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Common breastfeeding problems

Key facts

  • Breastfeeding is the process of feeding your baby human milk directly from your chest, or by expressing your milk and giving it to your baby via a bottle.
  • There are many benefits of breastfeeding for you and your baby — some are immediate and others are long-term.
  • Some breastfeeding challenges include having a low supply, oversupply, engorgement, inverted or flat nipples, mastitis or thrush.
  • Some breastfeeding issues are related to your baby, for example tongue tie, low muscle tone and being born premature.
  • If you are having trouble breastfeeding, support and solutions to many challenges are available.
    • Breastfeeding offers many benefits for both you and your baby. While it's not always easy and many people experience challenges, support is available, and most challenges have solutions to help you overcome your breastfeeding difficulties.

    What is breastfeeding?

    Breastfeeding is the process of feeding your baby human milk directly from your chest, or by expressing your milk and giving it to your baby via a bottle.

    Breast milk is the ideal food for your baby's optimal growth. Your breast milk changes to match your baby's needs as they develop.

    Breastfeeding is also environmentally sustainable.

    Your healthcare team will support you to exclusively breastfeed your baby until they are around 6 months old. After introducing solids to your baby, you are recommended to continue breastfeeding your baby until they are at least 12 months, and then for as long as you and your baby want.

    There are many reasons you might choose to start, continue to or stop breastfeeding your baby.

    What are the benefits of breastfeeding?

    There are many benefits of breastfeeding, both for you and your baby. Some benefits are immediate and others last many years.

    Benefits for your baby

    Breastfeeding can reduce your baby's risk of:

    Long-term benefits of breastfeeding for your baby may include:

    Benefits for you

    Breastfeeding is also good for your health. It can reduce your risk of developing:

    Breastfeeding also helps you bond with your baby through skin-to-skin contact.

    Breastfeeding issues related to you

    Many people experience breastfeeding problems — read on to learn about some of the more common issues.

    Low supply

    Low milk supply is when you do not make enough milk to feed your baby. This is common.

    With the right support, you may be able to increase your supply. Low supply is one of the most common reasons why people stop breastfeeding early.

    Read more about how to increase breast milk supply.

    Oversupply

    Oversupply of breast milk ('hyperlactation') is when your body makes more milk than your baby needs. Oversupply can cause breast pain, blocked ducts or mastitis (inflammation).

    There are many interventions, including feeding techniques, herbal and prescription medicines you can try to reduce your supply.

    Read more about how to manage oversupply.

    Inverted or flat nipples

    If you have flat or inverted nipples, it may affect how your baby attaches to your breast. Using a nipple shield may help.

    Engorgement

    Your breasts can become engorged and feel very full, hard and painful. This often happens when your milk first comes in, but it usually passes. There are many things you can try to relieve your discomfort.

    Read more on breast engorgement.

    Nipple thrush

    If you feel burning or stinging pain in your nipple during and after feeding your baby, you may have nipple thrush. Thrush is caused by Candida albicans, a fungus. Your nipples will be red and feel tender. Your baby can catch it too, so you'll both need treatment.

    Read more on nipple thrush.

    Mastitis

    Mastitis is inflammation of your breast. It can cause soreness, tenderness and flu-like symptoms. Mastitis can lead to an infection in your breast, so it's important you see a healthcare professional.

    You can continue breastfeeding if you have mastitis.

    Read more on mastitis.

    Cracked or bleeding nipples

    Your nipples can become cracked and bleed, especially in the early days of breastfeeding. As your baby gets older, if your nipples continue to crack and bleed, it can be a sign your baby is not attaching properly.

    Seek support from your doctor or lactation consultant for assistance.

    Vasospasm

    Nipple vasospasm happens when the blood vessels in your nipple tighten after you feed your baby. This reduces the blood flow to your nipple, causing a burning or tingling pain. Treatment includes applying a hot dry compress after breastfeeding.

    Read more on nipple vasospasm.

    Poor attachment

    Sometimes your baby may not attach well to your breast. This can make breastfeeding very painful and affect your baby's feeding and your milk supply.

    Poor attachment can be due to issues with you or your baby.

    Breastfeeding issues related to your baby

    Some breastfeeding challenges you may experience might be related to your baby.

    Tongue-tie

    If your baby has a tongue-tie, the small piece of skin under their tongue (frenulum) might be shorter or tighter than usual. This makes it harder for your baby's tongue to move freely. Your baby might have trouble attaching or staying on the breast.

    Read more on tongue-tie.

    Low muscle tone

    If your baby has low muscle tone (hypotonia), they may find it hard to suck and swallow. This can make breastfeeding more difficult.

    Read more on low muscle tone.

    Early birth

    Babies born early (premature) may have difficulty breastfeeding. Your health team may encourage you to express milk, and they will guide you through this journey.

    Read more on premature babies.

    Read more about breast pumps.

    Other issues

    There may be some other rare issues associated with your baby that cause breastfeeding to be challenging. Speak with your medical team or lactation consultant for support.

    What should I do if I'm having trouble breastfeeding?

    If you are having trouble breastfeeding, there is a lot of help available. You do not have to go through it alone. Many challenges can be overcome with the right support.

    You can seek support from your doctor, maternal child health nurse, lactation consultant or a breastfeeding counsellor.

    FIND A HEALTH SERVICE — The Service Finder can help you find doctors, pharmacies, hospitals and other health services.

    What if I can't or choose not to breastfeed?

    Not everybody can or wants to breastfeed, and that is okay. You can still feed and bond with your baby in many other ways.

    If you can't or choose not to breastfeed, you can feed your baby with formula. This is your choice. Infant formula is safe and healthy for your child. Formula is made to meet your baby's nutritional needs. When you prepare formula for your baby, make sure you carefully follow the instructions.

    You may choose to try accessing donor breast milk from a milk bank. Milk banks are tightly regulated to make sure all breast milk is safe for babies.

    You can also source donor breast milk informally, through social media networks or people you know. Remember, this milk would not have been pasteurised and may not have been appropriately stored. It is important you are aware of the risks involved.

    It's common to feel sad or overwhelmed when you are going through breastfeeding issues. Try to reach out to someone you trust — a friend, family member or someone close to you. You can also talk to your doctor. They can help connect you with a counsellor for support.

    Resources and support

    Looking for information for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples?

    The Australian Breastfeeding Association has a collection of resources about breastfeeding for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples (Opens in new tab).

    Do you prefer to read in languages other than English?

    The Multicultural Health Communication Service has translated their resource about breastfeeding tips (Opens in new tab) for new mothers into many community languages.

    Speak to a maternal child health nurse

    Call Pregnancy, Birth and Baby to speak to a maternal child health nurse on 1800 882 436 (Opens in new tab) or video call. Available 7am to midnight (AET), 7 days a week.

    Last reviewed: July 2025

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