How can you manage common breastfeeding problems?

Trouble latching

• Make sure your baby opens their mouth wide. Then bring them to your breast.
• Make sure your nipple and most of the darker area (areola) around it are in your baby's mouth. Your baby's lips should be flared outward, not folded in.
• If you're not sure if your baby is latched well or if you are having pain, try again.
• Try different breastfeeding positions.

Nipple pain

• Make sure that your baby is latching correctly. Break the latch with your finger before removing your baby from your breast.
• Try letting some breast milk dry on your nipples after feeding.
• Try applying compresses (like a clean washcloth) to your nipples. The compress can be cool or warm.
• To prevent infection, always wash your hands before touching sore nipples. Wash nursing bras, breast pads, and clothing that touches your nipples in hot, soapy water.
• Avoid using creams or ointments on your nipples unless your healthcare provider tells you to.

Low milk supply

• Breastfeed your baby whenever they're hungry.
• Feed your baby on one breast until it's empty. Then switch to the other breast.
• Feed or pump more often to help increase your milk supply.

Breast engorgement (fullness)

• Breastfeed your baby when they're hungry. But don't empty your breasts.
• Try taking ibuprofen (such as Advil) or using a cold compress to reduce pain and swelling.
• Hand express a little milk from your breasts if they hurt and feel too full.
• Wear a supportive bra that fits.
• Avoid using a nipple shield. Avoid deep massage of the breast.
• If you are pumping, only pump the amount of milk your baby needs. Extra pumping will make the engorgement worse.

Blocked milk ducts

• Try taking ibuprofen (such as Advil) or using a cold compress to reduce pain and swelling. A blocked milk duct can cause a tender lump in the breast.
• Breastfeed your baby when they're hungry. But don't empty your breasts.
• Wear a supportive bra that fits.
• Avoid using a nipple shield. Avoid deep massage of the breast.

Mastitis (breast inflammation)

• Know the symptoms of mastitis. These can include pain, warmth, or redness or a colour change on your breast.
• Treating mastitis right away helps prevent an infection from happening. Depending on your symptoms, your healthcare provider might prescribe antibiotics.
• Breastfeed your baby when they're hungry. But don't empty your breasts.
• Continue to breastfeed from the affected breast.
• Try taking ibuprofen (such as Advil) or using a cold compress to reduce pain and swelling.