Common Breastfeeding Problems and How to Solve Them

Breastfeeding is a natural process that benefits both the nursing parent and the baby. It

is recommended to exclusively breastfeed your baby for the first 6 months of their life.

After that, you can start supplementing with solids while breastfeeding for the remainder

of your child's first year, or longer if desired. Breast milk provides all the nutrition your

baby needs and also helps strengthen their immune system, development, and your

bond with them. But as natural as breastfeeding is, challenges can still arise.

Fortunately, with the right support and by addressing those problems right away, you

can often resolve them for a positive breastfeeding experience.

Mastering the Latch

One of the common reasons for breastfeeding pain is improper latching. A correct latch

is important for comfortable breastfeeding and to ensure that your baby gets enough

milk. If your baby is latched correctly, you should feel pressure, not pain. Your baby

should also have a wide mouthful of areola (not just the nipple). Their chin should be

touching your breast, with their nose close to your breast. If latching isn't correct or you

experience significant pain, gently detach your baby’s suction with your finger and try

again. Place four fingers under your breast with your thumb on top to present the nipple

to your baby (known as the C-hold). This helps make the areola narrower and the nipple

protrude more for an easier grasp. Then, stroke your baby's lower lip and move their

chin closer to your breast, which will encourage them to latch on properly.

Addressing Sore Nipples, Discomfort, and Mastitis

Some discomfort can be normal in the early days, but intense or persistent nipple pain

is not. In addition to an improper latch, reasons for pain could include dry and chapped

skin, infant tongue-tie, or a nipple or breast infection, such as mastitis. Try expressing a

few drops of breast milk to soothe the area after feeding, and air-dry naturally. If

discomfort continues beyond the first few days, reach out for help by talking to your

pediatrician or an IBCLC lactation consultant. If you have an infection like mastitis,

which occurs when the breast doesn't drain enough, it's important to seek treatment.

Use cold compresses and antibiotics, along with frequent nursing, rest, fluids, and anti-

inflammatory pain medication. For more information, check out this guide. 

Treating Engorgement

Engorgement happens when your breasts become overly full, stiff, swollen, and painful.

It often occurs in the early postpartum days or when feedings are delayed. If left

untreated, it can decrease your milk supply, cause clogged ducts, or lead to mastitis. To

relieve engorgement, try nursing (or pumping) more frequently on demand and on the

fuller side. Gently massaging your breasts toward the nipple during feeding and

applying warm compresses before feeding and cold packs afterward can also help. 

Treating Clogged Ducts

Sometimes a duct can become clogged when the milk flow is blocked, which can lead to

a tender lump in the breast. The causes of clogged ducts include abrupt changes in the

feeding schedule, inadequate draining of the breast, not changing the breastfeeding

position more often, or wearing clothes or bras that are too tight. You can treat clogged

ducts by continuing to nurse or pump on the affected side, applying warm compresses,

lightly massaging the breast, changing your nursing positions to drain different areas of

the breast, and taking a warm shower or bath before feeding to help with milk flow. If

redness, fever, or flu-like symptoms develop (signs of mastitis), contact your healthcare

provider. Plugged ducts can become infected if untreated.

Inadequate Milk Consumption and Low Supply

Not sure if your baby is getting enough milk?  Signs of adequate milk consumption are

regular wet diapers (at least 6-8 per day after the first week), a full latch with continual

swallowing, alertness after feeding (or the opposite, a full/sleep baby), and gaining

weight (your pediatrician can help track this). If you have any concerns that your baby is

not getting enough milk, call our office. Your provider will check your baby's weight and

offer solutions if needed. If your milk isn't coming in or your breasts are not full, it's

important to see your healthcare provider. 

Breastfeeding doesn’t always come easily, but with patience, support, and the right

techniques, many challenges can be successfully overcome. For any questions or

concerns about breastfeeding and your baby's growth, call our office.