The Ultimate Guide to Lactation Support: Helping You Breastfeed with Confidence
Breastfeeding is one of the most natural and nourishing ways to care for your baby. It’s a special time for bonding, immune support, and nutrition. While breastfeeding is biologically normal, it’s also a learned skill—and many moms face unexpected hurdles, like difficulty with latch, nipple pain, concerns about milk supply, and figuring out pumping routines.
Why Lactation Support Is Important
Just because breastfeeding is often described as natural doesn’t mean it comes naturally for everyone. Many moms feel overwhelmed as they navigate latching issues, feeding schedules, and physical recovery—all while learning a completely new skill.
In fact, about 84% of U.S. mothers initiate breastfeeding, but only 47% are exclusively breastfeeding at three months, and just 25% continue exclusively through six months¹. Simply knowing that breastfeeding challenges are common can help you feel less alone—and more empowered to find solutions.
This is where lactation support can make a world of difference. Working with a trained professional gives you access to expert guidance, practical solutions, and reassurance during challenging moments. A lactation consultant can help you troubleshoot common issues, answer your questions in real time, and provide personalized advice tailored to your baby’s needs and your feeding goals.
With the right support, many parents find they can overcome challenges more quickly and approach breastfeeding with greater confidence and peace of mind.
6 Common Breastfeeding Challenges and Solutions
Breastfeeding is a rewarding journey, but it can come with its challenges. With the right support, you can overcome these hurdles and enjoy a successful breastfeeding experience. Below are some common struggles and practical tips you can try on your own while waiting to meet with a lactation consultant.
1. Latching Difficulties
A poor latch can lead to nipple pain and inefficient milk transfer.
What to expect from professional support:
A lactation consultant can assess your baby’s latch, suggest different breastfeeding positions, and offer tips for achieving a deeper, more comfortable latch. They may observe a feeding session (virtually or in person) to evaluate your baby’s latch and positioning in real time. If needed, they’ll check for signs of tongue tie or other oral restrictions and demonstrate techniques like the “flipple” or “laid-back nursing” to encourage a better latch. You’ll also receive a personalized plan to address any pain or feeding inefficiencies while supporting your breastfeeding goals.
What you can try on your own in the meantime:
- Experiment with positions like cradle hold, football hold, or side-lying to see what feels best.
- Wait for your baby’s mouth to open wide before bringing them to the breast.
- Support your breast with a C-hold or U-hold for better guidance.
- If pain persists, gently break suction and try again.
2. Nipple Pain and Soreness
Pain during breastfeeding is common but not normal. Cracks, bleeding, or soreness can signal a latch problem or other issue.
What to expect from professional support:
A consultant can identify the cause of discomfort and recommend remedies, from positioning adjustments to nipple care strategies. They may examine your nipples for signs of trauma or infection, assess your baby’s latch and sucking patterns, and help you reposition to distribute pressure more evenly. If appropriate, they can guide you in using nipple shields temporarily, suggest healing strategies like saline soaks or breast milk applications, and work with you on a feeding schedule that gives sore areas time to heal while protecting your milk supply.
What you can try on your own in the meantime:
- Reassess your baby’s positioning to ensure proper alignment.
- Apply purified lanolin, coconut oil, or expressed breastmilk to soothe nipples.
- Leave nipples uncovered for a few minutes after feeding.
- Use breast shells to prevent clothing from irritating sensitive areas.
According to La Leche League International, nipple pain is one of the top reasons mothers seek lactation support early on².
3. Low Milk Supply Concerns
Many parents worry about not making enough milk—but often, the issue is more about feeding frequency or baby’s latch.
What to expect from professional support:
A lactation consultant can assess whether your milk supply is truly low or if it’s a perceived issue. They’ll evaluate your baby’s weight gain, diaper output, and feeding patterns while observing a nursing session to check for effective milk transfer. Consultants can recommend strategies to increase supply, such as power pumping, breast compressions, and optimizing latch and positioning. They can also help you create a realistic plan for supplementing (if necessary) without compromising long-term breastfeeding goals.
What you can try on your own in the meantime:
- Offer both breasts at each feeding to encourage stimulation.
