Here are some of the problems breastfeeding mums sometimes have, plus tips on how to tackle them.
Sore or cracked nipples
Sore nipples usually happen because your baby is not well positioned and attached at the breast.
Putting up with it could make pain or discomfort worse, so it's important to get help from your midwife, health visitor or breastfeeding specialist as soon as you can.
See more advice on sore nipples.
Not enough breast milk
When you first start breastfeeding, you may worry that your baby is not getting enough milk. It can take a little while before you feel confident that your baby is getting what they need.
Learn the signs that your baby is getting enough milk.
Offering your baby both breasts at each feed and alternating which breast you start with will help to stimulate your milk supply. So will keeping your baby close and holding them skin to skin. Letting your baby feed whenever they want for as long as they need can also help (responsive feeding).
Speak to your midwife, health visitor or a breastfeeding specialist if you're worried your baby is not getting enough milk.
Breast engorgement
Breast engorgement is when your breasts get too full of milk. They may feel hard, tight and painful.
Engorgement can happen in the early days when you and your baby are still getting used to breastfeeding. It can take a few days for your milk supply to match your baby's needs.
Engorgement can also happen when your baby is older and not feeding so frequently, perhaps when they start having solid foods.
See how to manage breast pain while breastfeeding.
Baby is not latching on properly
Breastfeeding is a skill that you and your baby need to learn together. It may take you both a while to get the hang of it.
If you are finding breastfeeding painful or your baby does not seem to be satisfied after feeds, they may not be latching onto the breast properly.
Find out how to latch your baby on (Best Start in Life)
Learn the signs that your baby is well attached.
Video: How do I know if my baby is properly latched?
In this video, a midwife talks about how to check if your baby is latched on properly when breastfeeding.
Media review due: 4 October 2028
Too much breast milk
Occasionally women make too much breast milk and their babies struggle to cope.
It's best to get your midwife, health visitor or breastfeeding specialist to watch a feed to see if they can spot why this is happening. They can also show you different positions to help your baby cope with large amounts of milk.
Infection
Breast and nipple pain can sometimes be caused by a bacterial, viral or fungal infection.
Contact your midwife, GP or NHS 111 if you have pain in your breast or nipple that does not go away.
You may also have itching, or changes to the way your nipple or breast looks.
Blocked milk duct
A blocked milk duct can be caused by breast engorgement, or a build-up of milk from skipping or delaying a feed. It can also be caused by something putting pressure on the breast such as a tight bra, bag strap or tight clothing. You may feel a small, tender lump in your breast.
Frequent feeding from the affected breast may help.
See more help for breast pain, including pain from blocked milk ducts.
Mastitis
Mastitis (inflammation of the breast) happens when a blocked milk duct is not relieved. It makes the breast feel hot and painful, and can make you feel very unwell with flu-like symptoms.
It's important to carry on breastfeeding. Starting feeds with the tender breast may help.
See more help for breast pain, including pain from mastitis.
If you are no better within 12 to 24 hours, or if you feel worse, contact your GP or NHS 111 as you may need antibiotics.
Breast abscess
If mastitis is not treated, or if it does not respond to treatment, it can lead to a breast abscess, which may need a procedure to drain it.
Read more about breast abscesses.
Breastfeeding and tongue tie
In some babies, the strip of skin that attaches the tongue to the floor of the mouth (frenulum) is shorter than usual. This is known as tongue tie.
Some babies who have a tongue tie do not seem to be bothered by it. In others, it can stop the tongue moving freely, which can make it harder for them to breastfeed.
The good news is that tongue tie is easily treated.
Find out more about tongue tie
Got a breastfeeding question?
You can find breastfeeding help and support on Best Start in Life.