Breastfeeding doesn't always go smoothly, and that's completely normal. This page brings together answers to the most common breastfeeding challenges, from pain and latch issues to cluster feeding, milk supply concerns, and feeding in public. Whether you're in the thick of it right now or trying to prepare, we hope you find honest, practical answers here.
Looking for general breastfeeding advice? Visit our Breastfeeding FAQ: Everything You Need to Know for answers on getting started, milk supply, pumping, and more
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Breastfeeding is often depicted as a beautiful, natural process that happens seamlessly between mother and baby. The reality? It's not always that easy. It can get messy, and sometimes, downright challenging. If you're finding it tough, first up, breathe. You're not alone. Many new mums struggle with breastfeeding, and it's absolutely okay to reach out for help.
Now, there can be plenty of reasons why breastfeeding can be tricky sometimes. Maybe your baby isn't latching properly, or perhaps you're experiencing pain or discomfort. Maybe your milk supply is low, or perhaps you're dealing with mastitis. However, these bumps on the road don't make you any less of an amazing mum. Each mum-baby duo is unique, and so is their breastfeeding story.
Going back to basics with latching and positioning often helps. It's incredible how making small adjustments can make a big difference. On that note, we have this video that provides a recap on good latching and different nursing positions you may have already considered. It's worth a watch!
When the going gets tough, it's okay to seek help. Lactation consultants, healthcare providers or even your own circle of mummy friends and family can offer you some valuable advice. Remember, you're not alone in this journey, and asking for help is a sign of strength, not a weakness.
At Lola&Lykke, we've been there, done that, and we totally get it. We've gathered all sorts of helpful articles in our “breastfeeding” category on our Mamahood Manuals blog. You'll find tons of practical tips, expert advice, and real-life stories from other mums who've been in your shoes. Looking for ways to increase your milk supply or handy tips to soothe sore nipples? Seek some encouragement? We've got you covered.
Need something more personalised? Check out our Health Expert community. We are here to provide a safe and judgement-free space for all parents and answer any questions you might have for free - so that you can be the happy and healthy parent your child needs. Remember, every breastfeeding journey is unique, and it's totally cool to pave your own way.
Learn more:
Answered by Ann Bacon, Registered Nurse, Chair of WGH Advisory Board
You may have heard that breastfeeding is “easy” and “your baby will know just what to do,” but sometimes that is simply just not the case and getting used to breastfeeding takes time. For many women, during the first two weeks of breastfeeding, nipples can become raw and very tender. Some of this discomfort can be alleviated by making sure your baby has a proper latch. A proper latch involves positioning your baby close to your breast, in a cradle hold, football hold, or side-lying position, and coordinating that with having your baby’s mouth wide open before latching them on to the breast; and once latched, making sure the baby’s tongue is down, lips flanged like a fish, and nipple and a portion of your areola deep in the baby’s mouth. Sounds easy, right? Well, it is often a lot for women to coordinate. In addition, not all babies instinctively know how to latch perfectly and may need a little help.
Soon after your baby’s birth, your nurse, midwife, or lactation consultant can teach you the proper positioning for your baby to latch well. This can help prevent sore spots from developing on your nipples. However, some soreness is inevitable. Your nipples just aren’t used to being sucked for several hours a day and there will be a short period of time where your nipples will need to get used to this. In the meantime, try to let your breast get some air - go topless for some periods each day! You can express some drops of breast milk and gently rub that on your nipples and let air dry. The milk has antimicrobial properties and emollient fats that can be very soothing and help with healing. Lanolin cream is another soothing emollient for sore nipples and is safe for babies to ingest.
Getting through periods of engorgement can also be a painful experience. Sometimes, breasts will produce an overabundance of milk, outproducing the baby’s needs. Some women may think that pumping the excess milk to relieve the pressure is the answer. Unfortunately, this will just send the signal to your body to make more milk so you wind up with more engorged breasts! Instead, try some gentle hand massage (under a warm shower is a great time to do this) to express some of that extra milk and release the pressure and soften your breast. In addition, put your baby to breast regularly (at least every 3-4 hours) to help regulate the engorgement. If you happen to develop a fever during engorgement (or anytime during your postnatal period) or observe any warm, red areas on your breast, call your healthcare provider.
