COMMON BREASTFEEDING CHALLENGES
AND WHEN TO GET HELP

Protect Sensitive Nipples Between Feeds

Frequently Asked Questions About Breastfeeding Challenges

• Is breastfeeding supposed to hurt?

  Breastfeeding may feel unfamiliar or slightly tender during the first few days, but severe or continuing pain should not be dismissed as normal. Pain can be associated with a shallow latch, poor positioning, nipple damage, infection, tongue-tie or another feeding difficulty. If pain continues throughout feeds or your nipples are becoming cracked or misshapen, arrange for a qualified professional to observe a complete feed.

• Why does my baby keep coming off the breast?

  A baby may repeatedly come off the breast because the latch is shallow, the feeding position is uncomfortable, milk flow is particularly fast or slow, or the baby is struggling to coordinate sucking and swallowing. Nasal congestion, tiredness and oral restrictions may also contribute. Try a calm feeding environment and a supported position, but request professional assistance if the problem continues or milk intake is a concern.

• How can I improve my baby’s breastfeeding latch?

  Hold your baby close with the head and body aligned. Position the nose near the nipple and wait for a wide-open mouth before bringing the baby towards the breast. The baby should take a generous mouthful of breast tissue rather than sucking only on the nipple. Because latch problems have different causes, ongoing pain or ineffective feeding should be assessed by a lactation consultant or healthcare professional.

• What should I do if my nipples are cracked or bleeding?

  First address the likely cause, which is often an ineffective or shallow latch. Keep the nipples clean, avoid harsh soaps and reduce unnecessary friction. Silver nursing cups may help protect sensitive skin from rubbing against clothing between feeds. Seek professional help if the cracks are deep, bleeding continues, pain is severe, or there are signs of infection.

• Can Silver Mama nursing cups fix a poor latch?

  No. Silver Mama nursing cups are intended to protect sensitive nipples from friction between feeds. They cannot correct positioning, tongue-tie, ineffective milk transfer or a poor latch. Mothers with continuing pain or nipple damage should have a complete feed assessed by a qualified lactation consultant or healthcare professional.

• How can I tell the difference between engorgement and mastitis?

  Engorgement commonly affects both breasts and can make them feel full, firm and uncomfortable, especially when milk production first increases. Mastitis may cause a localized painful, swollen or hot area and can be accompanied by fever, chills or flu-like symptoms. Because symptoms can overlap, seek medical advice if you feel unwell, the pain is worsening or the symptoms are not improving.

• Does pumping output show how much milk I produce?

  Not necessarily. The amount expressed with a pump can be affected by the pump, flange fit, time of day, stress and how well your body responds to pumping. A baby may remove milk differently from a pump. Wet nappies, swallowing during feeds, alertness and appropriate weight gain provide more useful information about whether a baby is receiving enough milk.

• When should I seek urgent help for a breastfeeding problem?

  Seek prompt medical advice if you have a high temperature, rapidly worsening breast redness or pain, pus or unusual discharge, severe nipple damage, or symptoms suggesting an abscess. A baby who is extremely sleepy, feeding poorly, showing signs of dehydration or producing fewer wet nappies also requires urgent professional assessment.