Breastfeeding is a vital process that nurtures the physical and emotional connection between a mother and her newborn. However, despite its many benefits, breastfeeding can come with challenges — one of the most common being nipple pain. This discomfort can be so intense that some mothers consider stopping breastfeeding altogether. Fortunately, a growing body of research suggests that a form of light therapy known as photobiomodulation (also called low-level laser therapy, or LLLT) may offer significant relief. This article explores the scientific evidence behind this innovative therapy, focusing specifically on peer-reviewed studies published between 2016 and 2025.
Understanding Nipple Pain During Breastfeeding
Nipple pain is a frequent complaint among breastfeeding mothers, especially in the early weeks postpartum. Causes can range from poor latch, dry skin, friction from feeding, and sometimes even infections. Persistent pain may lead to anxiety, stress, and, in severe cases, early weaning. Traditional approaches to managing nipple pain include correcting feeding techniques, using nipple creams, or taking short breaks from breastfeeding. However, these strategies don’t always work effectively, and that’s where photobiomodulation therapy comes in.
What is Photobiomodulation (Low-Level Laser Therapy)?
Photobiomodulation (PBM), also known as low-level laser therapy (LLLT), involves the use of specific wavelengths of light to stimulate cellular processes. Unlike high-power lasers used in surgery, LLLT uses a much lower intensity, meaning it doesn’t cause tissue damage or burning. Instead, it promotes tissue repair, reduces inflammation, and alleviates pain by influencing mitochondrial function and enhancing blood circulation in the treated area. These effects make PBM particularly appealing for conditions like nipple trauma, where healing and pain relief are urgently needed but delicate tissues must be protected.
Key Findings From Clinical Research
1. Immediate Relief After a Single Laser Session
In a randomized controlled trial by Camargo et al. (2020), researchers tested whether a single application of LLLT could reduce nipple pain in breastfeeding mothers. The study included 90 women who experienced moderate to severe nipple pain. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either a one-time laser session or a placebo treatment.
What they found: Mothers who received just one laser treatment reported significantly lower pain levels compared to those in the control group. The study showed that LLLT could offer immediate and meaningful pain relief after only one session, suggesting that it may be a convenient and effective tool for managing breastfeeding-related pain (Camargo et al., 2020).
2. Triple-Blind Study Confirms the Benefits
Another robust study by Coca et al. (2016) further validated the effectiveness of LLLT. In this triple-blind, randomized controlled trial, neither the participants, clinicians, nor the evaluators knew who was receiving real laser treatment and who was getting a placebo. This study involved 87 mothers and used a specially designed protocol for consistency.
The results were clear: Mothers who underwent LLLT experienced a significant reduction in nipple pain compared to the placebo group. More importantly, this pain relief was not only immediate but also lasted over the following days. The researchers emphasized that PBM was a safe and non-invasive method, making it suitable even for sensitive breastfeeding mothers (Coca et al., 2016).
3. Laser Therapy Improves More Than Just Pain
A review article by Buck, Eckereder, and Amir (2016) looked into the broader effects of LLLT on breastfeeding problems. While nipple pain was a central issue, they also observed benefits like improved healing of cracked or bleeding nipples, faster resolution of blocked milk ducts, and reduced inflammation.
Notably: The review highlighted that LLLT not only helped with pain management but also encouraged continued breastfeeding, preventing premature weaning. These findings support the idea that addressing nipple pain effectively is essential not just for maternal comfort but also for successful long-term breastfeeding outcomes (Buck et al., 2016).
4. Newborns May Benefit Too
A 2024 study by Elseody et al. explored an even broader question: could PBM help both mothers and their newborns? This investigation suggested that treating maternal nipple pain with photobiomodulation had indirect positive effects on newborns. For example, babies showed better feeding behaviors when their mothers experienced less nipple pain. Reduced maternal distress also translated into calmer and more responsive infants.
The authors concluded: PBM holds promise not just as a therapy for mothers but as an intervention that could enhance the breastfeeding experience for both mother and child (Elseody et al., 2024).
