Breastfeeding problem solver

If you have a breastfeeding problem, get help as soon as possible. The longer you leave it, the more painful it may become, and a simply resolved positioning problem can all too easily develop into an infection that may take antibiotics to clear.

The majority of problems stem from poor positioning, so the first step is simply to change the baby’s position and make sure that he opens his mouth wide as he takes the breast.

Common problems:

• Biting baby
• Blocked duct
• Breast refusal
• Engorgement
• Favoured breast
• Inverted nipples
• Mastitis
• Sleepy baby
• Sore or cracked nipples
• Thrush

Who can help:

• Your midwife
• Your GP
• Your health visitor
• The postnatal ward of your local hospital
• A breastfeeding counsellor (the NCT, Breastfeeding Network, and
  La Leche League have local contacts)
• A local breastfeeding support group

Where to next?

•   Breastfeeding: the early days
•   Breastfeeding checklist
•   Expressing and storing breast milk
•   Breastfeeding and working
•   Breastfeeding twins
•   Nursing beyond the first year