6 Common Breastfeeding Mistakes to Avoid

Dear mama, first things first: you’re doing an incredible job. Breastfeeding is one of those things that seems like it should come naturally, but the truth is, it’s a learned skill for both you and your baby. Every mother faces challenges along the way, and making mistakes is not only normal; it’s part of the learning process.

If you’re struggling with breastfeeding, you’re not alone. Most of the issues new mothers encounter are completely fixable with the right information and a little patience. Let’s walk through some of the most common breastfeeding mistakes and, more importantly, how to overcome them.

1. Shallow Latching: The Root of Many Problems

The Mistake: Your baby is only sucking on the nipple tip rather than taking a deep mouthful of breast tissue. This is perhaps the most common issue new mothers face.

Why It Happens: Babies need to learn proper latching technique, and sometimes they develop habits from bottle feeding or pacifier use. Engorgement, flat or inverted nipples, or simply positioning can also contribute to shallow latching.

Signs You’re Dealing with Shallow Latch:

• Severe nipple pain that doesn’t improve after the first few days
• Cracked, bleeding, or damaged nipples
• Baby seems constantly hungry or fussy
• You hear clicking sounds during feeding
• Baby’s cheeks are sucked in while nursing

How to Fix It:

• Wait for the wide-open mouth: Before bringing baby to breast, tickle their lips with your nipple until they open wide like a yawn
• Aim nipple toward baby’s nose: This encourages them to tilt their head back and take more breast tissue
• Bring baby to breast, not breast to baby: Pull your little one close to you rather than leaning forward
• Check the latch: You should see more of the bottom part of your areola than the top, and baby’s lips should be flanged out like a fish
• Don’t hesitate to start over: If the latch feels wrong, gently break suction with your finger and try again

Remember: A proper latch might feel like strong tugging, but it shouldn’t be painful once you’re past the initial few seconds.

2. Poor Positioning: Setting Yourself Up for Success

The Mistake: Uncomfortable or incorrect positioning that leads to poor latch, back pain, and feeding difficulties.

Why It Happens: New mothers often haven’t learned about the various breastfeeding positions or haven’t found what works best for their body and baby.

Common Position Problems:

• Baby’s head is turned to the side instead of straight
• Not enough support for baby’s body
• Mother is hunched over or straining to reach baby
• Baby is too far from the breast

How to Fix It:

• Try different positions: Cradle hold, cross-cradle, football hold, or side-lying position; experiment to find your favorite
• Use pillows liberally: Support your arms, back, and baby. A nursing pillow can be a game-changer
• Keep baby’s body aligned: Their head, shoulders, and hips should be in a straight line facing you
• Bring baby to breast level: Avoid hunching over by adjusting your setup with pillows or a footstool
• Get comfortable first: Settle yourself with water, snacks, and everything you need within reach before starting

Your comfort matters too. If your back hurts or your arms are strained, adjust your position.

Read more about Breastfeeding Your Baby: Common Breastfeeding Positions

3. Skipping Night Feeds: Understanding Your Baby’s Needs

The Mistake: Trying to stretch out night feeds too early or letting baby sleep through feeds when they still need frequent nutrition.

Why It Happens: Exhaustion makes the idea of longer sleep stretches incredibly appealing, and well-meaning advice about “sleeping through the night” creates unrealistic expectations.

Why Night Feeds Matter:

• Newborns need to eat every 2-3 hours around the clock
• Your milk production is highest at night due to prolactin levels
• Frequent night nursing helps establish and maintain milk supply
• Babies have small stomachs and digest breast milk quickly

How to Navigate Night Feeds:

• Follow baby’s cues: In the early weeks, wake baby if it’s been more than 3-4 hours since their last feed
• Make night feeds easier: Keep baby close (room-sharing), use dim lighting, and have everything you need nearby
• Consider side-lying position: This allows you to rest while nursing
• Don’t watch the clock obsessively: Some nights will be harder than others, and that’s normal
• Trust the process: Most babies naturally begin sleeping longer stretches around 3-4 months

Remember that “sleeping through the night” for a baby means 5-6 hours, not 8-10 hours like adults.

