How to Soothe Sore Nipples
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Breastfeeding shouldn’t hurt! In the early days, you might find yourself sucking your breath in for a few seconds when the baby latches on. But that feeling shouldn’t persist throughout or after nursing, and it shouldn’t last more than a few seconds. If you find your toes curling, or your nipples very sore, it’s time to go back to the basics and make sure everything is OK. Here’s how to soothe sore nipples for good.
First, make sure you’re comfortably seated. Got a few extra pillows? Good idea. A drink nearby in case you’re thirsty? Great.
Baby should be facing you to nurse. Often, babies whose bodies are pointed to the ceiling and have to turn their heads to latch at the breast—which means they end up taking the breast with them while they look around the room. Ouch! Keeping your baby’s belly pointing to your belly is the best way to position.
Next, tickle your baby’s cheek to get her to open wide. As her mouth opens to the widest point, quickly her to your breast. (Don’t bring your breast to your baby; that’s a recipe for a sore back. Use those extra pillows or a nursing pillow to support your arm and the baby.)
Make sure your baby gets a nice big mouthful of breast. Your baby should latch on with lips flanged, looking like a fish. If baby isn’t latched well, or if things hurt, then insert a finger into the corner of baby’s mouth to break the suction, then try latching again.
There are other causes of sore nipples, such as flat or inverted nipples, over-exuberant use of a breast pump (just as breastfeeding shouldn’t hurt, pumping shouldn’t either), or thrush. If you find your nipples are still sore and painful beyond a little tenderness in the early days, consider seeking help from a lactation professional in your area.
Just gotta try this Creamy Avocado Dip recipe via Momables.com - love how you can spread it on a sandwich in lieu of Mayo! 
Comment by Laura-Resident Mom and Dental Hygienist on Jan 18 2010 11:45:45:
I had really sore nipples with my first one, too. Cracked and raw. The lactation specialist gave me a nipple shield to use until the cracks could heal. It was wonderful!! I was still able to breastfeed while I healed. You can usually find those at Walmart/Target with the other nursing baby supplies.
Comment by Lauren – Resident Mom on Sep 08 2010 06:58:05:
I breastfed for 14 months and everything the expert advised above it spot on! Since you obviously have sore nipples right now or you wouldn’t be asking I recommend medela’s tender care nipple cream. I loved it and was by far my favorite brand. You really only need to buy the smallest bottle or even get your hands on a sample bottle if possible bc once you are healed up and get the baby latched right and everything you wont have any more pain and therefore wont need any nipple cream. I never used a shield myself but have heard good things about those as well. Good Luck!
Comment by Jennifer on Nov 26 2010 07:37:28:
Okay hun Im breaastfeeding my second child now who is a week old and 4 days…I dont care what any one tells you some women just has painfull breast feeding, my daughter is latched correctly and feeding like she should be but it hurts sooo bad when I feed her , not just when she latches on but the whole feeding an sometimes for a short time afterwards. Im telling you not all women have the same experiences I even aasked the dr if I was breast feeding correctly and she said every thing was perfect some women jsut have painfull breast when doing it. But do talk to a dr an rule out any infections or what not!