Breastfeeding often comes with discomfort, lumps, swelling, tenderness…so when is pain during breastfeeding something to worry about?
Breast surgeon and cancer researcher Associate Professor Sanjay Warrier said most breast pain during breastfeeding was completely normal.
“Breast health is important during all stages of a woman’s life, including breastfeeding,” he said.
“If something doesn’t feel right, it is important to see your GP and get it checked out.
“While the risk of breast cancer may be low, don’t wait or brush your concerns aside.
“Time is never your friend when it comes to serious disease.”
There are several common and usually harmless causes of breast pain during breastfeeding. One of the most frequent is engorgement, when the breasts become overly full and tight due to missed feeds, oversupply, or irregular feeding.
This can cause discomfort and tenderness, which usually settles once feeding resumes or excess milk is expressed.
Blocked milk ducts are another cause. These can feel like painful, firm lumps that shift or decrease in size after a feed.
If a blocked duct becomes infected, it may develop into mastitis, an inflammatory condition that causes swelling, redness, and flu-like symptoms.
While unpleasant, mastitis is not associated with breast cancer and can typically be resolved with rest, warm compresses, proper drainage, and sometimes antibiotics.
Pain can also occur as part of the let-down reflex, especially in the early stages of breastfeeding.
Sharp or tingling pain when milk is being released is normal for many new mothers and tends to ease with time.
Associate Professor Warrier said that if a lump persisted despite regular feeding, did not shift or soften, or was accompanied by other symptoms such as nipple inversion, skin dimpling, or abnormal discharge, it should be investigated promptly.
“While pain is not usually a sign of cancer, a firm lump that does not move or reduce should be taken seriously,” he said.
Breast tissue becomes denser during lactation, making it harder to assess through physical examination alone.
However, modern imaging techniques such as ultrasound are highly effective in evaluating suspicious lumps, even in breastfeeding women.
“If something feels off, we can investigate it safely without interrupting breastfeeding,” Associate Professor Warrier said.
He urged all breastfeeding women to trust their instincts and prioritise their health.
“Too often women put their own wellbeing last, especially after giving birth,” he said.
“If you notice a change in your breasts that doesn’t feel right, see your GP or a breast specialist.
“It’s usually nothing serious, but if it is, early detection makes all the difference.”
