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Common breast feeding problems

Authoring team

Around 30% of women will experience at least one breastfeeding problem at two weeks post partum and consult their general practitioner or other health professional (1)

The two most common problems faced by breastfeeding women are:

  • nipple and breast pain
    • is the leading cause of discontinuation of breastfeeding in mothers
    • in UK around 55% of women who discontinued breastfeeding in the first two weeks after birth, the cause was painful breasts and nipples
  • low (or perceived low) milk supply (1)

Common breastfeeding problems faced by lactating mothers are

  • full breast
  • breast engorgement
  • blocked duct
  • mastitis
  • ductal infection
  • breast abscess
  • nipple soreness and pain - incorrect positioning and attachment, eczema, impetigo, dermatitis, candida (thrush) infection, Raynaud's phenomenon of the nipple and ankyloglossia in breastfeeding infants
  • insufficient milk supply
  • overabundant milk supply (1,2)

Reference:

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The content herein is provided for informational purposes and does not replace the need to apply professional clinical judgement when diagnosing or treating any medical condition. A licensed medical practitioner should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.

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