Breastfeeding is natural but it's not always easy - especially in the first few weeks. Most problems have straightforward solutions, and getting help early makes a real difference.
Getting the latch right
A good latch is the foundation. Your baby should have a wide mouth with their chin touching the breast and their nose free. You should see more areola above their top lip than below their bottom lip. Feeding should feel like a strong tug, not a sharp pain. If it hurts beyond the first few seconds, break the latch gently (slip your finger into the corner of their mouth) and try again.
If you're struggling with latch, ask your midwife or health visitor to watch a feed. Many areas also have breastfeeding support groups and peer supporters - your health visitor can point you to local options.
Sore and cracked nipples
Almost always caused by latch issues. Fix the latch and the soreness usually resolves within a few days. In the meantime, apply expressed breast milk to the nipples after feeds (it has healing properties), and let them air dry. Lanolin cream can help with cracking. If soreness persists despite a good latch, ask about tongue-tie.
Engorgement
Common in the first week when milk "comes in." Your breasts may feel hard, swollen, and uncomfortable. Feed frequently on demand. Before a feed, express a small amount by hand or apply a warm flannel to help the milk flow. After a feed, a cold compress can reduce swelling. It usually settles within 24-48 hours.
Mastitis
A red, hot, painful area on the breast, sometimes with flu-like symptoms (fever, aching). Continue breastfeeding - it's safe and helps clear the blockage. Feed frequently from the affected breast first. If symptoms don't improve within 12-24 hours, or you develop a fever, see your GP - you may need antibiotics.
Storing breast milk safely
Freshly expressed milk can be stored in a sterilised container: at room temperature for up to 6 hours, in the fridge (4°C or lower) for up to 5 days (store at the back, not in the door), in the freezer for up to 6 months, and in a cool bag with ice packs for up to 24 hours.
Always label with the date. Use the oldest milk first. Never refreeze thawed milk.
Warming stored breast milk
Never microwave breast milk - it creates dangerous hot spots that can burn your baby's mouth and it destroys some of the milk's protective antibodies. Instead, place the bottle in a bowl of warm (not boiling) water, or hold it under warm running water for a few minutes. Swirl gently to mix - don't shake vigorously. Test the temperature on the inside of your wrist before feeding.
Thaw frozen milk in the fridge overnight, or hold the sealed container under cool then warm running water. Once thawed, use within 12 hours. Never refreeze.