5. Meta-Analysis Confirms Overall Effectiveness
The most recent and comprehensive research comes from a 2025 systematic review and meta-analysis by de Oliveira Alves et al. This study analyzed data from several randomized clinical trials, including the ones already discussed.
Key findings included:
LLLT consistently reduced nipple pain across different studies and populations.
No significant side effects were reported.
Improvements were seen after just one or two sessions in many cases.
Healing of nipple cracks or sores was also accelerated.
This meta-analysis is significant because it pooled results from multiple trials, increasing confidence in the overall effectiveness and safety of LLLT. The authors described photobiomodulation as a “promising approach” for breastfeeding-related nipple injuries and recommended it as part of clinical care strategies (de Oliveira Alves et al., 2025).
Safety and Practical Considerations
One of the most compelling reasons to consider LLLT for nipple pain is its safety profile. According to all studies reviewed, there were no harmful effects reported. The therapy is painless, non-invasive, and doesn’t interfere with breastfeeding routines. Treatments are usually quick, taking only a few minutes, and can be done in clinical settings or even using approved home-use devices under supervision.
That said, proper training is important. The success of LLLT depends on the right wavelength, timing, and dosage. Healthcare providers must be adequately trained to ensure safe and effective application. It’s also worth noting that more research is still needed to determine long-term benefits and optimal treatment protocols.
Why This Matters for Breastfeeding Mothers
The pain of breastfeeding is real and can be deeply discouraging. For many mothers, it can turn what should be a bonding and nurturing experience into a stressful ordeal. By offering quick, gentle, and effective pain relief, photobiomodulation may make it easier for mothers to continue breastfeeding for as long as they choose.
Moreover, when nipple pain is reduced, babies benefit too — they feed more effectively, gain weight properly, and stay emotionally connected to their mothers. The mental and emotional well-being of both mother and child improves when feeding is a comfortable and positive experience.
Conclusion
Nipple pain during breastfeeding is common, but it doesn’t have to be unbearable. Photobiomodulation, or low-level laser therapy, offers a scientifically backed, gentle, and effective solution for relieving this pain and promoting nipple healing. Studies from 2016 to 2025 show strong evidence that this therapy works — often after just one session — and has no reported side effects. It may even enhance the breastfeeding experience for both mother and baby.
As more healthcare providers become familiar with the use of LLLT, it could soon become a standard option in postpartum care. For now, the evidence is clear: photobiomodulation is a safe and promising approach that deserves serious consideration by both mothers and clinicians alike.
References:
Elseody MHAA, Mohamed MAE, Alsharnoubi J. (2024). Could Photobiomodulation help lactating women and their newborns? Lasers Med Sci, 39(1):192. doi:10.1007/s10103-024-04132-w. PMID: 39046567; PMCID: PMC11269476.
Camargo BTS, Coca KP, Amir LH, Corrêa L, Aranha ACC, Marcacine KO, Abuchaim ÉSV, Abrão ACFV. (2020). The effect of a single irradiation of low-level laser on nipple pain in breastfeeding women: a randomized controlled trial. Lasers Med Sci, 35(1):63-69. doi:10.1007/s10103-019-02786-5. PMID: 31030379.
Coca KP, Marcacine KO, Gamba MA, Corrêa L, Aranha AC, Abrão AC. (2016). Efficacy of Low-Level Laser Therapy in Relieving Nipple Pain in Breastfeeding Women: A Triple-Blind, Randomized, Controlled Trial. Pain Manag Nurs, 17(4):281-9. doi:10.1016/j.pmn.2016.05.003. PMID: 27363734.
Buck ML, Eckereder G, Amir LH. (2016). Low level laser therapy for breastfeeding problems. Breastfeed Rev, 24(2):27-31. PMID: 29211392.
de Oliveira Alves R, Faccioli Ragghianti MH, Nunes LP, Ferreira MF, Alves de Toledo PT, Ferrisse TM, Passadori Martins T, Nunes GP. (2025). Photobiomodulation as a promising approach in the management of nipple lesions during breastfeeding: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. Lasers Med Sci, 40(1):276. doi:10.1007/s10103-025-04531-7. PMID: 40500396.
