Breastfeeding is often seen as a natural and instinctive process for most mothers. However, the same is not true for many new mothers. Breastfeeding is a cultural norm and is widely practiced in India. Statistics suggest that around 95% of children are breastfed in India. Yet, the number of infants who receive exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months is lower, around 55% to 63.7%. Lack of support and challenges with breastfeeding may be a reason behind this. Let us look into the most common breastfeeding problems and understand how to resolve them.
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Common Breastfeeding Challenges and Solutions
Breastfeeding is a learned skill for both the baby and the mother. In the first few weeks, your body adjusts to your baby’s feeding rhythm, and your baby learns how to latch and suckle. During this phase, several issues can arise that may interfere with successful breastfeeding. These include:
Sore Nipples and Painful Feeding
Sore nipples in breastfeeding is one of the most commonly experienced concerns. While some tenderness is normal initially, sharp or ongoing pain may suggest a poor latch, friction, or even a fungal infection.
What can help:
- Ensure the baby’s mouth covers a large area of the areola and not just the nipple.
- Apply expressed breast milk or a lanolin-based cream to soothe cracked skin.
- Change breastfeeding positions to reduce pressure on sore areas.
Don’t ignore persistent nipple pain, it often signals that the baby is not latching properly, and adjusting this early can prevent other complications.
Low Milk Supply
It is normal to be concerned about low milk supply, but most mothers get enough for their baby. True low supply can happen in cases of infrequent feeding, poor latching, maternal stress, or medical conditions.
What can help:
- Always feed on demand, which means around 8–12 times within 24 hours.
- Drink plenty of water and consume a healthy diet.
- Avoid formula supplementation unless medically advised.
- Apply breast compression and change sides to promote milk flow.
If issues persist, a lactation consultant can assist in determining if your baby is latching correctly and how to boost supply.
Breast Engorgement and Plugged Ducts
Breast engorgement usually happens in the early postpartum period when the milk “comes in.” Breasts will feel heavy, swollen, and sensitive, making latching challenging.
What can help:
- Feed the baby more often and do not miss night feeds.
- Apply warm compresses before feeding for relief.
- Massage the breast lightly during feeding to facilitate milk flow.
Plugged ducts are tender lumps and can cause mastitis if not treated. Continue feeding from the involved side and see your doctor if the symptoms increase.
Baby Not Latching Properly
Incorrect latching is one of the prime reasons behind most breastfeeding problems, ranging from sore nipples to inadequate milk supply. Proper latching allows the baby to receive adequate milk while avoiding pain for the mother.
What can help:
- Clicking or smacking sound
- Lips are turned inwards
- Baby looks frustrated or dissatisfied after the feed
An experienced maternity professional or lactation consultant will be able to show proper positioning and assist in checking for anatomical problems such as tongue-tie.
Breast Infections (Mastitis)
Mastitis refers to an inflammation of breast tissue, which is accompanied by redness, fever, and flu-like symptoms. It can be caused by blocked ducts or bacterial entry through cracked nipples.
What can help:
- Breastfeeding or pumping must not stop.
- Rest and stay well hydrated.
- Consult your doctor if antibiotics are needed.
Untreated mastitis can progress quickly, so don’t delay seeking care.
How to Support Breastfeeding Mothers
Breastfeeding is a personal journey and unique for every mother. It also depends on the mothers overall physical and mental health.
- Support at Home
Partners, family members and support staff can ease the journey by sharing household responsibilities and ensure the mother has uninterrupted time to rest and nurse. - Guidance from Healthcare Experts
Timely advice from doctors, nurses, and trained lactation consultants related to latching techniques and feeding positions is of great value. - Support in the Workplace
Supportive work environments with adequate maternity leave, flexible hours, designated nursing rooms, and understanding from co-workers helps mothers continue breastfeeding. - Public Spaces and Social Acceptance
Comfortable, clean breastfeeding rooms in public places such as malls, airports, and hospitals make it easier for mothers to feed their babies while on the move. - Community and Peer Support
Peer groups and breastfeeding support groups on social media help offer shared experiences, breastfeeding tips for new moms, and emotional reassurance.
Breastfeeding Support at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital
Breastfeeding may be natural, but that doesn’t mean it comes without effort. Most breastfeeding problems are temporary and treatable with the right support. Seeking help early can save you unnecessary stress and ensure that both you and your baby benefit from a healthy start.
If you’re struggling, you’re not alone. At our hospital, our Centre for Mother & Child offers care through expert-led, personalized lactation support for new moms. We provide both inpatient and outpatient guidance tailored to each mother’s needs and challenges. It includes:
- One-on-one consultations with certified lactation consultants
- Postnatal education classes
- Support for returning to work while continuing breastfeeding
- Guidance on breastfeeding, pumping and storage techniques
Consult Mumbai’s best maternity specialists at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital for supportive and compassionate care for your breastfeeding journey.
