11 Signs You Should Ask for Help with Breastfeeding (& Tips to Avoid Trouble)

By: The Elliot Hospital Lactation Team 

Breastfeeding not only nourishes your baby but provides numerous health benefits for both of you. However, it can also come with challenges that may require some extra support. Here are 11 signs you should reach out for help, along with tips for breastfeeding success and the many health benefits of breastfeeding. 

The Benefits of Breastfeeding 

Breast milk is the perfect food for your baby, containing the right balance of water, sugar, fats, and proteins. It's easy to digest and provides complete nutrition for the first six months of your baby's life. Even after six months, when other foods are introduced, breastfeeding continues to be a vital source of nutrients and antibodies. The cells, hormones, and antibodies in breast milk protect babies from illnesses with protection that adjusts to meet your baby's needs.  

Breast milk also contains probiotics and prebiotics, establishing a healthy gut crucial for the developing immune system. Furthermore, breast milk supports newborn brain development, with studies showing that breastfed babies score higher on intelligence and visual tests at school age.  

For moms, breastfeeding helps you feel closer and bond with your baby, aids recovery from childbirth, and lowers risk of type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and breast and ovarian cancer. Additionally, breast milk is natural, renewable, and environmentally friendly, and breastfeeding can save a family between $1,200 and $1,500 per year. 

Tips for Breastfeeding Success 

While breastfeeding is natural, it doesn’t always come easily. There are some things you can do to increase the likelihood of success.  

• Get an Early Start: Start breastfeeding while holding your baby skin-to-skin as soon as your baby shows interest. 

• Feed Frequently: A newborn's tummy is tiny, so they usually want to feed 8 or more times in 24 hours during the early weeks. 

• Room In: When possible, keep your baby with you in your room both day and night to learn when they need to eat.  

• Avoid Pacifiers: Wait to use pacifiers until breastfeeding is well established. Using them early can reduce feeding frequency and milk supply. 

• Avoid Formula: Unless medically necessary, avoid formula to prevent disrupting the natural supply and demand of milk production. If you must use bottles, pump to build your own supply to supplement as needed.  

• Log Feedings: Use a feeding and diaper log to ensure your baby is drinking enough. 

• Ask for Help: Never hesitate to ask for help when you are concerned about the health of you or your baby. 

• Use Support from Loved Ones: Let your loved ones know how important breastfeeding is to you. Once breastfeeding is well established, they can help feed your pumped milk. 

• Join Support Groups: Groups like the Elliot New Moms’ Group are a great place for additional support. 

11 Warning Signs to Call for Help with Breastfeeding 

Breastfeeding is natural but requires learning for both mother and baby. Ask questions while in the hospital and seek support to continue breastfeeding at home. Stay in contact with your pediatrician. Like Elliot Hospital, many hospitals have lactation consultants who offer continued support.  

Sometimes it is hard to know when to ask for help. Here are 11 signs you should ask for help when breastfeeding.  

1. Feeding/Peeing/Stools: If your baby does not meet daily goals for feedings, peeing, or stools. 

2. Latching Difficulties: If your baby has trouble latching on. 

3. Nipple Issues: If your nipples are sore, cracked, or bleeding. 

4. Milk Supply: If you do not feel your milk is in by the 4th day. 

5. Stool Color: If your baby’s stools are not yellow and seedy by day 5. 

6. Swallowing: If your milk is in but you do not hear swallowing. 

7. Engorgement: If your breasts are very engorged and do not soften with feeding. 

8. Feeding Satisfaction: If your baby feeds frequently but never seems satisfied. 

9. Jaundice: If your baby is jaundiced (yellowing of skin or whites of their eyes), difficult to wake, fussy, or not nursing well. 

10. Weight Gain: If your baby is below birth weight at 10-14 days. 

11. Breast Pain: If you have a red, tender area on your breast with or without flu-like symptoms or a fever of 101°F. 

At Elliot Hospital, we understand the value of breastfeeding. Our lactation consultants offer a warm breastfeeding line to provide answers, support, and encouragement. We handle over 150 calls a month and dedicate 50-75 hours to assisting moms and strive to return calls within 24 hours. We also have outpatient visits available if you need in person help after discharge. Your health and that of your baby are the top priorities. Always ask for support when you need it.  

Learn more about how Elliot Hospital supports parents through labor, delivery, and beyond.