Sore and tender nipples are some short-term inconveniences of breastfeeding. However, with patience and support, you can get through it and will be able to offer you and your baby all the amazing benefits that breastfeeding provides.
Tip: Pack some lanolin ointment in your hospital bag so you have this to use while in the hospital.
Some nursing mums just cannot express milk with pumps. That is no cause for concern. If baby’s latch could be improved (and the mention of baby’s tight tongue band leaves me to think there might be) it may well be that baby’s suction is not powerful enough either to stimulate the milk production to his needs. There’s a lot that can be done so you shouldn’t think there’s nothing that can be done.
On this video there’s a recap on good latching and different nursing positions you may have already considered: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DiT6wPC6iIc
Flat nipples are usually not a hindrance for nursing, I find, but they can make breastfeeding a little difficult initially. Have you tried a nipple shield? Some have found it a helpful product.
The most important thing in your case would be to get a lactation consultant to have a look at your nursing and baby’s latch. There are many IBCLC-trained lactation consultants in many countries, who can manage very challenging breastfeeding issues.
Baby might also need some help with the tongue. If at all possible, consulting a local osteopath or a reflexologist who is specialised in babies. He might have other tight spots in his body – it’s rare the tongue is the only tight bit, usually this is accompanied by tightness in other places too – and with gentle treatment he could be made more comfortable and through that, it may help you with nursing.
Baby may have been breastfed full time up until now, or maybe half breast milk half formula. It’s perfectly fine for baby to be on half formula, but make a note of this when you talk with a lactation consultant in person. This is a good thing to consider when breasts are not supplying enough milk (or overproducing it) but once baby’s latch and suction have been ok’d, it would be good to reduce the amount of formula in order to increase milk production. You’ll get a good set of instructions for this from your lactation consultant, or even the midwife I hear you are in touch with.
Breast size has no bearing on your ability to breastfeed or produce milk. Milk production is determined by glandular tissue, not breast size - and breast size is mainly determined by fat tissue. Many mothers with small breasts breastfeed successfully without any issues.
That said, it's common to doubt yourself, especially as a first-time mum. If you have any concerns about your supply or your baby's latch, a lactation consultant can assess things properly and put your mind at rest. As with all breastfeeding journeys, getting the latch right from the start is the most important factor regardless of breast size.
Body pain while breastfeeding? Breastfeeding sessions can last 20 minutes or more, multiple times a day and night - so posture matters more than most mums realise. The most common cause of back, neck, and shoulder pain during breastfeeding is holding the baby rather than supporting them, and bending toward the baby rather than bringing the baby to the breast.
A few things that help:
Use a breastfeeding pillow so your baby rests on it rather than being held entirely by your arms. Change position regularly - alternate between sitting upright, leaning back, and lying on your side. When sitting, choose a chair with good back support and try not to look down at your baby for the entire feed, as this rounds the upper back and causes neck tension. Try breastfeeding in a sling occasionally, which takes the weight off your arms entirely.
A simple breathing technique can also help release tension during feeds: breathe in for four seconds, hold for four, breathe out for four, hold for four. Repeat for five minutes to calm your nervous system and release physical tension.
Learn more: 8 Tips to Relieve Back Pain While Breastfeeding
A baby crying at the breast can be distressing, but it is usually a sign of something straightforward. Common causes include:
A slow or fast milk letdown - if your milk flows too slowly your baby may become frustrated, and if it flows too fast they may struggle to keep up and pull off. A shallow latch can also cause frustration as the baby cannot draw milk efficiently. Wind or trapped gas mid-feed is another common cause. Some babies also cry at the breast during periods of cluster feeding or growth spurts when they want more milk than usual.
Try winding your baby mid-feed, adjusting the latch, and experimenting with different feeding positions. If your letdown is very fast, try laid-back breastfeeding which uses gravity to slow the flow. If crying at the breast is persistent or your baby is not gaining weight well, speak to your midwife or a lactation consultant.
A baby refusing the breast or seeming disinterested is more common than you might think and is known as a nursing strike. It can happen at any stage and is usually temporary. Common triggers include teething, illness, a change in your milk taste (due to diet, hormones, or menstruation returning), or simply a period of distraction as your baby becomes more alert and curious about the world.
