Learning About Breastfeeding: Tips for Common Problems

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Breastfeeding (sometimes called chestfeeding) is a skill that gets better with practice. But it's common to have some problems. These may include having trouble getting a latch, nipple pain, and a low milk supply. Other common issues include breast engorgement, blocked milk ducts, and mastitis. If you have any problems, talk to your doctor or midwife or a lactation consultant. Support can also come from a trusted friend or family member who knows how to breastfeed.

How can you manage common breastfeeding problems?

Trouble latching

  • Make sure your baby opens their mouth wide. Then bring them to your breast.
  • Make sure your nipple and most of the darker area (areola) around it are in your baby's mouth. Your baby's lips should be flared outward, not folded in.
  • If you're not sure if your baby is latched well, try again.
  • Try different breastfeeding positions.

Nipple pain

  • Make sure that your baby is latching correctly. Break the latch before removing your baby from your breast.
  • Let your nipples air-dry after feeding. Try letting some breast milk dry on your nipples.
  • Try applying cool compresses to your nipples.
  • If your nipples are cracked and bleeding, apply an antibiotic ointment and a nonstick first-aid pad after each feeding.

Low milk supply

  • Breastfeed your baby whenever they're hungry.
  • Feed your baby on one breast until it's empty. Then switch to the other breast.
  • Feed or pump more often to help increase your milk supply.

Breast engorgement (fullness)

  • Breastfeed your baby when they're hungry. But don't empty your breasts.
  • Try taking ibuprofen (such as Advil) or using a cold compress to reduce pain and swelling.
  • Hand express a little milk from your breasts if they hurt and feel too full.
  • Wear a supportive bra that fits.
  • Avoid using a nipple shield. Avoid deep massage of the breast.

Blocked milk ducts

  • Try taking ibuprofen (such as Advil) or using a cold compress to reduce pain and swelling. A blocked milk duct can cause a tender lump in the breast.
  • Breastfeed your baby when they're hungry. But don't empty your breasts.
  • Wear a supportive bra that fits.
  • Avoid using a nipple shield. Avoid deep massage of the breast.

Mastitis (breast inflammation)

  • Know the symptoms of mastitis. These can include pain, warmth, or redness or a color change on your breast.
  • See your doctor and take medications as prescribed. Mastitis usually needs treatment with antibiotics.
  • Breastfeed your baby when they're hungry. But don't empty your breasts.
  • Continue to breastfeed from the affected breast.
  • Try taking ibuprofen (such as Advil) or using a cold compress to reduce pain and swelling.

When should you call for help?

Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:

  • You have symptoms of a breast infection, such as:
    • Increased pain, swelling, redness, or warmth around a breast.
    • Red streaks extending from the breast.
    • Pus draining from a breast.
    • A fever.
  • Your baby has no wet diapers for 6 hours.

Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:

  • Your baby has trouble latching on to your breast.
  • You continue to have pain or discomfort when breastfeeding.
  • You have other questions or concerns.

Where can you learn more?

Go to http://www.healthwise.net/patientEd

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Current as of: November 30, 2023

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

Current as of: November 30, 2023

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

The Health Encyclopedia contains general health information. Not all treatments or services described are covered benefits for Kaiser Permanente members or offered as services by Kaiser Permanente. For a list of covered benefits, please refer to your Evidence of Coverage or Summary Plan Description. For recommended treatments, please consult with your health care provider.