Common Breastfeeding Difficulties

Breastfeeding is natural, so it should be easy, right? Not always. Yes, it’s true that our bodies are designed to produce milk for our babies (barring some rare physical or medical condition), but that doesn’t always mean it comes naturally, and it almost never comes easily. I don’t know why we don’t talk more honestly and openly about this with new moms and first-time breast feeders. Especially for working moms, breastfeeding takes a serious commitment from mom to make it work, but even for moms who are able to stay with their newborn during those breastfeeding months/years full-time, there could be some challenges:

Flat/inverted nipples
Thrush
Sore or cracked nipples
Poor latch
Tongue and lip ties
Supply issues
Mastitis
Medications while nursing
Sleepy baby
Painful or overactive letdown

You may not experience any of these, and you likely won’t experience all of these, but it helps to at least be familiar with some of these more common issues should a concern arise. Flat or inverted nipples are something you can look for during pregnancy, while tongue and lip ties are things you’ll have to wait and see when your baby gets here. There’s no way to predict if you’ll have supply issues, even from one baby to the next, and there’s no way to know if you’ll end up needing to take medications while nursing unless you’re already on medications for an pre-existing condition. There are ways to prevent mastitis and cracked nipples from the get-go, and having a good knowledge of breast feeding techniques and positions can really help you ease into it when your baby gets here.

As a doula, I provide clients with some basic lactation information, and immediate postpartum support. If your doula is not educated in breastfeeding herself, or if her knowledge is limited, it is always a great idea to consider hiring a lactation consultant. Even the most experienced breastfeeders can benefit from the deep well of knowledge found with a lactation consultant. Most hospitals and birthing centers also have breastfeeding programs available for moms who deliver at their facilities.

If you are wanting some great places to check out online for more breastfeeding info: