Common Breastfeeding Challenges & Urgent Help

You don’t have to figure this out alone.

If you are reading this page, you might be in pain, worried about your baby’s weight, or feeling overwhelmed. While online advice is helpful, nothing replaces a hands-on assessment. Below are answers to the most urgent questions I receive from Napa Valley families.

Note: The information below is for educational purposes. If you or your baby have a fever or severe symptoms, please contact your healthcare provider immediately.

Pain & Latch Issues

Q: Is breastfeeding supposed to hurt?

Short Answer: No. While some initial tenderness is common in the first few days, distinct pain, cracked nipples, or bleeding are not normal and usually indicate a latch issue.

How I Can Help: Pain is typically caused by a shallow latch or positioning issues. During an In-Home Visit, I observe a full feeding session to correct the angle and depth of the latch instantly. We can often resolve "toe-curling" pain in a single session by making small, precise adjustments to how you hold and support your baby.

Q: My baby makes a "clicking" sound while nursing. Is that bad?

Short Answer: A clicking sound usually means the suction seal is breaking. This can lead to the baby swallowing air (causing gas/fussiness) and can decrease milk transfer.

The Cause: This is often caused by a tongue tie, a high palate, or simply a fast milk flow. Because of my 8 years of experience in the NICU, I am trained to assess oral anatomy and feeding mechanics. I can perform a functional oral assessment to determine if a tie or other restriction is impacting the feed.

Milk Supply & Weight Gain

Q: Is my baby getting enough milk?

Short Answer: It is impossible to know just by looking at the breast. The best indicators are diaper output (wet/dirty diapers) and weight gain.

The Solution (Weighted Feeds): This is the number one reason parents book me. I bring a professional-grade medical scale to your home. We weigh your baby precisely before and after a feed. This tells us exactly how many ounces your baby transferred, removing the guesswork and anxiety immediately.

Q: My baby falls asleep at the breast instantly. What should I do?

Short Answer: Sleepy eaters are common, especially if they were born early or had jaundice. However, if they sleep without eating, they may not gain weight properly.

My Approach: This is my specialty. Having worked in a high-acuity NICU, I specialize in "waking strategies" and feeding management for preemies and sleepy newborns. I will teach you techniques to keep the baby effectively engaged to ensure they get a full meal, not just a snack.

Blocked Ducts & Breast Health

Q: I feel a hard, painful lump in my breast. Is it a clogged duct?

Short Answer: Likely, yes. A plugged duct feels like a tender lump or wedge-shaped area of engorgement.

Updated Care Guidelines: Old advice used to suggest aggressive massage and heat, but current research shows this can increase inflammation.

  • Do: Use light lymphatic massage (gentle stroking away from the nipple), apply ice/cold packs to reduce swelling, and rest.

  • Don't: Deep massage or aggressive vibration.

  • Call Me If: You cannot clear the duct within 24 hours. We need to look at why it happened (latch, pump flange size, or schedule) so it doesn’t come back.

Q: I have a fever and red streaks on my breast. What is this?

Short Answer: These are classic symptoms of Mastitis (an infection of the breast tissue).

Action Plan:

  1. Call your OB/Midwife immediately—you may need antibiotics.

  2. Keep nursing: It is safe and necessary to keep milk moving.

  3. Book a Consult: Once you have started medical treatment, book a visit with me. Mastitis is a sign that breast drainage isn't happening effectively. We need to adjust your feeding or pumping plan to prevent a recurrence.

Pumping & Bottle Feeding

Q: Pumping hurts. Do I need a different pump?

Short Answer: You likely need a different flange size. Most pumps come with "standard" 24mm or 28mm flanges, but many women actually measure much smaller (15mm–21mm).

Flange Fitting: Using the wrong size can cause trauma and reduce milk output. I carry a sizing kit to all visits to measure you perfectly and help you order the correct parts for your specific pump brand.

Q: Can you help me transition from the NICU to home?

Short Answer: Yes. This is the heart of my experience.

My Background: Transitioning from a structured hospital schedule to home life is terrifying. Whether you are moving from tube feeding to oral feeding, or bottle to breast, I can create a "step-down" plan that protects your baby’s growth while helping you reach your breastfeeding goals.

Still have questions?

Don't wait and worry. A small issue today can become a big problem tomorrow.

Schedule a Free 10-Minute Phone Consult Available for families in Napa, Yountville, St. Helena, and surrounding areas.