Yes. Breastfeeding should not hurt, but it is normal to feel discomfort when your milk comes in and as you get used to it. If the pain is severe, lasts throughout the feeding, or persists for more than a week, talk with your doctor or a lactation consultant. Sore nipples may be due to a poor latch -- as you and your baby gain experience together, breastfeeding becomes second-nature.

• Do you struggle with sore nipples? Ask questions, or offer advice.

Steps to prevent or minimize nipple soreness include the following:

• Ensure that your baby is positioned and latched on correctly. Try the football or cross-cradle holds to gain more control of your baby’s head.
• Babies suck harder at the beginning of a feeding, so begin on the less sore nipple. As soon as the soreness resolves, return to alternating the starting side.
• If one nipple is extremely sore, try feeding for a shorter time (10 minutes), but more often.
• Keep your nipples dry. After a feeding, air-dry or pat your nipples dry. Then apply a thin coat of lanolin cream.
• If your skin is cracked, keep your nipples covered with a soothing emollient. Try lanolin cream, breast shells, or gel pads.
• If the pain prevents you from nursing, use a pump to express your milk. Pumping is gentler on your nipples, allows you to feed your baby breast milk, and maintains your milk supply. Pump for two to three days to allow your nipples to heal.
• Watch for hardness or inflammation, which can be signs of a breast infection (called mastitis). Call your doctor immediately if you have chills, fever, headache, and/or flu-like symptoms. If you develop mastitis, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to combat the infection.
  
• Call your doctor if you have blisters, cracking, bleeding, or pain that continues during or between feedings. Avoid excessive washing of your nipples when bathing -- rinse them with water, but avoid getting soap on them.
  
• Some moms take an over-the-counter pain reliever (acetaminophen or ibuprofen) a half hour before nursing to quell discomfort.
• More frequent nursing is actually easier on your nipples, so don't avoid or space out feedings in an attempt to give your breasts a break.