Breastfeeding can be a comfortable and relaxing bonding experience when everything goes well. Unfortunately sometimes it doesn’t. Initially, you might feel physical pain or discomfort when you breastfeed, which can make feeding your baby difficult and frustrating.
The following is an overview of some breastfeeding problems and possible solutions. If you are continuously having nursing problems or experiencing any difficulties not covered here, please contact your healthcare provider.
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Here are some common reasons why breastfeeding may become difficult:
Health considerations
Breastfeeding is easiest when both you and your baby are comfortable. It is common to have some pain or discomfort when your baby first latches on and begins feeding.
For many women, nipple soreness can be caused by:
- Feeding technique
- Poor nipple care
- Teething baby
- Breastfeeding position
Engorged or "full" breasts
Engorgement is caused by swelling congestion of the blood vessels in the breast, and the arrival of milk, which can cause the breasts to become swollen, hard, and painful.
The nipples cannot protrude to allow the baby to latch on correctly, perpetuating the problem and making nursing even more difficult.
Pain, stress, and anxiety can interfere with the letdown reflex, resulting in milk buildup.
The treatment for breast engorgement includes:
Learning to relax and finding a comfortable position
Nursing often (eight times or more in 24 hours) and for at least 15 minutes at each feeding
Expressing milk manually or with a pump
Alternating between taking warm showers and using cold compresses to help relieve the discomfort
Breast milk shortage
Your baby's demand and your body’s natural ability to produce will determine your supply. Frequent feedings, adequate rest, good nutrition, and sufficient fluid intake can help maintain a consistent feeding ability. If you have concerns about how much breast milk your baby is getting, talk with your healthcare provider.
Plugged milk duct
Plugged milk ducts are common. A milk duct can become plugged if the baby does not feed well, if the mother skips feedings (common when the child is weaning), or if she is wearing a constricting bra.
Occasionally, a tiny white dot can be seen at the opening of the duct on the nipple. Massaging the area and putting gentle pressure on it can help to remove the plug. Get extra sleep or relax. Sometimes a plugged duct is the first sign of a mother who is doing too much.
Symptoms of a plugged milk duct include:
- Tenderness
- Heat and redness in one area
- A lump that can be felt close to the skin
Breast infection
A breast infection (mastitis) causes aching muscles, fever, and a red, hot, tender area on one breast. Consult your healthcare provider if you develop these symptoms. Continuing to nurse from the affected breast will promote healing, and does not harm your baby. If nursing becomes too uncomfortable, pumping or manual expression is recommended.
If you’d like to find out more about how you could make breastfeeding more comfortable, please refer to our guide to breastfeeding positions.
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