Breastfeeding
problem solver

If you have a breastfeeding problem, get help as soon as possible. The longer
you leave it, the more painful it may become, and a simply resolved positioning
problem can all too easily develop into an infection that may take antibiotics
to clear.

The majority of problems stem from poor positioning, so the first
step is simply to change the baby’s position and make sure that he opens
his mouth wide as he takes the breast.

Common problems:

• Biting baby
• Blocked duct
• Breast refusal
• Engorgement
• Favoured breast
• Inverted nipples
• Mastitis
• Sleepy baby
• Sore or cracked nipples
• Thrush

Who can help:

• Your midwife
• Your GP
• Your health visitor
• The postnatal ward of your local hospital
• A breastfeeding counsellor (the NCT,
  Breastfeeding
  Network, and
  La Leche League have local contacts)
• A local breastfeeding support group

Where to next?

•   Breastfeeding:
  the early days

•   Breastfeeding
  checklist

•   Expressing
  and storing breast milk

•   Breastfeeding
  and working

•   Breastfeeding
  twins

•   Nursing
  beyond the first year