World Breastfeeding Week: When to Get Help with Breastfeeding

In honor of World Breastfeeding Week, which begins tomorrow, Giving Birth with Confidence will share breastfeeding resources throughout the week.

Breastfeeding is natural, but it doesn't always come without challenges. Access to reliable resources is essential for a successful breastfeeding relationship. If you experience any of the following issues during breastfeeding, seek professional support (through a local lactation consultant or local La Leche League group).

Issues with Baby

• Inconsistent or painful latch
• Eats for less than 5 minutes per breast
• Routinely feeding less than 8 times in 24 hours and does not have adequate wet and dirty diapers
• Not consistently swallowing (listen to hear a "kuh" sound to indicate swallowing)
• Fussy after most feedings
• Poor weight gain or significant weight loss
• Takes artificial nipple (bottle or pacifier) but not breast
• Prematurity, birth defects (esp. cleft lip/palate), illness, traumatic birth
• Long separation from mother
• Working to return to the breast after supplementing with formula
• Jaundice
• Multiples

Issues with Mom

• Low milk supply or milk didn't come in
• No noticeable change in breasts (not becoming full or engorged)
• Noticeably asymmetry/lopsidedness in breasts
• Engorgement that does not go away and difficulty feeding
• Nipple pain -- bruised, cracked, bleeding or blistered nipples
• Inverted or flat nipples
• Nipple tenderness after the first week
• Tenderness, heat, or pain in one area of the breast
• Flu-like symptoms (in mom) and/or fever