Common Breastfeeding Challenges and How to Overcome Them

Breastfeeding is a beautiful, natural process, but for many new moms, it can be filled with unexpected challenges. While it’s normal to experience difficulties along the way, the key is knowing that most problems can be resolved with the right information and support. As a Certified Breastfeeding Specialist (CBS) and Registered Nurse (RN), I’ve seen and helped countless moms navigate through their breastfeeding journeys.

In this blog post, I’ll share some of the most common breastfeeding challenges new moms face and offer practical tips to overcome them. Let’s dive in!

Challenge 1: Difficulty with Latch

One of the most common issues new moms experience is difficulty getting the baby to latch properly. A poor latch can cause nipple pain, insufficient milk transfer, and frustration for both you and your baby. This can also lead to decreased milk supply over time if the baby isn't feeding effectively.

Signs of a Poor Latch:

• Pain during breastfeeding

• Cracked or bleeding nipples

• The baby seems hungry right after feeding

• Your baby’s mouth doesn’t cover much of the areola, only the nipple

💡 How to Improve the Latch:

• Make sure your baby’s mouth is wide open before attaching them to the breast. A wide gape ensures a deep latch that covers most of the areola, not just the nipple.

• Positioning is key. Try different breastfeeding positions, like the cross-cradle, football hold, or side-lying position to see which works best for both you and your baby.

• Gently guide your baby’s chin towards the breast, aiming for them to cover more of the lower part of the areola with their bottom lip.

• If latch problems persist, a lactation consultant can observe a feeding session and provide personalized feedback.

Challenge 2: Sore or Cracked Nipples

Sore nipples are common in the early days of breastfeeding, especially if the baby isn’t latching correctly or if there’s overuse. For some moms, nipple sensitivity is higher than normal, making breastfeeding particularly painful. Cracked or bleeding nipples can make each feeding session feel unbearable, and while this issue typically resolves with time and better latch techniques, immediate relief is essential.

Causes of Sore Nipples:

• Poor latch

• Overuse (frequent feeding or pumping)

• Nipple sensitivity or infections like thrush

💡 Tips for Sore Nipple Relief:

• Apply a lanolin-based or all-natural nipple cream after each feed. Products like Motherlove’s Nipple Cream are great for soothing and protecting the skin. You can also apply expressed breast milk to the affected area, as it has natural healing properties.

• Let your nipples air-dry after feeding to reduce moisture buildup and irritation.

• Use breast shells to avoid friction between clothing and sore nipples.

• If your nipples are cracked or bleeding, try nursing on the less affected side first, as babies tend to suckle more vigorously at the start of a feeding.

• If soreness persists, it could be a sign of an underlying issue such as thrush, in which case you should consult your healthcare provider or a lactation consultant.

Challenge 3: Low Milk Supply

Many moms worry about not producing enough milk, but it’s important to remember that most women make more than enough for their babies. That said, if you do have concerns about your milk supply, it’s worth considering a few factors that might be affecting it.

Signs of Low Milk Supply:

• Baby seems unsatisfied after feedings

• Baby isn’t gaining enough weight

• Fewer wet diapers (fewer than 6-8 per day)

💡 How to Boost Milk Supply:

• Breastfeed frequently. Milk production is based on demand, so the more often your baby nurses or you pump, the more milk your body will produce. Aim for 8-12 feedings in a 24-hour period.

• Ensure that your baby is draining the breast effectively. An efficient feeding session helps signal to your body to produce more milk.

• Stay hydrated and eat a balanced diet. Foods like oats, barley, and leafy greens are known to support milk production. Make sure you’re also drinking plenty of water throughout the day.

• Power pump! Power pumping mimics cluster feeding and can stimulate your body to produce more milk. Try pumping for 10 minutes, resting for 10, and repeating the cycle for an hour.

• If you’re still concerned about supply, reach out to a lactation consultant. They can evaluate whether there’s an underlying issue, such as a tongue tie, affecting milk transfer.

Challenge 4: Engorgement

Breast engorgement occurs when your breasts become overly full of milk. This can happen when your milk first comes in or if you miss feedings, leading to a painful, hard, and swollen feeling in the breasts. If left unmanaged, engorgement can lead to blocked ducts or even mastitis.

Signs of Engorgement:

• Hard, swollen breasts

• Pain or discomfort in the breasts

• Difficulty latching for the baby

• Warm or red areas on the breasts

💡 Tips for Relieving Engorgement:

• Before feeding, use a warm compress or take a warm shower to help milk flow and soften the breasts, making it easier for your baby to latch.

• Hand express or pump a small amount of milk to relieve pressure. However, be careful not to pump too much, as this can lead to increased milk production and worsen the engorgement.

• After feeding, use a cold compress to reduce swelling and pain.

• Nurse your baby frequently, ensuring they empty the breasts as much as possible.

• If engorgement persists, consult a healthcare provider or lactation consultant to prevent complications like mastitis.

Challenge 5: Baby Preferring One Breast

It’s not uncommon for babies to favor one breast over the other. This can lead to an uneven milk supply, with one breast producing significantly more than the other. In addition, nursing only from one breast can cause discomfort in the neglected breast, leading to potential engorgement.

Why Babies Might Prefer One Side:

• They find it easier to latch on one side.

• There may be a difference in milk flow between breasts.

• Positioning on one side feels more comfortable for the baby.

💡 How to Encourage Balanced Feeding:

• Start feeding on the less-preferred side when your baby is most hungry, as they tend to nurse more vigorously at the beginning of a session.

• Try different breastfeeding positions, such as the football hold or side-lying, to see if these make your baby more comfortable on the less-preferred side.

• Pump from the less-favored breast to maintain milk supply and relieve any discomfort caused by fullness.

• If the preference persists or becomes a concern, consult a lactation specialist for further advice.

Want to Learn More About Breastfeeding?

Breastfeeding is a journey full of unique challenges, and every mom’s experience is different. But with the right support and knowledge, you can navigate these challenges and have a successful breastfeeding experience.

If you're looking for more in-depth support, download my comprehensive Breastfeeding Ebook from my website! It’s packed with expert advice, practical solutions, and everything you need to know to make your breastfeeding journey smoother.