Sore nipples can be common in the early days of breastfeeding. Try these tips:

• Try a different position until you find one that works better, feels comfortable, and results in a deep latch. Read more about breastfeeding positions.
• Break the suction with a clean finger and attempt to correct the latch if you feel pain while baby is latched.Check the fit of the breast pump to be sure it isn't causing pain or sore nipples.
• After breastfeeding, express a few drops of milk and rub it on nipples or use a safe nipple cream and let air dry.
• Wear loose comfortable clothing and change nursing pads often.
• Avoid soap and wash with water only.
• Contact your doctor if you are concerned about a possible breast infection.
• Contact your doctor, nurse or WIC if there's no improvement.

Some parents worry because they cannot "see" how much their baby is taking in and think a fussy baby means they are not getting enough breastmilk that milk supply is low.

How to Tell if Baby Is Getting Enough Breastmilk

• Weigh and measure your baby regularly at your doctor's office, WIC, or with a nurse or dietician.
• Pay attention to baby's wet and dirty diapers between weight checks.
  • First couple of days of life: one or two wet diapers or stools per day.
  • By day 4: 3-4 stools daily.
  • By day 5: The stools usually turn yellow and baby should then have at least 5-6 wet diapers a day.
• Decreased breast fullness around 6 to 8 weeks is normal. Your body adjusts to meet baby's needs and babies become better at removing milk as they age.
• Babies often nurse more frequently or longer during growth spurts usually around 2-3 weeks, 6 weeks and 3 months of age.
• Discuss PURPLE crying with your health care provider. This can often be confused for low milk supply.

Build a Good Milk Supply

• Follow your baby's cues and feed on demand.
• Offer both breasts at each feeding.
• Switch breasts when baby slows down or stops sucking and swallowing.
• Avoid supplementing with formula. Your baby may lose interest in breastfeeding and your milk supply may slowly decrease.
• If supplementing is necessary for medical reasons, consider using a cup, spoon, dropper or syringe instead of a bottle.
• Always supplement with breast milk before formula, if that is an option.
• Follow these tips to maintain milk supply.

There are several things you can do to improve pumping experience. It takes time getting used to the pump when you are used to exclusively nursing your baby.

With patience and some easy tips, pumping will improve over time.

• Ensure your pump has the properly fitting flange size.
• Apply a warm, moist compress and gently massage breasts before starting a pumping session.
• View a picture of your baby or bring an item of clothing that has baby's scent.
• Meditate or visualize the milk flowing.
• Drink warm tea, hot chocolate or something that helps you relax.

Plugged ducts are very common. If you feel sore, tender and feel a lump without a fever present, you may have a plugged duct. Plugged ducts become more common when breastfeeding individuals return to work or baby starts sleeping through the night.

To resolve a plugged duct:

• Nurse on affected breast often or every 2 hours. This will help to loosen the plugged duct.
• Use a warm compress on the affected area and massage in a circular motion.
• Wear a well-fitting and supportive bra. Avoid tight bras or those with underwires. Wear loose comfortable clothing.
• Aim baby's chin at the plugged duct while nursing to target affected area.

Use your pump to aid in removing the plugged duct if frequent nursing does not help.

Engorgement is common in the early days of breastfeeding when your breasts begin making mature milk. Your breasts may feel full, hard and painful. Engorgement can cause nipples to become flat and make it more difficult for baby to latch on. It usually happens between days 3-5 after giving birth but can happen at any time. It is important to address engorgement to prevent plugged ducts or breast infections.

To reduce engorgement:

• Breastfeed or express milk often to remove the milk.
• Use hand expression or reverse pressure softening to soften the breast so that your baby can latch on. See an example of hand expression here.
• Avoid using pacifiers or bottles for the first 4-6 weeks of breastfeeding.
• Use cold compresses between feedings to ease discomfort.
• When returning to work, try to pump as often as your baby feeds. Try not to go any longer than 4 hours without pumping.
• Wear a supportive bra that is not too tight.