Breastfeeding problems
If you're breastfeeding you may experience some problems or worries from time to time, many of which are very common. Read below to find answers to your breastfeeding problems.
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My baby won't latch on properly
Is he well in himself? Does he have any white patches on his gums or tongue that either won't come off or may bleed if you rub them? If so, these are symptoms of thrush which can cause difficulties with feeding.
It may help to try different positions (link to positions page) and also to try to latch him on as soon as he shows any signs of hunger - it can be more difficult if your baby has already become distressed before trying to latch on.
You may find it helpful to have a look at video too:
FREE NEWBORN NAPPIES
We also recommend getting some support from a local breastfeeding advisor group or your Health Visitor.
Inverted nipples
Flat and inverted nipples are very common and midwives are trained to help you get the most from breastfeeding and will in no way make you feel embarrassed or inadequate in terms of being able to breastfeed.
The baby feeds from the breast and not the nipple and in most cases is able to draw out the nipple through breastfeeding.
However there are breast shells you can wear for a period each day from the 3rd trimester onwards that can help to draw out the nipple.
It is often recommended that you express briefly by machine before offering the baby the breast as this can help draw out the nipple and see if there is a breastfeeding support group near you. They will be able to support you through the problems too and they have more time.
Sarah says "I had a slightly inverted nipple but my baby latched on with help and drew it out. The only problem arose when my milk came in as my boobs were so engorged that she could not get attached. I found that expressing a little from the "problem boob" before offering it to her resolved the issue."
Need advice?
Our health visitors and nursery nurses are on line Monday to Friday evenings to answer your queries on feeding, sleep and child health.
Breast pain
There are several reasons why you may have breast pain whilst breastfeeding. The most common reason is that your baby is not latched on properly - find more information about latching on and positioning. Even though you may think your baby looks latched on ok if you are in pain then double check your latch as this is most likely to be the cause of the pain. Try to find a local breastfeeding support group. It is a good idea if they see your baby feeding.
If you have sudden onset of pain in the middle of your breast and it is accompanied by heat or redness then you may have a blocked duct or mastitis.
I don't think I have enough milk
It is very unlikely that you won’t produce enough milk for your baby. You can increase your supply by feeding your baby more often and offering the breast as often as your baby would like. You should try to ensure your baby feeds well on each breast to reach the hind milk rather than offering a little from each breast.
Do make sure you are looking after mum too. Regular rest and food and drink can really help especially in the early days when you are feeding more often.
It seems to take too long
If you have a new baby and you seem to spend all day feeding then keep going with the good work. Frequent feeding is very common in the early days, babies can feed up to 12 times a day and this is absolutely normal if your baby has frequent wet nappies, is gaining weight and is generally happy in themselves. Mums generally feel like it takes too long because they can’t get on with other things. In the early days it helps to have a laid back attitude to house chores, or to get someone else organised to help you, even those guests who arrive can be asked to do something whilst you feed the baby. Most mums would be happy to help out.
It can also help to be organised before you start feeding: have a comfy chair, an MP3 player or the tv remote, cushions, a drink and anything else you need before you start. Once you get breastfeeding established some mums find they can feed whilst the baby is in a sling and this can be a great help to get a few things done whilst you feed.
My baby is suddenly feeding all the time
This could be the sign of what is often referred to a growth spurt, for some reason you baby just seems to want to feed more. You can find lots more information on our 'hungry baby' page, but simply put for the time being you are going to have to offer your baby more time on the breast as and when she needs it.
My baby is crying and pulling off
The most common reason for this is ironically too much milk, sometimes it all spurts out so that there is too much for baby to cope with. You will find that changing position will help, as well as expressing the first fast flowing milk off. If this continues you may have a condition called hyperlactation and its recommended that you see a local breast feeding supporter from some specialist support.
My baby isn't gaining enough weight
Firstly don’t compare your baby to other babies and certainly not to their formula fed friends as breastfed babies tend to gain weight more slowly and steadily than formula fed babies. The most obvious advice is to feed your baby more often and also to make sure that your baby is getting down to the hind milk. This is not a precise science as your breasts arn’t see through, but you should try to ensure that your baby feeds until they want to come off the breast of their own accord.
The following advice from the NHS shows what you should be looking for to ensure your baby is feeding well:
- Your baby has a large mouthful of breast.
- Your baby's chin is touching your breast.
- It doesn't hurt you to feed (although the first few sucks may feel strong).
- If you can see the dark skin around your nipple, you should see more dark skin above your baby's top lip than below their bottom lip.
- Your baby's cheeks stay rounded during sucking.
- Your baby takes rhythmic, long sucks and swallows. It's normal for them to pause sometimes.
- Your baby finishes the feed and comes off the breast on their own.
Another indication of good feeding is the contents of the nappy! Is your baby wetting his nappy regularly, and doing a dirty nappy at least once a day? This can show you how much milk your baby is taking in these early weeks.
Medication whilst feeding
If you are taking medication whilst feeding you can get advice from the Breastfeeding Network via email or phone.
Chewing fingers - is she hungry?
Sucking and chewing on hands is a normal part of development and your baby will soon be putting anything she can hold in her mouth to explore their texture. Don't try to stop her doing this, it is normal behaviour and helps when it is time to introduce solid foods at 6 months of age. Just make sure that small objects which could be a choking hazard are well out of her reach.
More breastfeeding problems
- Mastitis
- Thrush
- Engorged breasts
- Cracked nipples
Need advice?
Our health visitors and nursery nurses are on line Monday to Friday evenings to answer your queries on feeding, sleep and child health.
