Coping With Breastfeeding Difficulties

The most important thing to remember when embarking on this breastfeeding journey with your baby is that it's not your fault or your baby's fault if you're having difficulty breastfeeding; newborns are all different. What worked for your best friend or sister, won't necessarily work for you. It will take some time to get to know your baby. There are a few things you can do to make the process go more smoothly.

Some breastfeeding difficulties — latching on and sore nipples — can be prevented. It’s not unusual if your newborn does not latch on to your breast right away. Help him by compressing it into a shape similar to your baby’s mouth, suggested Catherine Warren, a registered nurse and certified lactation consultant for Abrazo Health Care. “Wait for the wide-open mouth and bring in quickly. The more nipple you get into the baby’s mouth the less sore it will get and the more the milk baby gets out of you,” Warren said.

"It took me a while to understand why my baby preferred nursing from my left breast rather than my right," mom of two Amy S. told Mom.com. "Turns out, my milk just let down more slowly in my right breast so it was taking him longer to feel full."

If you're dealing with one-sided breastfeeding problems, offer the non-preferred side when baby is most hungry or just waking up. Their eagerness to nurse should get things flowing smoothly.

Did your mother tell you unappealing stories about her unsuccessful attempts at breastfeeding so you think that is also your fate? Not necessarily, said Warren. Older generations were often instructed to stick to a feeding schedule, which does not help increase milk supply. Your baby’s demand does.

“The more the baby nurses, the more milk you make. Some babies nurse very frequently. That doesn’t mean that you don’t have enough milk. Some babies cluster feed: Short, frequent feeds and then usually have a sleep stretch. All normal,” she said.

Spending hours a day skin-to-skin with your infant assists in breastfeeding by regulating her vital signs through your body temperature, explained Doreen L. Conner, a registered nurse and certified lactation consultant for the Cardon Children’s Medical Center at Banner Desert Medical Center. “If you have any breastfeeding issues, put infant skin-to-skin, and they will often find their way.”

If, while feeding, your nipple feels a sensation similar to mild or moderate sunburn, that’s expected. But if your baby is pinching or biting, this is a sign something is not right, Conner advised.

Your newborn needs to take your nipple deep into his mouth to properly feed. Pain means that your baby is smashing the nipple and not obtaining as much milk as he would with a deeper latch. “If breastfeeding is causing the nipple to be flattened when the infant comes off the breast, or you’re starting to get nipple damage or bleeding, seek help immediately,” Conner warned.

For soothing irritated nipples, a nipple cream can work wonders. Made with moisturizing ingredients, nipple creams can soothe and heal any cracks and sores you're left with in the early weeks of nursing. Lansinoh Lanolin Cream is a popular choice, as is the organic Calm Your Lip Balm, from The Honest Company.

"Breastfeeding difficulties are common. This isn’t necessarily an instinctive ability, but we often think of it as one and feel discouraged when it doesn’t automatically click," mom of five and postpartum educator and doula Shari Stamps told Mom.com. "Breastfeeding persons need a village around them."

To follow are some educational resources for breastfeeding parents:

• La Leche League — An organization committed to helping mothers breastfeed through one-on-one support, encouragement education, and information. Visit the La Leche League locator to find breastfeeding support near you.

• Dona International/Find a Doula – Connect with a doula near you who has completed DONA International in-depth training and certification

• National Black Doulas Association — According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Black women face a maternal mortality rate at two to three times higher than that of white women. Connect with Black, BIPOC, and LGBTQ+ doulas near you.

If you experience extended breastfeeding problems it may be time to see your doctor. Throughout the process, however, try and keep calm; it can be frustrating, but keeping stress under control is good for you and your baby. Every infant is different, so even if you've breastfed before, issues can arise. Remember the basics and be patient. Keep in mind that some difficultly with the process is normal.