Nipple Pain and its Characteristics During the Breastfeeding Process: A Longitudinal Brazilian Study

To characterize pain and its evolution during the breastfeeding process among primiparous women.

Longitudinal study nested within a clinical trial with 102 Brazilian primiparous women, with conditions and intentions favorable to breastfeeding. Pain level was measured using the Visual Analogue Scale and the descriptors, according to McGill. Follow-up was carried out via telephone in the first and second weeks postpartum. Failure to contact within 15 days was considered a loss. Fisher's exact test was applied to evaluate the association between the occurrence of pain and exclusive breastfeeding rates, and to evaluate the evolution of pain over the period, repeated measures ANOVA and Sidak's posthoc were applied. Values ​​of p ≤ 0.05 were considered significant.

Most participants reported moderate-intensity pain more frequently at the beginning of breastfeeding. The pain was classified as sensory and commonly described as 'pulling.' Notably, the study found pain scores, severe pain scores, and pain sensation descriptors reduced from hospitalization to two weeks after birth (p < 0.001). The study also found that pain in the second week postpartum was associated with lower rates of exclusive breastfeeding (p = 0.017), highlighting the need for early intervention and support to ensure successful breastfeeding.

The study revealed nipple pain scores and qualifiers, its sensation during the breastfeeding process, and its evolution. Assessment and support in cases of this complaint are recommended.