Common breastfeeding problems

Discuss with your midwife or health visitor if you need advice / help with the following:

• thrush
• blocked ducts
• engorged breasts
• mastitis

Breastfeeding challenges on the NHS website

Tongue tie

Tongue-tie is also known as ankyloglossia, it is a congenital (present at birth). Condition. Up to 16% of babies are born with tongue tie. It is more common in boys than girls and it can run in families.

A tongue tie does not always cause problems with feeding and many babies can still breastfeed and bottle feed without the need for intervention.

if your midwife suspects tongue-tie is causing problems with feeding they w​ill refer you and your baby to be reviewed.

Nipple shields and dummies

A nipple shield is a thin silicone cover that is worn over your nippl​e while you breastfeed. Nipple shields can decrease your milk supply and your baby may not effectively drain your breast when feeding. If you do decide to use nipple shields, we advise you only use them for the shortest period as possible. If your nipples are sore, speak to your midwife as soon as possible as your position and attachment may need adjusting.

Your midwife or health visitor can support you to re-establish breastfeeding without nipple shields.

If you introduce a dummy soon after your baby is born you may:

• miss cues for feeding
• affect your milk supply
• cause nipple confusion
  

There are some reports about using dummies to reduce the risk of SIDS.

We don't recommend you use a dummy during the first 4 weeks after birth. Further information can be found from the Lullaby Trust at the Lullaby Trust Website.​​