Breastfeeding is the most beautiful and rewarding thing I have ever done; it's also the most challenging. After a difficult start, I genuinely loved nursing my son for years - much longer than I ever anticipated! Over a nursing journey that spanned almost years, we overcame: bleeding nipples, oversupply, aggressive letdown, reflux, biting, thrush, clogged ducts, engorgement and sheer exhaustion to breastfeed for as long as I wanted to do so and not a day sooner. Alongside our son, the time, energy and dedication that I put into breastfeeding feels like the greatest achievement of my life.
Whether you’re a new mom just starting out or a seasoned parent facing new obstacles, it’s important to remember that you’re not alone. So many of us encounter difficulties along the way, and the good news is that most challenges can be overcome with the right support and information. Here are ten common breastfeeding challenges and practical, realistic solutions to help you navigate them.
1) Latching Issues
One of the most common early struggles for breastfeeding moms is difficulty getting a proper latch. This can lead to sore nipples, frustration for both you and your baby, insufficient milk transfer and supply issues.
Solution:
For immediate support, seek help in-person help from a breastfeeding peer supporter, counselor, or International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). Hands-on guidance can make a world of difference. Additionally, download my free guide, How to Breastfeed, which covers latching tips in detail. Additionally, A good latch ensures both comfort and efficient feeding, so it’s worth investing the time and energy to get it right at every age and stage.
Top tip: if your toddler’s latch has suddenly become uncomfortable, check their positioning and mouth alignment. Growth spurts, teething, or even changes in their muscle tone as they develop can impact how they latch. Encourage them to open their mouth wider and adjust their position to ensure a deep, comfortable latch. If discomfort persists, consider consulting a lactation consultant for personalized advice.
2) Oral Ties
Tongue-ties and lip-ties can make breastfeeding particularly painful or challenging, as they restrict your baby’s ability to latch deeply and effectively.
Solution:
If you suspect your baby may have an oral tie, consult with a healthcare specialist or an IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant), who has experience in diagnosing and treating ties. A simple assessment can determine if a procedure to release the tie is needed. After treatment, a lactation consultant can help with re-establishing a comfortable breastfeeding routine.
3) Low Milk Supply Concerns
Many moms worry that they aren’t producing enough milk to meet their baby’s needs. While true low supply is less common than perceived, it’s still a significant concern for many.
Solution:
Ensure you are breastfeeding or pumping frequently—at least every two to three hours—to signal your body to produce more milk. Skin-to-skin contact can also encourage milk production. If you’re concerned about low supply, consult a lactation expert who can assess your baby’s latch and milk transfer.
There are lots of products on the market - teas, cookies and alike, that promise to boost your milk supply. However, to date, there is little to no evidence that any particular herb or food can boost your milk supply. Click here to read more about what actually works.
4) Oversupply and Aggressive Letdown
While some moms struggle with low supply, others face the opposite problem—oversupply and a forceful letdown, which can overwhelm their baby during feedings and cause them to swallow lots of air.
Solution:
Try feeding your baby in a more upright position to help them manage the flow. Hand-expressing a small amount of milk before nursing can also reduce the force of the letdown. Block feeding (nursing from one breast for a few feedings in a row) can help regulate oversupply over time. You can learn more about navigating an oversupply of milk, here.
5) Pumping Challenges
Whether you’re pumping exclusively or using it as a supplement to nursing, finding the right rhythm can be tricky. An ill-fitting breast shield is a common culprit for pain and reduced milk output.
Solution:
Make sure you’re using the correct breast shield size for your pump. Many moms don’t realize that the default shield may not fit their anatomy, leading to discomfort and inefficient milk extraction. If you’re unsure about the right size, consult a lactation specialist or refer to manufacturer guides. Pumping should never be painful(!) and adjusting the fit can make a huge difference.
6) Returning to Work as a Breastfeeding Mom
Balancing breastfeeding with returning to work can be daunting. I remember absolutely dreading it. Many moms around the world worry about maintaining their milk supply while juggling work demands.
Solution:
Check out my blog post on 10 Tips for Returning to Work and Continuing Your Nursing Journey, which offers practical advice for building a pumping routine, communicating with your employer, and maintaining your milk supply while away from your baby.
7) Not Confident Nursing in Public?
Nursing in public can be nerve-wracking, especially in the early days when you’re still getting the hang of things. Social pressure or discomfort might even discourage you from breastfeeding when you’re out and about. I felt this once my son was over two years old - even though I knew that nursing him for a minute or so would calm even the most intense of tantrums.
Solution:
Practice nursing at home in different positions and with various clothing options until you feel more confident. Nursing covers or baby carriers with built-in support can also offer privacy while nursing on the go too. Another tip is to nurse in public with other nursing mothers in the early days. Seeing others nurse with confidence can be a game-changer. Remember, too that depending on where you are in the world, you typically have every right to breastfeed wherever you and your baby are comfortable. The right to breastfed in public is protected in: the UK, all 50 US states, Ireland, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Sweden, South Africa, Norway, Brazil, The Philippines and Taiwan.
8) Feeling Touched Out
Breastfeeding can be an incredibly bonding experience, but it can also lead to sensory overload, especially after months or even years of nursing.
Solution:
Know that it's okay to set boundaries if you’re feeling overwhelmed. This feeling is more common than you might think - I've been there myself - and it’s important to prioritize your mental health alongside nurturing your little one.
Nursing on demand is recommended for the first 12 months of your baby's life. Beyond that point, your toddler is likely eating at least some solid foods and boundaries can be introduced if that is what you want or need. For more on how to manage feeling 'touched out,' check out my post on this topic, here. Setting limits doesn’t mean you have to stop breastfeeding entirely and it may help you continue nursing for longer.
9) Coping with Pressure to Stop Breastfeeding
Family, friends, or even medical professionals may put pressure on you to stop breastfeeding before you or your baby are ready. This can be stressful and leave you doubting your decisions even though breastfeeding is recommended globally as the gold standard in infant and toddler feeding.
Solution:
It’s important to remember that your breastfeeding journey is just that: your own. If you want to continue breastfeeding, trust your instincts and seek support from people who respect your decision. You can read more about handling this pressure in my blog post, Are You Ready to Stop Breastfeeding, or Are You Being Pressured to Do So?
Having been labelled a stark raving lunatic for continuing to nurse my son beyond infancy, I appreciate how horrible it can be to feel judged at every corner. With up to 45% of two year olds receiving breast milk around the world, know that if you want to continue to breastfeed beyond a year or more, you are in excellent international company.
10) Stopping Breastfeeding Gently and Responsively
If you’ve decided it’s time to wean, doing so gently and gradually can make the process smoother for both you and your little one. I had hoped to allow my son to self wean, but after trying tactics like, "Don't offer, don't refuse,"
for well over a year, I knew that I was ready for something to change.
Solution:
Responsive weaning respects both your needs and your child's. For a personal look into weaning, check out my own weaning story, which includes tips for a gentle transition away from breastfeeding.
Final Thoughts
Breastfeeding is a journey full of highs and lows, but I promise you that the challenges you face are surmountable with the right support. Whether you’re overcoming latching issues or dealing with emotional pressure to stop breastfeeding, it’s important to remember that your choices are as valid as anyone else's. Seek help when needed, trust your instincts, and know that each phase will one day become a part of the story of your motherhood.
With love,
Danielle
❤️
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