1.      Women often hear from friends or at times medical professionals that breastfeeding is painful and you just have to suffer with it.  This simply is NOT true.  Any pain while breastfeeding has a cause that we can modify and minimize.  Women are often told (or they think) the pain will get better over time or “it’s supposed to hurt at first.” It’s NOT supposed to hurt and this is usually a sign that something is not right—probably a problem with the baby’s latch.
   

2.      Bleeding, cracked or bruised nipples that are not getting better quickly.   Once the nipple is cracked and sore it is extremely painful to continue to nurse, in this case we must take care to protect the skin so that the nipple can heal and you can nurse your baby without pain.
   

3.      Inadequate or questionable weight gain or inadequate wet/dirty diapers any time. For the 1st 5 days a baby should have at least 1 wet diaper for every day she is old. For example; day 1 = 1 wet diaper, day 2 = 2 wet diapers, etc. After day 5 a baby should have at least 6 very wet diapers every day and at least 2 very soiled diapers.
   

4.      Baby cannot latch on the breast or seems to latch on but “falls off” after a short time.   Frequently this is also combined with an increase in nipple pain.  Additionally, you may have a “noisy nurser” if the latch and position are off.
   

5.      After day 2, baby is at the breast for long periods of times (over 45 minutes of continuous nursing) wants to go to the breast very frequently (every hour or more) or stays on the breast for a very short period of time (less than 5 minutes) or is unwilling to go to the breast at least every 3 hours.
   

6.      If you have had breast reduction or augmentation surgery.   Occasionally, certain breast surgeries may create difficulties in breastfeeding, in this case support from a lactation consultant is usually necessary.
   

A lactation consultant can help identify the problem and develop a plan to address the problem so that you and your baby can enjoy a long, mutually beneficial breastfeeding relationship for as long as you and your baby desire.