
Breastfeeding is nature’s perfect first food—tailored to nurture your baby’s growth and immune health. The American Academy of Pediatrics and World Health Organization recommend exclusively breastfeeding for about 6 months, then continuing (with solid foods added) through at least 1 year or longer. Breastmilk meets your baby’s changing needs from day one, is packed with antibodies to build immunity, and even protects against conditions like SIDS and gastrointestinal infections. For moms, breastfeeding also offers long-term health benefits – nursing mothers have lower rates of breast and ovarian cancer, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure.
However, even with these benefits, many new mothers find breastfeeding more challenging than expected. In fact, most families don’t breastfeed as long as they intend. Early on, your body and baby are learning together: your breasts “come in,” milk supply adjusts, and your baby practices latching and sucking. These normal processes can cause discomfort or uncertainty. The key is understanding common hurdles and having strong support (like an IBCLC) to navigate them.
Common Breastfeeding Challenges
Every mother’s experience is unique, but many struggle with one or more of these challenges:
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Latch and Positioning: A poor latch is a frequent issue. If your baby doesn’t latch deeply, you might feel pain or see little milk transfer. A lactation consultant can teach positions and techniques to get a comfortable, effective latch.
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Sore Nipples: In the first weeks it’s common to have tender or cracked nipples. Applying lanolin or expressed breastmilk after feeds can soothe and heal. If soreness persists beyond 1–2 weeks despite latch improvements, it’s time to get help.
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Engorgement: When your milk “comes in” (usually 2–5 days postpartum), breasts can feel hard and painful. Frequent feeding or pumping helps empty the breast and reduces discomfort. Warm compresses before nursing and cool packs afterward can also help.
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Low (or Over) Milk Supply: Worries about supply are common. Staying hydrated, eating nourishing foods, and nursing on demand (every 2–3 hours in the newborn phase) stimulate production. Some mothers benefit from pumping after feeds. For oversupply, “block feeding” or pumping partially and then nursing can help regulate production.
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Blocked Ducts or Mastitis: A plugged duct feels like a sore lump in the breast, and if untreated can lead to mastitis. Gentle breast massage toward the nipple during feeds, along with warmth before nursing, usually clears a blockage. If mastitis symptoms persist, medical treatment may be needed.
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Exhaustion and Stress: Breastfeeding around the clock can be physically and emotionally draining. Hormonal shifts and lack of sleep may leave you feeling overwhelmed. Having a strong support system is essential.
Other challenges include cluster feeding during growth spurts, nursing strikes, returning to work, and balancing the needs of older children. Thankfully, there are strategies and resources to help with each.
Strategies and Solutions
No parent should have to “figure it out alone.” Here are effective ways to overcome breastfeeding challenges:
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Seek Professional Guidance: An International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) can provide expert, evidence-based help. They can assess latch and positioning, evaluate oral function, and offer hands-on coaching.
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Correct the Latch: Even small adjustments can improve comfort and milk transfer. Switching breastfeeding positions can relieve nipple pain and help your baby feed more effectively.
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Manage Supply: To boost low supply, nurse or pump frequently and stay hydrated. For oversupply, work with a lactation consultant on strategies that balance production.
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Relieve Engorgement and Clogs: Warmth before feeding, gentle massage during, and cool packs afterward can help. Continue feeding often to keep milk flowing.
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Supplement Wisely: When needed, supplement with formula or donor milk in a way that works best for your baby and family. Combination feeding can be a flexible and healthy solution.
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Plan for Work or Time Away: If returning to work, talk to your employer about your needs for pumping breaks and a private space. Planning ahead makes the transition smoother.
How the Center for Orofacial Myology Helps
At the Center for Orofacial Myology in Boise, Idaho, lactation support is integrated with oral health and airway expertise. Many breastfeeding struggles have an orofacial root—such as tongue-tie, lip-tie, or other oral restrictions—that impact latch and feeding efficiency.
Our IBCLC, Katrina Gallafent, works closely with pediatric dentists, myofunctional therapists, and other specialists to address these issues. During your consultation, Katrina will observe a feeding, examine your baby’s oral structures, assess milk supply, and provide practical solutions. If a tongue-tie or lip-tie is diagnosed, we can connect you with providers for gentle release procedures and guide you through recovery and feeding adjustments.
We accept many insurance plans for lactation care and work with partners like The Lactation Network and Wildflower Health to make services accessible. Our clinic offers a comfortable, welcoming environment for in-person visits, and telehealth support is also available.
Meet Katrina Gallafent, IBCLC
Katrina Gallafent is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) with a passion for helping families achieve their feeding goals. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Wellesley College and began her career in maternal-child health with a nonprofit organization.
After becoming a stay-at-home mom to her five children, she experienced firsthand the challenges and rewards of breastfeeding. Once her children were in school, she completed her lactation consultant training through the University of California San Diego Extended Studies program.
Katrina has specialized training in tongue-tie evaluation, supplementation, induced lactation, and craniosacral therapy. She is an advocate for both mothers and babies, offering non-judgmental, empowering support during the postpartum period. Her approach blends professional expertise with genuine empathy, helping parents feel confident in their feeding decisions.
Outside of work, Katrina enjoys cooking, baking, reading, attending her kids’ events, and spending time in McCall with her husband, James.
Ready for Support?
If you are experiencing breastfeeding difficulties, latch issues, tongue-tie concerns, low milk supply, or need guidance with pumping and supplementation, help is available.
Call the Center for Orofacial Myology at (208) 793-7006 or schedule your consultation online. We’re here to support you and your baby—so feeding can be a joyful, stress-free experience.