5 Breastfeeding hurdles & how to overcome them

1. I can’t tell if my baby is latching properly

Latching is how your baby attaches to the breast to feed. While breastfeeding may feel natural and instinctive for some, for most, it’s actually a learned skill. Many babies need to figure out how to properly latch and this process can take time. 

It might not always be clear how well your baby is latching in the first few weeks, but luckily there are a few things you can do to check for effective latching, including: 

• Look for signs of latching: A deep latch is when your baby is attached to the breast tissue around the nipple and not just the nipple itself. Your baby’s chin should be resting gently on the breast and their lips turned out — this is known as “fish lips”. 
• Feel for signs of latching: You might be able to feel your baby’s tongue scooping the breast, and your breast should feel softer and emptier after feeding.
• Listen for signs of latching: You may be able to hear your baby audibly swallow during feeding. 

Feeding shouldn’t be painful, and discomfort during or after feeding can be a sign that your baby hasn’t got the hang of latching yet. Problems with latching can lead to other issues like cracked nipples, clogged milk ducts, and your baby not feeding efficiently [1].

Keep in mind that these difficulties are very common and not something you need to push through alone. Plenty of people struggle with latching in the early days of their breastfeeding experience. A lactation consultant or healthcare professional can help you learn more about this process and give you useful tips. 

2. My nipples are sore

You might expect to feel some soreness as you begin breastfeeding. However, if you experience cracked or bleeding nipples or pain between feedings, it’s time to seek support. As mentioned, sore nipples can be a sign of your baby struggling with latching, so it’s good to address this hurdle sooner rather than later. 

There are plenty of creams and ointments you can get over the counter — such as lanolin cream — that can be used to soothe and treat cracked nipples. However, another solution may be closer to hand. The antibacterial properties found in breast milk can also help moisturize and promote healing. Try to wear loose and breathable clothes and try breast shells — these can reduce friction and help the area heal. Nothing replaces a conversation, so talk to a professional if you would like more advice.

3. My milk ducts are clogged

Clogged milk ducts are a common hurdle while breastfeeding. Also known as a plugged milk duct, clogged ducts happen when the flow of breast milk is obstructed. This in turn causes hard, tender, or painful lumps in the breast. As well as being painful, the discomfort can have a knock-on effect on how many times you can feed and how long you feed. 

Clogged milk ducts should also be taken seriously as they can quickly develop into mastitis, an infection of the breast tissue that is often accompanied by fever and chills [2].

It’s not always clear what’s caused a clogged milk duct, but they can be caused by skipping a feed or having an oversupply of milk. Tight clothing or bras can also be a cause of blocked milk ducts.

To treat and limit future clogged milk ducts, you can:

• Keep feeding: Continuing to feed frequently is the most effective way to unclog the breast, and consistent future feeding and/or pumping may limit future clogged milk ducts. Give priority to the affected breast, but don’t completely skip feeding from the other one either.
• Try different positions: If some feeding positions are uncomfortable you can try feeding your baby from a different angle. 
• Massage the breast: Firmly touching your breasts can help alleviate discomfort and may help unclog the duct. You may find this easier and more effective if you do it while in the shower.
• Express milk: If feeding isn’t helping or is overly uncomfortable you might find it easier to express milk in the short term instead. 
• Wear loose clothing: Avoiding tight-fitting or uncomfortable fabrics can provide relief and limit your chances of getting a clogged duct in the future. 
• Get support: Talk to a healthcare professional or lactation consultant to learn more about your specific case and what might be causing your clogged milk duct.

Sometimes a clogged milk duct just happens, and if there’s no easy way to make it go away, talk to your lactation consultant, healthcare professional, or support network. Left untreated, clogged milk ducts can develop into mastitis in only a matter of hours, so it’s important you don’t try to push through periods of pain or discomfort. 

4. I’m concerned my baby isn’t feeding enough

It can be very difficult to tell how much your baby is eating and this can be a real source of stress and confusion for new parents. From ensuring you have a continuous milk supply, to monitoring the feeding frequency of your baby, there are a lot of things to take into consideration when you start nursing. It’s important to remember that breastfeeding is a skill — the more you practice, the more you will learn along the way. 

Everyone’s journey is different, but you should expect your newborn baby to feed 8-12 times or more every 24 hours [3]. While it might seem counter-intuitive, it’s often recommended to wake your newborn up during the night to feed during the first few weeks, especially if they sleep for longer stretches. 

If you’re worried your baby might not be eating enough you can also nurse “on demand” where you offer to breastfeed at the slightest signal from your baby, instead of waiting a set time between feeds.

Your pediatrician, midwife, or other healthcare professional will help you monitor your baby’s weight, which can be a good indication of whether or not they are eating enough. A little weight loss in the first few days after birth is normal, but a lack of steady weight gain for a continued period can be a sign your little one isn’t eating enough. 

You can also keep track of dirty diapers, as your baby’s poop can be a good indicator of how much they are eating. You may notice a change in your baby’s poop as you continue to feed and your breast milk changes too. 

If you have questions about feeding frequency or are worried your baby isn’t feeding enough, don’t hesitate to talk to a lactation consultant or healthcare professional. 

5. My baby prefers to feed on one side 

It’s common for one breast to produce more milk than the other, or that a baby or parent prefers to feed on one side over the other. In most cases, this isn’t a cause for concern as long as you are comfortable and your baby is gaining weight [4].

You can encourage your baby to feed on the less preferred side by trying different positions or encouraging them to feed on this side when they are sleepy or very hungry [5]. You may also find it helpful to pump milk from the less preferred side to keep the milk supply in this breast and avoid clogged milk ducts. 

If you are concerned about one-sided feeding or would like advice on different breastfeeding positions or techniques, talk to your healthcare provider or visit The Lactation Network for more information. 

What is TLN?

The Lactation Network connects families with insurance-covered lactation consultants and the resources that they need to thrive. If you’re based in the US and looking for support on your breastfeeding journey, head over to their website to request a consultation. You can also visit TLN’s content library for more practical tips and guidance.

With you throughout your postpartum journey

At Natural Cycles, we understand everyone’s journey to parenthood is unique. Whether you choose to breastfeed or bottle feed your baby (or both!), there are no right or wrong decisions, but we want you to have access to as much guidance and information as possible during this time. 

Our latest app mode NC° Postpartum is packed full of support for new parents, including a guide to your recovery timeline and mental health check-ins. When you’re ready to start using birth control again, we’re also here to help you navigate the transition with NC° Birth Control, FDA Cleared contraception. Haven’t tried it yet? Find out if Natural Cycles could work for you.