breastfeeding concerns

Letdown with the strength of a firehose? Engorged boobies that seem to fill up in front of your eyes? Sounds like you may be dealing with an oversupply of breastmilk. Let's take a look at what an over supply is, how it is caused and (most importantly!) how to effectively manage it and regulate your supply.

Worried about your milk supply? You're not alone! Fears about milk supply, primarily not making enough of the good stuff, are one of the primary reasons that women stop breastfeeding. Here is how to find out if you've got low supply AND what to do about it.

There isn't much to like about engorgement. Hard, ultra-tender, swollen boobs AKA the calling cards for engorgement, aren't much fun. Unfortunately the majority of breastfeeding mums will experience engorgement at some point during their feeding journey. Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to help manage it.

If you've got inverted nipples you may have worried that breastfeeding was going to be tricky, if not impossible! Thankfully, that is not always the case and many women successfully breastfeed with nipples of all shapes and sizes, included inverted ones!

Here are 5 tips for breastfeeding successfully with inverted nipples.

We've always known that the Haakaa Silicone Breast Pump is a pretty amazing tool to have as a breastfeeding mama and learning about this clog busting tip just confirmed it's status as a total hero product. By combining the gentle suction of the Haakaa with the heat from warm water and drawing abilities of Epsom salts, you can effectively clear blocked and clogged ducts. 

Here's how to do it.

Mastitis. It's the dreaded breast infection that, at best can leave you shivery and aching with a burning hot boob that is agonising to feed from and, at worst, in hospital hooked up to an IV. Eeeeek! There's no getting around it; mastitis is nasty. Here's how to manage and treat the infection (and prevent it from occurring!) 

Am I making enough milk? It's a question most new mums have asked themselves when establishing breastfeeding for the first time. 

We spoke to registered nurse, midwife and Lactation Consultant Cathy Shortt from Milk & Mums Co to get the facts to help put your fears to rest.

Nothing snaps you out of a dreamy breastfeeding moment quicker than a nip to the nipple. Biting while breastfeeding isn't uncommon but it can come as a huge (and painful) shock, the first time it happens. 

Breastfeeding can be tough! You know what is proven to help? Support and advice, both from experts and other mamas who have 'been there, done that'. In the spirit of sharing, we have pulled together 101 of the best breastfeeding tips we've been given from the experts and our Milkbar community.

Whether you're breastfeeding for the first, or fifth time, chances are good that some parts of the experience have been... surprising. 

What may have seemed like the most natural thing in the world prior to birth, may suddenly be really. flipping. hard. Who knew that a let down could hurt (or even that a let down existed?!) Or that breastmilk actually sprayed out of multiple holes? And speaking of 'spraying', plenty of mamas have been caught off guard by the ferocity and speed of their milk flow.

While we all know that breastfeeding SHOULN'T hurt, sometimes, well, it does. Nipple thrush is a less well-known but still common cause of breastfeeding pain and discomfort. We spoke to International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) Simone Mayze to find out what you need to know about breastfeeding and nipple thrush, including how to effectively treat it so that you can bid it farewell for good!

IB who? LC what? When it comes to breastfeeding, specifically breastfeeding problems, it's often recommended that you consult with an IBCLC. But what exactly IS an IBCLC and, more importantly, how can they help?