Common Breastfeeding Obstacles

Mothers who have elected to breastfeed often encounter obstacles which are discouraging but can be corrected with timely and knowledgeable intervention and support.

Following are common breastfeeding problems which cause premature discontinuation of breastfeeding:

• Infant difficulties attaching to the breast or nursing correctly
• Acute and chronic sore nipples or breast pain
• Severe postpartum breast engorgement
• Insufficient breast milk supply
• Inadequate infant weight gain
• Flat or inverted nipples
• Previous breast surgery that affects breastfeeding
• Breastfeeding after returning to work or school
• Mastitis or breast infection
• Breastfeeding of infants with medical problems

During clinic visits, research-quality electronic infant scales are used to weigh babies before and after nursing to assist our staff in assessing infant milk intake and breastmilk supply.

The Lactation Program is a non-profit community
program of The Colorado Health Foundation

Amy Lutz, RN, IBCLC, Director

4600 Hale Parkway, Suite 140
Denver, Colorado 80220
(303) 377-3016