Feeding challenges

You and your baby are learning together. Every baby is different, and every feeding experience is unique, so it is normal to face challenges regardless of how you feed your baby or if you have breast fed previous babies.

Remember, feeding challenges are common. Experiencing feeding challenges does not mean you are doing anything wrong. It also doesn’t mean it isn’t working or isn’t going to work for you. 

Support is available from your maternity care provider, Maternal and Child Health Nurse, lactation consultant, GP or the Australian Breastfeeding Association.

Sore or painful nipples

Some nipple tenderness is common in the first few days of breastfeeding. Ongoing pain may be a sign that your baby needs help with positioning or attachment or there is an underlying issue that needs to be addressed like nipple thrush or vasospasm.

Learn more

Sore or painful nipples | Australian Breastfeeding Association

Cracked or damaged nipples

Cracked or damaged nipples are often caused by your baby not attaching well to the breast. Improving your baby's attachment can help prevent further damage and support healing.

To help soothe and protect your nipples:

• ensure your baby is attaching well during feeds
• allow a few drops of breastmilk to dry on the nipple after feeding
• change breast pads regularly if they become wet
• avoid products that may irritate your skin
• use nipple creams or ointments as recommended by your healthcare professional or pharmacist.

If nipple pain is ongoing, severe or not improving, speak with your midwife, maternal and child health nurse, lactation consultant or GP.

Learn more

Cracked or damaged nipples | Pregnancy, Birth and Baby

Engorgement

Mastitis

Mastitis is inflammation of the breast that can cause breast pain, redness or swelling, fever, chills or flu-like symptoms. If you think you may have mastitis, contact your healthcare provider promptly. 

To help relieve symptoms while you seek medical advice, you can: 

• apply ice packs
• take pain relief if needed
• continue to remove milk from the breast 
• avoid vigorous massage.

Learn more

Mastitis | Royal Women’s Hospital

Mastitis | Australian Breastfeeding Association 

Mastitis | healthdirect

Flat or inverted nipples

Some women have nipples that turn inwards instead of outwards which can make attachment more challenging. Different feeding positions or the use of a nipple shield may help. A lactation consultant can provide individualised advice and support.

Learn more

Flat or inverted nipples | Royal Women’s Hospital

Inverted or flat nipples and breastfeeding | Pregnancy, Birth and Baby

Flat and inverted nipples | Australian Breastfeeding Association

Tongue tie

Tongue tie occurs when the tissue under a baby's tongue restricts movement and may affect feeding. Babies with a tongue tie may not be able to put their tongue past their lips or to touch the roof of their mouth which affects their ability to latch to the breast. 

If you are concerned your baby might have a tongue tie, speak with your healthcare provider, GP lactation consultant, lactation consultant or paediatrician. 

Not all tongue ties need to be released (this procedure is called a frenotomy). If the tongue tie is visible but you’re not experiencing feeding issues it is likely that it will not require any intervention.

Learn more

Tongue-tie and breastfeeding | Australian Breastfeeding Association 

Tongue and Lip Ties | La Leche League International