Breastfeeding, like childbirth, is one of the most natural things in human life. Yet many new mothers face challenges along their breastfeeding journey. These difficulties may stem from complications during pregnancy, childbirth, or the postpartum period. Every mother deserves support in breastfeeding. When help is available early, it’s possible to build a safe and nurturing start to the journey shared by mother and baby.
In this article, public health nurse and breastfeeding counsellor Satu Willman shares practical tips to support breastfeeding.
Mother's breast milk is unique
Immediately after birth, the breasts produce colostrum. This first milk is particularlys rich, concentrated and packed with antibodies, vitamins and proteins essential for the newborn. Breast milk also contains a wide variety of nutrients that support your baby’s growth and development, such as enzymes, hormones and growth factors that help build a strong immune system and protect against infections.
Breast milk is the perfect first food for your baby. It is well tolerated by your baby's stomach and the milk is always the right temperature. It also adapts over time to meet your baby’s changing needs – starting out high in antibodies and protein, and later containing more fat and carbohydrates.
Newborn eats frequently
Newborns feed often because their tummies are small. Frequent nursing supports milk production and helps your baby grow and thrive. Recommendations suggest feeding your baby around 8–12 times per day, for 10–40 minutes at a time. In the beginning, it’s important to offer both breasts and ensure your baby gets a strong, effective latch for at least ten minutes per side. That said, every baby is different. Feeding rhythms and durations can vary greatly. The most important thing is not the clock – it’s how your baby is doing and how you’re feeling.
Nighttime feedings are important
Many babies feed two to three times at night and usually sleep for one longer period. Nighttime feedings support milk production, as the mother's prolactin, or milk hormone, is at its highest at night. This hormone plays a key role in breastfeeding - it initiates breastfeeding after birth and maintains milk production during breastfeeding.
Night feeds can feel overwhelming at first. It helps if you let yourself to slow down and adjust your daily rhythm to your baby’s pace – and remember to rest whenever your baby sleeps. Nutrition and hydration also play a big role in maintaining your energy levels. During the night, try to keep things quiet and calm. Offer only what’s needed, in dim lighting. For example, there’s no need to change the diaper at every feed unless it’s necessary. It’s helpful for your baby to stay close to you, so that moving them to the breast can happen gently, with minimal disruption. Side-lying breastfeeding is a relaxing position for both mother and baby. It may take some practice at first, but over time, night feeds become a natural and manageable part of everyday life with a newborn.
Skin-to-skin contact supports breastfeeding
Babies crave closeness, the scent of breast milk, warmth, and the familiar rhythm of your heartbeat – all of which they’ve known in the womb. Skin-to-skin contact is a powerful tool for soothing and encouraging breastfeeding. It stimulates oxytocin, the “love hormone”, which supports milk let-down and strengthens emotional connection for both baby and mother.
Place your diapered baby directly on your bare chest, cover yourselves with a soft blanket – for example, a wool fleece blanket – and enjoy the moment. You can also place a light silk bonnet on your baby’s head for added warmth and comfort.
Why isn't breastfeeding always easy?
A mother's body is incredible. It carries, gives birth to, and nourishes a new life. Yet many mothers face challenges when it comes to breastfeeding. There can be many reasons, but the most important thing to remember is that you are not alone in your struggles, and breastfeeding difficulties are never your fault.
Common breastfeeding challenges:
Nipple pain
In the first couple of weeks, many mothers experience hormonal nipple pain, which usually eases on its own. However, constant breastfeeding pain that does not stop when breastfeeding is always a sign that something is not right. If pain lasts through the entire feeding, contact your healthcare provider or maternity clinic. The root cause may be complex, but help is available – and relief is possible.
Shallow or painful latch
If breastfeeding hurts, your baby frequently loses their latch, or you hear a clicking sound while feeding, these may be signs of a suboptimal latch. Newborns may begin with a shallow latch, taking only the nipple into their mouth. This often leads to discomfort and skin damage.
In a good latch, your baby’s body is close to yours, their head is tilted slightly back, and their mouth is wide open. Their nose should align with your nipple, encouraging them to open wide and latch deeply, with the chin touching your breast.
A tight frenulum (tongue-tie) can also cause problems.The pediatrician will check the tongue in the hospital before the mother and baby are discharged home. Tension in your baby’s jaw, face or neck may affect their latch. Gentle massage may help, and some families find relief from reflexology, Baby balance massage or osteopathy.
Struggling to find a comfortable position?
Finding the right breastfeeding position often takes practice. A supportive position helps both you and your baby relax and encourages effective feeding.
