Common breastfeeding questions and problems

Breastfeeding gives your baby with all their nutrients; often there are challenges with breastfeeding. Learn about these challenges and your options.

Engorgement is when your breasts are overfull with milk and fluids. It is usually temporary and will lessen as your body adjusts to your baby's needs.

Find out why you might need a breast pump to express milk. Learn what types there are and where to get one.

Find ways to breastfeed after breast surgery, such as implants, mastectomy and reconstruction procedures. Discover how a lactation consultant can help.

It's common for babies to bite during breastfeeding. Learn why your baby bites, how to manage biting, as well as when to seek help.

Breast refusal can be frustrating for you and your baby. Find out why they might be refusing and how to help them feed from your breast.

Cluster feeding is when your baby wants lots of short feeds over a few hours. Find out when your baby is most likely to do this, and how to cope.

Colds will often get better on their own, but the flu can be serious when pregnant or breastfeeding. Learn more about treatment and vaccination.

You have a higher risk of overheating during hot weather if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Read how to stay cool and avoid heat exhaustion.

There are many reasons why you may have low breastmilk supply. Learn how breastmilk production works and how you can increase it.

Your let-down reflex is a response from your body that lets breastmilk flow. Learn more about when your let-down reflex and how to encourage it.

Mastitis occurs when breast tissue becomes inflamed, and usually happens in people who are breastfeeding. Mastitis can lead to infection.

While most medicines are safe to take while breastfeeding, some can affect your baby. Learn out more about medicines and breastfeeding here.

Night feeding is when your baby feeds at night and is common for babies in their first year of life. Learn how to establish a routine and manage night feeding.

Nipple thrush is one kind of infection that can happen when you're breastfeeding. Find out more about the symptoms and treatments for nipple thrush.

Nipple vasospasm affects the flow of milk from the nipple and can be painful when breastfeeding. Learn about its causes and treatment.

Oversupply or hyperlactation is when you make more milk than your baby requires. Find out here what to do if you have too much breast milk.

Sore, cracked or bleeding nipples are common problems when you’re breastfeeding. Learn more about attachment issues, causes and treatment.

A lactation consultant is a trained expert in breastfeeding support. You can ask a doctor or midwife to recommend a lactation consultant but you do not need a referral.