While breastfeeding is a natural process, it isn't always without its hurdles. If difficulties arise, they can quickly escalate, potentially affecting your milk supply or your baby’s ability to receive adequate nutrition. That’s why it’s crucial to seek support immediately if you encounter any challenges while breastfeeding at home.

Don't Wait to Seek Help

Reach out to your child’s pediatrician as soon as possible, and persist in seeking personalized support until your concerns are addressed. Prompt intervention can help you and your baby continue to enjoy the many benefits of breastfeeding.

11 Signs of Breastfeeding Challenges to Watch For:

Unusually Short or Long Nursing Sessions:
If your baby consistently nurses for less than 10 minutes during the first few months, they may not be getting enough milk, or your milk production might be insufficient. Conversely, sessions lasting longer than 50 minutes could indicate ineffective suckling or low milk supply.
Baby Still Hungry After Most Feedings:
If your baby seems unsatisfied after feeding, they may not be receiving enough milk. Consult your pediatrician and ensure your baby is weighed immediately. Meanwhile, double-check their latch and positioning during nursing to improve milk intake.
Skipping Nursing Sessions or Sleeping Through the Night:
Newborns need frequent, round-the-clock feedings to gain the necessary weight for healthy growth. If your baby regularly misses feedings or sleeps longer than 4 hours at night, wake them up and encourage nursing.
Lack of Audible Swallowing:
Once your milk has come in, your baby should swallow frequently during feeding. If you don’t hear swallowing, it may indicate they aren’t getting enough milk. Contact their pediatrician right away for further evaluation.
Inadequate Weight Gain:
By two weeks of age, your baby should be at or above their birth weight, gaining at least 5 to 7 ounces per week. If they aren’t, it’s a strong indication that they might not be receiving enough milk.
Fewer Wet Diapers and Bowel Movements:
After the first week, your baby should have at least 6 wet diapers and 4 stools per day. Dark yellow urine or dark-colored stool can be signs of inadequate milk intake.
Delayed Milk Production:
If your milk hasn’t come in by day five, or your breasts don’t feel fuller, have your baby weighed by their pediatrician immediately. A lack of fullness could indicate low milk production.
Severe Breast Engorgement:
Hard, painful breasts can make it difficult for your baby to latch properly, potentially reducing milk supply. You may need to express milk until your breasts are less engorged to ease the process for both of you.
Persistent Breast Fullness After Feeding:
If your breasts remain hard and full after feeding, it might mean your baby isn’t consuming enough milk or isn’t suckling effectively.
Severe Pain During Nursing:
Significant pain could indicate an improper latch. If nursing is painful due to severe nipple pain or cracking, consult a physician or lactation specialist to address potential infections or latch issues.
Lack of Milk Let-Down Sensation:
If you don’t feel the let-down reflex after a week or two, it may suggest low milk production. Have your baby’s pediatrician evaluate your situation, and consider seeking guidance from a lactation specialist or La Leche League volunteer.