A good position ensures:
- Your baby’s head and body are in alignment
- Their head is tilted slightly back
- Their tummy is facing your body
- You feel comfortable and supported
Try experimenting with these common positions:
1. Side-lying: Breastfeeding while lying on your side – often relaxing for both baby and mother.
Baby falls asleep at the breast
Oral thrush (Yeast infection)
Thrush can be persistent and bothersome for both baby and mother. It often appears as a yellowish coating on the baby’s tongue or inner cheeks. If you suspect thrush, both the baby’s mouth and your nipples should be treated.
Helpful tips:
- Wash pacifiers, teething toys, and cloths that have come into contact with your baby's mouth at 60°C, preferably daily
- Replace disposable breast pads frequently
- Try topical treatments such as cranberry juice, lemon, lingonberry, or carbonated water
- Allow your nipples time to air dry
- Oral probiotics may help both you and baby
If symptoms persist, contact your healthcare provider.
Engorged breasts
Engorgement is common in the early days. Breasts may feel full, heavy, and warm. This is a normal stage where milk production is adjusting to your baby’s needs. Frequent breastfeeding as your baby desires usually relieves the discomfort. Breasts typically soften within a week and stay that way.
Mastitis (Breast inflammation)
If your breast is painful, swollen, and you have a fever, you may have mastitis. The best initial treatment is:
- Breastfeed frequently (do not pump excessively
- Drink plenty of water and rest.
- Take anti-inflammatory medication if needed
If symptoms worsen or fever continues, antibiotics may be required.
Cold exposure can trigger mastitis. During colder months, protect your breasts with warm layers – for example, Ruskovilla’s wool nursing pads or merino wool nursing tops with double-layered breast panels.
Overactive milk let-down
In the early stages of breastfeeding, milk may be expressed too forcefully, preventing the baby from swallowing the milk. The baby may have difficulty coordinating sucking, swallowing and breathing. Typically, the baby coughs and releases the breast, along with crying and fussing. Sometimes babies may develop stomach symptoms, which manifest as crying, wanting to be at the breast frequently, or refusing to suck. The baby may also learn to drain excess milk out of the corner of their mouth. Milk production usually levels out as the baby ages. Use more upright positions (like the laid-back hold) to help your baby better manage the milk flow. Don’t worry – supply usually balances out as your baby grows.
Baby refusing the breast
Sometimes a baby will struggle or refuse to breastfeed. This can be a confusing phase, especially if breastfeeding has otherwise been going well. The baby may latch on to the breast but suck weakly or not suck or swallow at all. The baby may also reject the other breast. Breastfeeding refusal occurs in babies of all ages, and it is natural and related to the baby's development. The situation can be very frustrating and stressful for parents and understandably causes concerns about the baby's adequate nutrition. Common reasons include:
- Strong milk flow
- Overstimulation or stress
- Pacifier or bottle preference
- Changes in feeding routine
- Changes in taste (e.g., due to your diet, medication, or menstruation)
It's helpful to keep in mind, that breast refusal happens to babies of all ages and is usually temporary.
Your well-being matters
A mother's own coping skills can be forgotten in the heat of caring for her baby. After giving birth, you have permission to calm down. Give yourself and your baby time to "nest" – to spend time together peacefully without rushing, schedules or expectations.
In the whirlwind of caring for a newborn, it’s easy to forget your own needs. But your rest and recovery are just as important. After giving birth, you have permission to calm down. Give yourself and your baby time to settle in and bond – without pressure, expectations or schedules. The most important tasks for parents and baby at this stage are to be together and rest without the pressure of the clock and everyday life. In practice, this means peace at home for the whole family. Friends and relatives can make everyday life easier, for example by cooking and helping with other household chores. Guests will have time to meet the newcomer a little later, when the parents decide the time is right.
When are supplements needed?
Sometimes, supplementing with formula or pumped milk is necessary, especially if your baby isn’t gaining weight as expected. This decision is always made together with hospital or clinic professionals and often temporary – many families are able to reduce supplements once breastfeeding starts to go well and the baby's weight starts to increase.
Bottle feeding is also a loving choice
The baby can also get all the milk from a bottle. If a parent cannot breastfeed or pump breast milk, infant formula is an important help. The formula can also be a family choice. Whether by necessity or choice, this is a valid and loving way to feed your baby. Feeding is more than nutrition – it’s a bonding moment. Gentle touch, eye contact, and calm surroundings help baby feel secure, which supports feeding. What matters most is that your baby is fed, nurtured, and loved.
Finally
Breastfeeding isn't always easy, but you don't have to deal with the problems alone. Don't hesitate to seek help if you’re struggling, worried, or in pain. Your baby needs you, and you deserve all the support you can get.
Warmly,
Satu Willman
public health nurse, lactation consultant trainer, doula
Also check out our our Baby in Wool guide , where we have compiled tips for natural and gentle baby care.
