Nipple Pain & Fissure Treatment | Ankeny

When every latch brings tears to your eyes and your nipples are cracked, bleeding, or severely sore, breastfeeding transforms from a nurturing experience into a dreaded ordeal. The pain can be so intense that you may question whether continuing to breastfeed is even possible.

At Feel Good Chiropractic & Wellness in Ankeny, we understand the physical and emotional toll that nipple pain and fissures can take on nursing mothers.

That's why we're proud to be Iowa's first provider of PBM therapy for lactation support.

Our innovative, gentle treatment has already helped countless mothers heal nipple damage and continue their breastfeeding journey comfortably—without extended waiting periods for relief.

Why Choose Feel Good Chiropractic for Your Nipple Pain?

Our approach to nipple pain and fissures is different. We focus on:

Advanced PBM therapy utilizing our state-of-the-art Class IV laser

Rapid results - many mothers experience relief after just 1-2 sessions

Continued breastfeeding during the healing process

Transparent pricing with no surprise bills

No insurance required – our self-pay options make quality care affordable

Convenient online booking and same-day appointments for urgent pain

Understanding Nipple Pain and Fissure

What Are Nipple Fissures?

Nipple fissures are cracks or breaks in the skin of the nipple that can cause significant pain, especially during breastfeeding. These fissures may be small or quite deep, and they often bleed or form scabs. Alongside fissures, many mothers experience general nipple pain, soreness, or abrasions that make breastfeeding uncomfortable or extremely painful.

Common Symptoms of Nipple Damage

Sharp, shooting, or burning pain during and after breastfeeding
Visible cracks, splits, or fissures in the nipple skin
Bleeding or scabbing on the nipple
Blanching (whitening) of the nipple during or after feeding
Tenderness or pain when clothing touches the nipples
Hesitation to breastfeed due to anticipation of pain
Incomplete feedings as baby or mother terminates nursing due to discomfort

Common Causes Leading to Nipple Pain and Fissures

Improper Latch

The most common cause of nipple damage is a shallow or incorrect latch that places excessive pressure on the nipple instead of the areola, causing friction and compression.

Tongue or Lip Ties

Restricted oral tissues in the baby can affect how they latch and suckle, often leading to nipple trauma as they compensate for limited tongue or lip movement.

Improper Positioning

Breastfeeding positions that don't align the baby well with the breast can create pulling or friction on the nipple during feeding.

Strong Suction or Incorrect Breaking of Suction

A baby with very strong suction or improperly breaking the latch (pulling the baby off without first breaking the suction) can damage nipple tissue.

Pump Trauma

Incorrect flange sizing, excessive suction settings, or improper positioning with breast pumps can cause or worsen nipple damage.

Skin Conditions

Conditions like eczema, dermatitis, or bacterial/fungal infections can contribute to nipple pain and slow healing of existing fissures.

Environmental Factors

Harsh soaps, excessive moisture, friction from breast pads or clothing, and extreme weather can all affect nipple skin integrity.

How PBM Therapy Works to Heal Nipple Pain and Fissures

Accelerated Tissue Healing

PBM therapy delivers specific wavelengths of light energy that penetrate nipple tissue to stimulate cellular repair processes and accelerate healing of damaged skin.

The Science Behind the Relief:

Increases Blood Circulation to the nipple area, bringing healing nutrients and oxygen
Reduces Inflammation in the damaged tissue, decreasing pain and swelling
Accelerates Cell Reproduction and Growth to close cracks and rebuild healthy skin
Delivers Pain Relief by modulating pain signals

Using the same advanced LightForce laser technology trusted by medical professionals nationwide, our PBM therapy provides a powerful, painless treatment for nipple damage. Many mothers experience significant pain reduction after the very first treatment and visible healing of fissures within 24-48 hours.

Your Path to Comfortable Breastfeeding

1. Assessment & Examination ✓

We start with a careful evaluation of your nipple condition, including examination of any fissures, abrasions, or other damage. We'll discuss your breastfeeding experience, pain levels, and any previous treatments you've tried. Understanding the severity and causes of your nipple pain helps us create the most effective treatment plan.

2. Personalized Care Plan ✓

Based on your assessment, we'll create a treatment plan that includes one or more PBM therapy sessions, along with practical recommendations for preventing further damage. We'll explain exactly how the treatment works and set realistic expectations for relief and healing.

3. Gentle Treatment ✓

During your treatment session:

You'll be comfortably seated in a private treatment room
Your doctor will carefully operate the laser over the nipple area
You'll feel gentle warmth as the therapeutic light reaches the damaged tissue
Treatment sessions typically last 1-2 minutes per nipple
The procedure is completely painless and requires no special preparation
You can nurse immediately following treatment

4. You're Back Bonding With Your Baby ✓

Most mothers notice a significant reduction in pain during their very next feeding after treatment. Visible healing of fissures typically begins within 24-48 hours, with many mothers reporting complete relief after 2-3 sessions. Unlike traditional treatments that may take weeks to show results, PBM therapy provides rapid healing that allows you to continue breastfeeding comfortably, particularly when used along side some short term nipple protection.

Comprehensive Support for Your Nursing Journey

While laser therapy is our primary approach for healing nipple damage, we believe in addressing all factors that contribute to nipple pain. As part of your care, we may also provide practical breastfeeding recommendations, many of which can be found in our 25 page Breast and Nipple Pain Guide.

Professional Referral Network

We proudly work with other lactation professionals in the Ankeny area. For dedicated lactation support, we recommend Crystel Corbin, RN, IBCLC at Latchia.com—a trusted International Board Certified Lactation Consultant who can provide complementary care for latch and positioning issues that may be contributing to your nipple pain.

Real Results from Nursing Mothers Around Ankeny

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I visited Feel Good Chiropractic & Wellness and had a great experience! I went for the laser therapy for breastfeeding and lactation. Dr. Isaiah was so helpful throughout the whole process. He answered all of my questions and ensured I knew exactly what to expect with the process. I was experiencing recurring clogged ducts and after the second visit, I have not had any issues. Definitely a great option to look into for the many different benefits!
-Amy. B

Nipple Pain Relief in Ankeny