From the outside, it may seem like the most natural thing in the world: A new mother brings her baby to her breast, and they gently latch on and start sucking, getting all the nutrients they need with each swallow. But most moms will tell you they had a hiccup or two (or even more) on their breastfeeding journey. 

If you do experience one or more of these common breastfeeding challenges, stay calm and recognize that it’s not your fault. As always, discuss any problems with your doctor, reach out to other moms for support (irl or in your online community), and read on for tips on how to overcome any challenge. 

Common Breastfeeding Challenges

Low milk supply

This may be a bigger fear for many nursing moms than a reality. According to the USDA Breastfeeding Support center, most of the time your body makes exactly the amount of milk your baby needs—even if your breasts feel soft, or your baby only feeds for five minutes on each breast, or you don’t yield much milk when you pump (even the most effective pumps aren’t as efficient as your newborn).

That said there are things that might reduce your milk supply: not getting enough sleep, drinking alcohol, smoking, limiting your baby’s feeding sessions versus feeding on demand (which will prompt your body to produce enough to satisfy), and taking certain medications (including birth control).  

What to do about low milk supply. 

If you’re worried your baby isn’t getting enough milk, talk to your doctor immediately—they may suggest supplementing with donor milk or formula. To boost a low milk supply, make sure your baby is latched correctly and that you’re nursing whenever they’re hungry—it may be as frequent as 8-12 times a day. Offer both breasts, and then express by hand or pump afterwards, to encourage your body to produce more. You may also want to pump between feedings, to further stimulate milk production. 

Trouble latching

If your nipples are red, sore, and/or bruised, or you notice they’re misshapen after a feeding, your baby may have trouble latching. Other signs: your baby latches on but then lets go, falls asleep soon after latching on, nurses on one side for more than 30-40 minutes. 

What to do if baby has trouble latching. 

If you suspect your baby isn’t latching properly, let your doctor know—they may have tongue-tie or reflux, both of which can affect latching. Your baby’s mouth should be open wide enough for not only your nipple but part of your areola to fit inside, and your nipple should be aimed at the roof of their mouth. The Cleveland Clinic offers step-by-step guidance for ensuring a proper latch, but a lactation consultant can also provide personalized advice to help you and your baby. 

Engorgement

That painful, swollen feeling in your breasts typically happens in the first five days after delivery, as your body kick-starts milk production and your breasts fill with blood and lymph to support lactation. Less common symptoms include fever, sweating, or chills. Postpartum engorgement can last up to two weeks, or until your body gets a sense of how much milk it needs to produce to nourish your baby. If you’re also pumping, you may experience engorgement as your body struggles to understand exactly how much milk to produce.  

What to do about engorgement. 

To ease the pain, your doctor may recommend ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Cold packs may also relieve inflammation and soothe swollen breasts. To help your baby latch when your breasts are engorged, try nursing from a side-lying position. Resist the urge to pump to relieve engorgement—it will only encourage your body to produce more milk. 

Clogged milk ducts and mastitis

If you’re experiencing pain in your breast, along with a hard lump, you may have a clogged milk duct. The clog can occur anywhere along the duct, near the nipple or deeper inside the breast. It can be a result of engorgement, regularly feeding on only one breast, skipped or infrequent feedings, or even repeated pressure on breasts, from bra straps or a car seatbelt. 

If that painful lump is excruciating, and accompanied by red streaking on your breast plus fever, chills, fatigue and body aches, you may have mastitis, an infected milk duct. Clogged ducts and mastitis affect up to 20% of women who breastfeed, and occur most frequently during six to eight weeks postpartum. 

What to do about clogged milk ducts and mastitis. 

With both conditions, rest and ice packs can help, along with regular feedings where you empty your breasts fully. In addition, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics for mastitis, to get rid of the infection. Additionally, you may want to switch to supportive, well-fitting bras without an underwire. 

Sore, cracked nipples

Sore, cracked nipples are a common complaint related to breastfeeding. This condition can happen because of breast engorgement, improper latch, irritation from breast pumping, or simply because of sensitive nipples. Luckily, there are many ways to troubleshoot this problem and feel better soon. 

What to do about sore, cracked nipples. 

First, determine if your baby is latching correctly. If you aren’t sure, talk to your doctor or a lactation consultant. Beyond latching issues, these other strategies can help: make sure you’re breastfeeding in a comfortable position, so that you don’t need to shift while feeding; alternate breasts to give nipples a break; pump and bottle feed for a few days to give your nipples a break. 

To help soothe sore cracked nipples, try rubbing breast milk on them, which has natural antibacterial properties, or moisturize and protect with lanolin or purslane cream. Allow nipples to air dry, go topless when possible, and apply warm compresses or gel pads to ease discomfort. 

Hyperlactation or Oversupply

If you’re producing more milk than your baby needs, it’s called hyperlactation syndrome or oversupply. It can happen when your baby’s feeding needs and breastfeeding or pumping schedule are out of sync. Your breasts might become engorged, you might develop clogged ducts, and your nipples might leak. This condition might also cause your breasts to release milk very quickly, known as overactive milk ejection reflex (OMER). As a result, your baby might have trouble keeping up with the strong flow, and may pull away, arch their back, and/or cough and sputter during feedings. They may also end up eating more watery foremilk than higher-fat aftermilk, which can cause gas, loose stools, or belly pain. 

What to do about hyperlactation or oversupply. 

Consult with your doctor if you think you have oversupply. They might suggest feeding on demand, to help your body adjust to your baby’s needs, or block feeding, where you alternate breasts every few hours when feeding. A lactation consultant can also help you adjust feedings so that your baby gets the proper nourishment they need, while your body resets to adapt to demand. 

Feeding your baby is personal

Most breastfeeding issues can be resolved, with help from a doctor and/or lactation consultant if necessary. If you ultimately decide that breastfeeding isn't working for you and your baby, know that formula is a safe, nutritious alternative. The most important goal is making sure your baby is nourished and that both of you are feeling healthy and supported in your feeding journey.