Breastfeeding is rarely without challenges

Many parents experience breastfeeding difficulties at some point. Even though this is very common, it can feel overwhelming when you are in the middle of it.

Talk together about what is happening if problems, doubts or worries arise. Your partner or someone close to you may notice things you have not seen yourself. The more you handle together, the more confident you will become in your ability to manage the situation.

If you cannot solve the problem yourselves, reach out for professional help — and do so early, so the difficulties do not grow. During the first week you can contact the maternity ward where you gave birth; after that, your health visitor is your primary support.

What are the most common breastfeeding difficulties?

The two problems most parents experience are:

• Pain when breastfeeding
• Feeling that there is not enough milk

Both can feel discouraging, but you are not alone. Many have faced the same challenges, and in most cases breastfeeding can get back on track.

What can we try ourselves?

As soon as breastfeeding becomes difficult, you can start with the four key messages, which are often enough to improve the situation:

• Increase skin-to-skin contact. This supports milk production and helps your baby feed more effectively.
• Try a different breastfeeding position. A new position may improve your baby’s latch and reduce any pain.
• Breastfeed more often. Frequent feeding helps ensure your baby gets what it needs.
• Support each other. Feeling alone with breastfeeding problems can make everything much harder; share the load and talk openly.

The four key messages about breastfeeding

Video

The four key messages about breastfeeding

Gem

Learn how these four key messages can help you get off to a good start with breastfeeding.

 

Activate English subtitles in top right corner

Where can we get more help?

During your stay after birth, you can always ask the staff on the maternity ward if you have questions or difficulties with breastfeeding.
In the first week after birth, your maternity ward have a 24-hour phone line you can call.
After this period, your health visitor is your main point of contact.

You can also get support from two volunteer organisations:

Forældre & Fødsel — telephone counselling from experienced parents

Ammenet — breastfeeding support from volunteers who have breastfed themselves The volunteers are mothers who have breastfed themselves. Both organisations provide guidance based on the recommendations of the Danish Health Authority.

Read more about where to get help

What does it mean to ‘start again’ with breastfeeding?

If you are experiencing difficulties with breastfeeding, it can sometimes help to start again. This means recreating the calm and secure situation that many mothers and babies experience just after birth.

Your baby lies skin-to-skin on your chest and is given time and peace to find the breast independently. Many babies find it easier to latch on when they can use their natural reflexes at their own pace, step by step.

When can it help to start again?

You may wish to try starting again if:

• Your baby has never really started sucking effectively.
• Your baby finds it difficult to get a good latch.
• You have significant pain when your baby feeds.
• Breastfeeding has become difficult without a clear reason.

How to start again with breastfeeding

• Choose a quiet place where you will not be disturbed.
• Make sure you are comfortable and relaxed, with your baby undressed against your bare chest.
• Give your baby time to search for the breast. It may happen quickly or take longer — both are completely normal.
• Stay in the position for as long as it feels comfortable. You can take breaks if your baby becomes unsettled or falls asleep, and try again later.Starting again does not always resolve the difficulty, but it can improve the experience for both you and your baby and create more calm around breastfeeding. It is often worth trying before moving on to other solutions.

You can also watch the video below to see how to start again with breastfeeding.

Starting again – for breastfeeding difficulties

Video

Starting again – for breastfeeding difficulties

Gem

You and your baby can start again if you are experiencing breastfeeding difficulties by allowing your baby to lie undisturbed skin to skin and find the breast on their own. This can help make breastfeeding easier.

 

Activate English subtitles in top right corner

How long should we keep trying?

For many families, breastfeeding takes 4–6 weeks to establish — sometimes longer. Even when breastfeeding is going well, problems can occur later.

How long you want to continue trying depends entirely on your situation:
How important is breastfeeding to you?
Are there other major challenges in your life right now?
Is breastfeeding affecting your relationship with your baby or with each other?

Only you can answer these questions.

Stopping breastfeeding can be a difficult decision even if you feel the effort has become too much.
Your health visitor can help you talk through your thoughts, weigh pros and cons, and find the option that feels right for your family.

What if I do not want to breastfeed?

Some parents simply do not feel like breastfeeding, or feel that continuing affects family life too strongly. In that case, stopping may be the best choice for you.

Speak with your health visitor so you can stop breastfeeding safely. If your breasts are still producing a lot of milk, there is a risk of mastitis if breastfeeding is stopped abruptly. Your health visitor can also guide you on what to consider when bottle-feeding.

What should we know before switching to bottle-feeding?

If you are thinking about switching to bottle-feeding, it is helpful to know in advance:

• How often your baby will need a bottle
• How much milk to offer
• How to clean and prepare bottles safely

Breastfeeding can be simpler when it works, because the milk is always ready. Use your health visitor as a discussion partner, so you can make a fully informed decision.