10 Most Common Breastfeeding Problems & How to Solve Them

Breastfeeding, while natural, is not always easy. Many new mothers face breastfeeding problems as they navigate the first few weeks and even months after birth. These challenges can range from physical discomforts like sore nipples and engorgement to emotional concerns such as anxiety over milk supply.

Despite these potential difficulties, the benefits of breastfeeding for both mother and baby are undeniable. Breast milk provides optimal nutrition for infants, and the act of breastfeeding can foster a strong emotional bond between mother and child. To make the most of these benefits, it’s essential for mothers to feel empowered and informed about how to manage common breastfeeding problems.

Let’s walk through ten of the most common breastfeeding problems, what they look like, and how you can start to solve them.

1. Painful Latching

Prolonged pain during feeding often indicates an incorrect latch, which can also lead to insufficient milk transfer and, as a result, issues like low weight gain for the baby.

To ensure a proper latch, align your baby’s nose with your nipple, encouraging your baby to open their mouth wide. Bring your baby quickly to your breast, aiming your nipple towards the roof of their mouth. This can help them get a deep latch for more effective feeding. Seeking assistance from a lactation consultant if breastfeeding problems persist will help because they can assess your specific situation and give advice accordingly.

Helpful Links for Latching

• Latching techniques that work.
• Baby seems to have a weak suck

2. Cracked Nipples

Cracked nipples are a common breastfeeding problem that many new mothers face, especially during the first 3 to 4 weeks.

• Make sure baby’s mouth covers more of the areola below the nipple than above.
• Gently break suction with a clean finger and reposition baby if the latch is incorrect.
• After feeding, express a few drops of milk and let it air dry on your nipples.
• Alternate breastfeeding positions to reduce repeated pressure on the same spot.
• Apply cold compresses after feeding to reduce inflammation.
• A nipple shield may help temporarily—ask a lactation consultant first.
• If cracks don’t heal, consult a healthcare provider.

Helpful Links for Cracked Nipples

• Nipple pain while breastfeeding
• Bleeding nipples

3. Engorgement

Engorgement during the first few weeks is normal but can make it difficult for the baby to latch and may lead to plugged milk ducts or mastitis if not properly managed.

How to Relieve Engorgement

• Breastfeed every 1 to 3 hours during the day and every 2 to 4 hours at night.
• Ensure a good latch and try different nursing positions.
• Apply cold packs between feedings for 15–20 minutes.
• Use a warm compress or take a warm shower before feeding to encourage letdown.
• Hand express a small amount if baby can’t latch.
• Massage the breast gently from the outer area toward the nipple.
• Wear a supportive (but not tight) bra or go without—whatever feels best.
• Use pain relievers like ibuprofen with your doctor’s approval.

Helpful Link on Engorgement

• How to deal with engorgement while breastfeeding

4. Blocked Ducts

Untreated blocked ducts can lead to mastitis, an infection of the breast tissue.

Apply a warm compress before feeding, and gently massage the area while nursing. Position the baby so their chin is pointing toward the blockage, which can help dislodge it. Rest and hydration also support recovery.

Helpful Links on Blocked Ducts

• How to treat a plugged duct naturally
• Lecithin for clogged milk ducts treatment and prevention.

5. Mastitis

Symptoms of mastitis include fever, redness, and intense pain in the breast.

If you suspect mastitis, contact a healthcare provider promptly. You may need antibiotics. Keep nursing or expressing milk to help drain the affected breast and preserve supply. Warm compresses, rest, and fluids also aid recovery.

Helpful Links for Mastitis

• Natural ways to treat mastitis
• The symptoms of mastitis

6. Thrush

Thrush can cause itching and sharp pain in the breasts, along with white patches in the baby’s mouth.

If you suspect thrush, both you and your baby need treatment with antifungal medication. Clean and sterilize pacifiers, bottles, nipple shields, and pump parts to avoid reinfection.

Helpful Links for Thrush

• Oral thrush in babies
• Recognising Thrush symptoms
• Natural Thrush treatment

7. Low Milk Supply

Many mothers worry about low milk supply. Frequent nursing or pumping can help increase milk production. Baby’s nursing behavior is a better indicator than how your breasts feel or how much you pump.

Helpful Links

• Low milk supply signs and causes
• 10 ways to increase your milk supply naturally

8. Baby Falling Asleep While Nursing

Here are some tips on how to keep your baby awake while breastfeeding:

• Use skin-to-skin contact
• Switch sides mid-feed
• Change baby’s diaper between breasts
• Burp your baby to wake them
• Tickle feet or back gently
• Use breast compressions to maintain milk flow
• Talk or sing to engage baby

If baby is gaining weight and has regular diapers, it’s likely not an issue—but check with your pediatrician if unsure.

Helpful Links

• Keeping a sleepy baby awake
• Preventing dehydration in the breastfed baby

9. Inverted Nipples

Inverted nipples can make latching harder, but don’t necessarily prevent breastfeeding.

Try breast shells to help draw the nipple out, or a nipple shield (with guidance from a lactation consultant). Many babies adjust over time as they grow and develop a stronger suck.

• Dealing with flat or inverted nipples while breastfeeding

10. Oversupply of Breast Milk

An oversupply can lead to engorgement, a forceful letdown, and an imbalance of foremilk and hindmilk. This can cause green stools, gassiness, and fussiness in your baby.

How to Manage Oversupply

• Nurse on one breast per feed (block feeding)
• Express just enough milk before latching to soften the breast
• Avoid pumping unless necessary (pumping more can worsen oversupply)

Helpful Links

• Dealing with an oversupply
• Coping with Leaking breasts

Final Thoughts on Breastfeeding Problems

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, in pain, or unsure whether things are going well—reach out. A lactation consultant, midwife, or breastfeeding support group can offer perspective and hands-on solutions.

Breastfeeding is a learned skill for both you and your baby. Getting help early can save you a lot of stress later.

It’s important to remember that every mother’s experience is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. Joining a community of breastfeeding moms can offer encouragement and shared wisdom.

Resources

• Find a breastfeeding support group near you.
• Milkology Breastfeeding Class – Affordable, video-based online course to help you master breastfeeding at your own pace.

References

• What Is a Good Breastfeeding Latch? — Cleveland Clinic (2023)
• Common Breastfeeding Problems — NHS UK (2022)
• Maternal Perceptions of Insufficient Milk Supply — Journal of Nursing Scholarship (2008)
• Common Breastfeeding Problems and How to Solve Them — UNICEF (2023)