A nursing strike is not the same as your baby being ready to wean - most babies go back to breastfeeding within a few days. To encourage your baby back to the breast, try feeding in a calm, dimly lit room with minimal distractions, feeding when your baby is drowsy, and offering lots of skin-to-skin contact.
If your baby is also unwell, not gaining weight, or producing fewer wet nappies than usual, contact your healthcare provider.
Cluster feeding is when your baby feeds much more frequently than usual - sometimes almost continuously - for a period of hours or even days. It typically happens during growth spurts, most commonly around two to three weeks, six weeks, three months, and six months of age. It can feel exhausting and can make you worry your supply is low, but cluster feeding is actually your baby's way of stimulating your body to produce more milk to meet their growing needs.
Signs of cluster feeding include very frequent nursing sessions, a fussy and unsettled baby who seems hungry even shortly after feeding, and shorter gaps between feeds than usual.
The best approach is to feed on demand and let your baby nurse as much and as long as they want. Avoid introducing formula unless advised by a healthcare professional, as this can reduce your supply. Rest as much as possible, stay well hydrated, and accept help from those around you. Cluster feeding is temporary - it usually passes within a few days to a week.
Learn more: Cluster Feeding: What It Is and Best Tips for Getting Through It
In the UK, it is illegal for anyone to ask a breastfeeding mother to leave a public place - you have the right to breastfeed wherever you are. If breastfeeding in public feels daunting at first, a few things can help build your confidence:
Practice at home first - try feeding in front of a mirror so you can see how discreet it actually looks. Wear a nursing top or use a muslin if you prefer more coverage, but know that you are never obligated to cover up. Find a quiet, comfortable spot when you can, especially in the early weeks when you and your baby are still getting the hang of feeding together. The more you do it, the more natural it becomes.
Learn more: Scared to Start Breastfeeding? Let's Talk
Breast massage - how and when?
Breast massage before and during feeds or pumping sessions can help stimulate milk flow, relieve engorgement, and prevent blocked ducts. Here's how to do it:
Before a feed or pumping session, use circular motions with gentle pressure, working from the outer breast toward the nipple. A warm compress or warm shower beforehand can make massage more effective. During pumping, continue massaging toward the nipple to help drain the breast more completely. If you have a blocked duct, apply gentle pressure directly to the lump and massage toward the nipple while your baby feeds or while pumping - your baby's sucking will often help shift the blockage.
Regular breast massage also helps you notice any changes in your breast tissue early, so it's worth making it part of your routine.
Learn more: How to Increase Breast Milk Supply
Restarting breast milk production (also called relactation) is possible but takes time, patience, and consistency. The most important factor is stimulation: the more frequently you nurse or pump, the stronger the signal to your body to produce milk again.
Start by putting your baby to the breast as often as possible, even if little milk comes at first. Skin-to-skin contact helps stimulate the hormones needed for milk production. Add pumping sessions between feeds to increase stimulation further. Stay well hydrated and eat enough calories to support lactation.
It can take days or weeks to see a significant increase in supply depending on how long breastfeeding was paused. A lactation consultant can provide a personalised plan and monitor your progress. Some mothers also find galactagogues - foods or herbs like oats, fenugreek, and fennel - helpful, though these work best alongside frequent feeding and pumping rather than as a standalone solution.
Breast milk needs change as your baby grows. As a general guide:
Newborns feed eight to twelve times in a 24-hour period, taking around 30 to 60ml per feed in the first days. By two weeks, this increases to around 60 to 90ml per feed. By one month, most babies take 90 to 120ml per feed, around eight to ten times a day. By two months, feeds are around 120 to 150ml, six to eight times a day. By four months, around 120 to 180ml per feed. From six months, as solid foods are introduced, babies take around 200 to 240ml per feed, four to six times a day.
But remember, these are averages. Every baby is different, and your baby's hunger cues are always the best guide. If you are concerned your baby is not getting enough, track wet and dirty nappies and speak to your health visitor or midwife.
by Lola&Lykke Team
Please Note
The information shared in this article is intended for general educational purposes only and should not replace medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified healthcare professional. Every pregnancy, recovery, and feeding journey is different. If you have concerns about your health, your baby’s health, or any symptoms mentioned in our blogs, please speak with your doctor, midwife, or healthcare provider before making changes to your care routine.
