10 common breastfeeding challenges and how to manage them

Breastfeeding is a natural way to feed your baby, but this doesn't mean it's easy! As a certified lactation consultant in Dubai, I understand how overwhelming it can be when breastfeeding doesn't go as smoothly as expected. Whether you're a first-time mum or have previous experience, encountering issues can be both frustrating and concerning.

In this blog, I’ll talk about some of the most common breastfeeding problems and provide practical solutions to help you and your baby enjoy a successful breastfeeding journey.

1. Latching difficulties

Latching difficulties occur when the baby has trouble attaching to the breast properly. This can cause low milk transfer and discomfort for the mother, as well as a hungry and frustrated baby.

Signs to look for:

• Shallow latch
• Clicking sounds during feeding
• Fussiness at the breast
• Nipple pain/trauma

What to do:

• Ensure correct positioning and latch technique.
• Experiment with different breastfeeding positions.
• Seek guidance from your lactation consultant to improve your baby’s latch.

2. Sore or cracked nipples

What It Is: Sore nipples are common in the early stages of breastfeeding and are often a result of improper latching.

Signs to look for:

• Painful nipples
• Redness or swelling
• Cracks or bleeding

What to do:

• Focus on achieving a proper latch.
• Use nipple creams or breast shields.
• Allow your nipples to air dry after feeding to promote healing.

3. Engorgement

What it is: Engorgement happens when your breasts become overly full of milk, leading to discomfort and swelling.

Signs to look For:

• Hard, tight breasts
• Pain and swelling
• Difficulty in milk flow
• Baby has difficulty latching

What to do:

• Feed or pump regularly to relieve the fullness (if feeding, be careful to avoid oversupply with excess pumping)
• Apply warm compresses before feeding to soften the breast.
• Use cold compresses after feeding to reduce swelling.

4. Blocked milk ducts

What it is: A blocked milk duct can cause a painful lump in the breast, and if left untreated, it can lead to more severe issues like mastitis.

Signs to look for:

• Tender lumps in the breast
• Redness around the area
• Mild fever

What to do:

• Continue breastfeeding or pumping to keep the milk flowing.
• Gently massage the affected area to clear the blockage.
• Apply heat and rest to aid in recovery.

5. Mastitis

What it is: Mastitis is an infection of the breast tissue, often due to a blocked duct or bacteria entering the breast.

Signs to look for:

• Red, swollen, and painful breast
• Fever, chills, and flu-like symptoms

What to do:

• Keep breastfeeding to prevent milk stasis, making it worse.
• Consult a doctor for antibiotics if needed.Consult immediately if you have a fever/chills.
• Use warm compresses to ease discomfort and promote milk flow.

6. Low milk supply

What it is: Some mothers worry about not producing enough milk to satisfy their baby’s needs.

Signs to look for:

• Baby appears unsatisfied after feeding
• Poor weight gain

What to do:

• Breastfeed frequently to stimulate production.
• Ensure your baby is latching well.
• Practice skin-to-skin contact to encourage milk flow.
• Consult your lactation expert for personalised advice and consider herbs/medications and power pumping to boost supply.

7. Oversupply of milk

What it is: An oversupply of milk can cause discomfort for both mother and baby, leading to issues like engorgement or a fast let-down.

Signs to look for:

• Baby coughing, gagging, or choking during feeding
• Frequent leaks

What to do:

• Feed on one breast per session to regulate supply.
• Express a small amount of milk before feeding to reduce the flow.
• Experiment with feeding positions that help slow the milk flow.

8. Nipple thrush

What it is: Nipple thrush is a yeast infection that can affect both mother and baby, causing pain and irritation.

Signs to look for:

• Bright red, itchy, or burning nipples
• Pain during or after feeding
• White patches in the baby’s mouth

What to do:

• Use antifungal treatments prescribed by your healthcare provider.
• Treat both mother and baby to prevent reinfection.
• Maintain good breast hygiene and wash anything that comes into contact with the baby’s mouth or your nipples.

9. Inverted or flat nipples

What it is: Some women have flat or inverted nipples, which can make breastfeeding more challenging.

Signs to look for:

• Difficulty in getting the baby to latch

What to do:

• Use breast shells or nipple shields to help the baby latch.
• Try different breastfeeding positions to find what works best.
• Seek help from your lactation specialist for guidance and support.

10. Baby’s feeding problems (e.g., tongue tie)

What it is: Some babies have conditions like tongue-tie or lip-tie that make latching difficult.

Signs to look for:

• Shallow latch
• Nipple pain during feeding
• Baby’s inability to stay latched

How to Address It:

• Get an assessment from a pediatrician or lactation consultant.
• Consider surgical correction (frenotomy) if necessary.
• Continue to seek support for improving latch and feeding techniques.

‍

Breastfeeding is a journey that comes with its share of ups and downs. If you’re facing any of these common breastfeeding challenges, remember that you’re not alone. As a lactation consultant and licensed children's nurse, I’m here to support you every step of the way. Whether you need help with breastfeeding, sleep coaching, baby massage, or starting solids, my in- person and virtual consultations are designed to meet your unique needs, no matter where you are in the world.

Reach out today to book a consultation and take the next step towards a more comfortable and confident breastfeeding experience.

‍

‍