Breastfeeding is meant to be a comfortable, pleasant experience. Most of us have heard stories of sore nipples. You can avoid this problem most of the time. However, many new mothers still find their nipples are tender for the first few days when the baby starts nursing. This usually disappears by the second week.

Nipple soreness is usually an indication of improper positioning of the baby at the breast and an incorrect latch.

Here are the steps to correct latch-on and breastfeeding for the cradle position:

Choose a position that is comfortable for you and your baby. (ie. favorite chair, your bed, the couch)
Turn the baby on his/her side so that the head and chest are facing you. Tummy-to-tummy.
  Express a few drops of milk from your breast. This will encourage baby's latch.
  Tickle baby's upper and lower lips with your nipple until his/her mouth opens wide.
Quickly, but gently get baby to breast. Always keep baby's head, shoulder and hip in a line. Your nipple will point slightly toward the roof of baby's mouth.