4. Ignoring Pain: When to Seek Help

The Mistake: Thinking severe pain is normal and pushing through without seeking support.

While some initial tenderness is normal, persistent severe pain usually indicates a problem that needs addressing.

When to Seek Help:

• Pain that continues beyond the first week
• Cracked, bleeding nipples
• Signs of infection (fever, flu-like symptoms, red streaks on breast)
• Baby isn’t gaining weight appropriately
• You’re dreading feeding times

Solutions:

• Contact a lactation consultant: They can observe your technique and provide personalized guidance
• Check for tongue tie: This common condition can cause persistent latch problems
• Treat nipple damage: Use purified lanolin, breast milk, or prescribed treatments
• Address thrush: Both you and baby may need treatment if thrush is suspected

5. Comparing Yourself to Others

The Mistake: Measuring your breastfeeding journey against other mothers’ experiences or social media portrayals.

Why This Hurts: Every mother-baby pair is unique. What works for your friend might not work for you, and that’s perfectly normal.

How to Stay in Your Lane:

• Focus on your baby’s cues: Weight gain, wet diapers, and contentment are better indicators than comparing to others
• Limit social media if needed: Those perfect nursing photos don’t show the full story
• Trust your instincts: You know your baby better than anyone else
• Celebrate small wins: Every successful feed is an accomplishment

6. Not Seeking Support Early Enough

The Mistake: Struggling alone instead of reaching out for help when problems arise.

Remember: Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Most breastfeeding challenges are much easier to resolve when addressed early.

Where to Find Support:

• Lactation consultants: International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs) are specially trained professionals
• Your pediatrician: They can check baby’s weight gain and overall health
• Local support groups: Many hospitals and community centers offer new parent groups
• Online communities: Reputable breastfeeding support groups can provide encouragement and advice
• Friends and family: Experienced mothers in your life can offer practical support

Moving Forward with Confidence

Breastfeeding is a journey with ups and downs, and it’s different for every mother and baby. Some days will feel smooth and natural, while others might feel challenging. Both experiences are part of the normal process.

Be patient with yourself as you learn. Your body is doing something amazing, and your baby is learning too. With time, practice, and the right support, most breastfeeding challenges can be overcome.

Most importantly, remember that fed is best. Whether your breastfeeding journey lasts weeks, months, or years, you’re providing love and nourishment for your baby. Trust yourself, seek help when you need it, and celebrate the bond you’re building with your little one.

You’ve got this, mama. One feed at a time!

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References:

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2. La Leche League International. (2023). Breastfeeding positions, latch, and positioning. LLLI Breastfeeding Information. https://llli.org/breastfeeding-info/positioning/

3. Mayo Clinic. (2025). Breastfeeding positions. Mayo Clinic Health Information. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/infant-and-toddler-health/in-depth/breast-feeding/art-20546815

4. NHS. (2024). Breastfeeding: positioning and attachment. NHS Health A-Z. https://www.nhs.uk/baby/breastfeeding-and-bottle-feeding/breastfeeding/positioning-and-attachment/

5. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2025). Breastfeeding report card. CDC Breastfeeding Data. https://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding-data/breastfeeding-report-card/

6. Effect of mother–infant pair’s latch-on position on child’s health: A lesson for nursing care. (2016). PMC. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5084553/

7. USDA WIC Program. (2024). Steps and signs of a good latch. WIC Breastfeeding Support. https://wicbreastfeeding.fns.usda.gov/steps-and-signs-good-latch

8. UNICEF Baby Friendly Initiative. (2025). Research on supporting breastfeeding. Baby Friendly Initiative Research. https://www.unicef.org.uk/babyfriendly/news-and-research/baby-friendly-research/

9. The Lancet. (2023). Breastfeeding 2023 series. The Lancet Global Health Series. https://www.thelancet.com/series-do/breastfeeding-2023

10. Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. (2024). New research traces breastfeeding benefits 10 years into childhood. CHLA Research. https://www.chla.org/blog/research-and-breakthroughs/

11. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. (2024). Breastfeeding and health outcomes for infants and children. AHRQ Effective Health Care Program. https://effectivehealthcare.ahrq.gov/products/breastfeeding-health-outcomes/research