- Nurse frequently—aim for 8–12 sessions every 24 hours in the early days.
- Use skin-to-skin contact to promote milk-producing hormones.
- Try gentle breast compressions during feeds.
- Stay hydrated and well-nourished to support overall health.
Studies show perceived low milk supply is one of the most common reasons for early weaning³.
4. Engorgement, Plugged Ducts & Mastitis
Breasts that are overly full can be uncomfortable and may eventually lead to mastitis.
What to expect from professional support:
A lactation consultant can help you relieve engorgement, encourage better drainage of the breast, and teach techniques to keep milk flowing and ducts clear. They may show you how to use gentle massage and hand expression effectively and suggest feeding positions that target problem areas. If mastitis symptoms arise, they can guide you on when to seek medical care and how to continue breastfeeding or pumping safely during recovery.
What you can try on your own in the meantime:
- Feed or pump often to maintain milk flow.
- Apply warm compresses before feeding and cold packs afterward to reduce swelling.
- Massage from the blocked spot toward the nipple during feeding.
- Change nursing positions to help empty different parts of the breast.
- Wear a supportive, non-restrictive bra.
- Contact your healthcare provider if redness, fever, or flu-like symptoms develop.
Mastitis affects about 20% of breastfeeding mothers in the first six months⁴.
5. Pumping Breast Milk & Returning to Work
Balancing breastfeeding with pumping and work schedules can feel daunting.
What to expect from professional support:
A consultant can help you choose the best pump for your needs, teach you how to assemble and use it correctly, and create a pumping schedule that aligns with your work routine. They’ll share tips for maximizing output during sessions, managing milk storage, and troubleshooting common issues like flange fit and let-down difficulties. You’ll also get advice on advocating for your pumping needs in the workplace if needed.
What you can try on your own in the meantime:
- Begin pumping once a day a few weeks before returning to work to get comfortable with your pump.
- Use a double electric pump to save time.
- Pump after morning feeds when supply tends to be highest.
- Label and store milk safely in the refrigerator or freezer.
- Discuss with your employer about break times and a private space for pumping.
A study found mothers with workplace lactation support were more than twice as likely to be breastfeeding at six months compared to those without⁵.
6. Transitioning and Weaning
Weaning can happen gradually or suddenly depending on your baby’s cues and your personal goals.
What to expect from professional support:
A consultant can guide you through a gentle, step-by-step weaning process tailored to your timeline and comfort. They’ll help you prevent engorgement and blocked ducts, support your baby’s adjustment emotionally, and provide tips for maintaining closeness without nursing. If partial weaning or combination feeding is your goal, they can also help balance breast and bottle feeding.
What you can try on your own in the meantime:
- Replace one breastfeeding session at a time with bottle feeding or solids.
- Offer extra cuddles and attention during transition times.
- Hand express small amounts if breasts become overly full.
Summary of What to Expect From Lactation Support
During a lactation consultation, you can expect:
- Assessment of your breastfeeding situation, including latch, feeding behavior, and your comfort level.
- Education on breastfeeding techniques, positions, and how to address any issues you’re experiencing.
- A detailed action plan with steps to improve your breastfeeding experience.
- Support and reassurance with the opportunity to ask questions.
Randomized trials confirm that individualized lactation support significantly increases exclusive breastfeeding rates at six months⁶.
Find Breastfeeding Support at Tot Squad
Breastfeeding is a journey full of highs and lows. Challenges like latch problems, nipple soreness, and milk supply concerns are incredibly common—and with the right support, they’re also very manageable.
If you're seeking personalized guidance, Tot Squad’s virtual lactation consultation services can connect you with certified professionals from home. Whether you’re struggling with latch, milk supply, pumping, or returning to work, tailored lactation support can give you clarity, confidence, and lasting success.
Sources
- CDC Breastfeeding Report Card, 2022
- La Leche League International
- Kent et al., International Breastfeeding Journal, 2020
- Amir, Breastfeeding Medicine, 2014
- Office on Women’s Health
- Sinha et al., The Lancet Global Health, 2015
