right support at the right time.

Early guidance can make a meaningful difference for both comfort and confidence.

A Gentle Next Step

If breastfeeding has been painful, stressful, or just doesn’t feel right, it may be worth exploring whether your baby’s body is contributing to the challenge.

At Roaring Start Pediatric Therapy in Blanchard, OK, we offer developmentally informed, whole‑body assessments to support infants and families through feeding challenges - with care that meets you where you are.

If you’re curious whether pediatric physical therapy could be helpful for your baby, we’d be honored to support you.

You don’t have to navigate this alone. Reach out today!