Breast milk is the main source of nutrients for a baby’s start in life. This makes breastfeeding a delicate and special phase, as mothers are concerned about providing as many nutrients as possible to their babies.
However, it’s not always smooth sailing—some challenges may arise during this stage, which leads many mothers to give up breastfeeding their children.
In a study conducted by Famivita in July 2021, 31% of Brazilian women were not able to exclusively breastfeed their babies for six months. Check out the study here.
Recognizing the importance of breastfeeding and the care needed during this special phase, we present the 7 main difficulties that can occur during breastfeeding.
1. Constant breast pain
2. Improper breast emptying and engorged milk
3. Low milk supply
4. Cracked nipples
5. Uncomfortable positions
6. Problems with the nipples
7. Lack of support and preparation
1 – CONSTANT BREAST PAIN
Breastfeeding should not be a painful or distressing process, but many mothers experience this during such a delicate phase.
The causes of breast pain can vary and may be caused by cracks in the nipples or even overly full breasts.
The way the baby “latches” onto the nipple can also cause persistent breast pain. Usually, some babies take only the nipple into their mouth, causing pain and injury. To avoid this, it is important to ensure the entire areola (the darker part of the breast) is in the baby’s mouth so that they can suckle more effectively.
Breast shields can also be used, helping to relieve pain and providing greater comfort for the nipples.
Never use sponges on the breasts or any other products that may be abrasive. Besides not helping, such actions can worsen the condition.
2 – IMPROPER BREAST EMPTYING AND ENGORGED MILK
In the first days of breastfeeding, it’s normal for the body to produce more milk than the baby can drink; after all, the body is still adjusting to this new phase.
However, an excess buildup of milk can occur in the mammary glands, causing what is known as breast engorgement, which makes the breasts feel “solidified.”
Most common symptoms of breast engorgement
- Hard breasts full of milk
- Increased breast volume
- Areas of redness
- Milk leaking from the breasts
- There may be fever
To prevent excessive milk buildup in the mammary glands, the entire areola should be positioned in the baby’s mouth—not just the nipple itself. This way, the baby takes in more of the areola and is able to suck more milk.
Massaging the areola and using cold compresses can also help release the milk trapped in the glands, relieving the sensation of engorgement and making it easier for the baby to nurse.
3 – LOW MILK SUPPLY
The feeling of not having enough milk or that the milk is “weak” is a common complaint among many mothers. Usually, women report this because the baby keeps crying after feeding or isn’t gaining enough weight.
It’s important to note that some situations can indeed lead to a lower milk supply, but what should be kept in mind is that there is no such thing as weak milk.
Breast milk contains all the nutrients a baby needs during their first 6 months of life. The composition of breast milk may even change over the first month, adapting to the baby’s needs.
Some conditions that reduce milk production
- Excessive blood loss during childbirth
- History of polycystic ovary syndrome
- History of conditions like diabetes, thyroid disorders, or other hormonal imbalances
- Mammary hypoplasia (the breast has not developed properly)
The best tip to increase milk supply is to practice feeding on demand, avoid pacifiers, and choose options that are comfortable for you and your baby. Breasts produce milk through a process of “supply and demand,” which means the more milk is removed (through suckling or pumping), the more will be produced.
4 – CRACKED NIPPLES
Nipples can become sore during the first days of breastfeeding. However, excessive and prolonged pain should be a warning sign, especially if there are cracks, marks, or even blisters on the nipples.
To avoid this, it is essential to find comfortable positions (see the next topic) so that the baby can latch on correctly. Also, avoid products that remove the breast’s natural protection so the problem does not get worse.
Tips, such as applying breast milk before and after feeding and leaving nipples exposed to the air for a while, can help prevent cracks.
5 – UNCOMFORTABLE POSITIONS
The baby needs to feel comfortable and secure to nurse properly. So, it’s important to pay attention to how you hold the baby during breastfeeding.
Often, it takes some time to find the most comfortable position for both you and your baby, so it’s important to try a few positions until you find the ideal one.
When babies feel comfortable, they can achieve a correct latch, which means they take the entire areola (the darker area of the breast) into their mouth, enabling better sucking.
This is why a comfortable position also reduces the chances of injuries or breast pain. In cases of flat or inverted nipples (see the next topic), some extra help may be necessary so the baby can properly latch on.
6 – PROBLEMS WITH THE NIPPLES
A common difficulty among new mothers is when the baby cannot achieve a proper latch, as seen in the previous topic. This difficulty may have various reasons: the baby may need more time to adapt, may not feel comfortable, or the mother may have flat or inverted nipples.
Did you know the shape of the nipple can make breastfeeding harder?
In summary, there are four types of nipples: elongated, inverted, flat, and normal. Those that present the most difficulties during breastfeeding are flat and inverted nipples. They are not so easy to “capture,” making it harder for the baby to latch on and suckle.
Although nipple shape can make breastfeeding harder, all is not lost. Women with inverted nipples can find ways to ease the issue, such as using a breast pump to help project the nipple.
For women with flat nipples, the guidance is to use cold compresses and massage the areola to help during breastfeeding.
7 – LACK OF SUPPORT AND PREPARATION
Breastfeeding is about more than just feeding. It involves a range of care practices that help a child grow and develop in a healthy way.
To overcome any breastfeeding challenges, it’s essential that women feel supported and receive the help they need to make this stage as smooth as possible. After all, every mother needs time and support to keep breastfeeding.
Even mothers who have already had a first child may have a different experience with the second child. So, it’s important to note that every breastfeeding experience is unique and individual to each woman, and that should be respected.
The best way to prepare for breastfeeding is to look for reliable information and seek professional help. Today, it’s possible to count on specialized assistance during the breastfeeding phase, such as breastfeeding consultants.
Breastfeeding consultancies aim to provide women with individualized and personalized support during this delicate and challenging time of breastfeeding.
It is universally agreed upon how important breastfeeding is for the baby; after all, no formula can come close to all the nutrients that only breast milk contains. The woman, therefore, becomes the main figure in this process, as only she is the provider of this rich and special food needed for the baby.
However, lack of information and support, as well as excessive judgment and pressure, can make breastfeeding a complicated phase. That’s why seeking information, support, and care for this journey is essential to make it easier for both mother and baby.
ABOUT THE BRAND: Famivita reinvents and opens new paths to achieve pregnancy without the need for complex and expensive treatments. All products are developed in partnership with fertility specialists, doctors, and mothers themselves, with recognized approval from Anvisa. You can find real and successful stories of women who managed to get pregnant using our products here.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR – PATRICIA AMORIM: Mother of Joana, Eduardo, and Melissa, with a total of 7 years of experience trying to conceive. She is the founder of the Famivita brand and Trocando Fraldas, one of the largest motherhood portals in Brazil, now called Famivita Contents, with over 3 million monthly users. Her YouTube channel has over 250,000 subscribers.
