Breastfeeding isn’t always easy: Common challenges and where to find support
August 14, 2026Categories: Maternity Services
For new parents, welcoming a bundle of joy into the world ignites in them a beautiful rollercoaster of emotions.
There’s intense love and protection over this tiny person they created, but also stress, anxiety and self-doubt—especially when breastfeeding. More than 70 percent of parents face breastfeeding challenges, which can leave them feeling “less-than” the 30 percent for whom it comes easily.
During Breastfeeding Awareness Month, observed each August, it’s important to remember that such challenges are more common than not. To help parents know they’re not alone, Christina Trainer, BSN, RN, IBCLC, CPN, a lactation nurse at Holy Cross Hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), breaks down the most common struggles and misconceptions around breastfeeding, and how to feel empowered instead of powerless in this journey.
“Why doesn’t this feel natural?”
One of the biggest concerns comes from parents who don’t feel the peace and connection they expected when breastfeeding. In fact, it may feel a bit odd—and that’s perfectly okay. For first-time parents, this isn’t something they’ve experienced before, which means there may be a period of mental and physical adjustment.
“People think that breastfeeding should come naturally to parents. But it’s actually not very natural. You’ve never had anything at your breast before. You’ve never put a pump on your breast. You’ve never put a baby at your breast to try to feed a human,” says Trainer. “Don’t get down on yourself if it doesn’t feel natural.”
“Why am I not producing much milk?”
After giving birth, many parents question why they’re producing such a small amount of breast milk and worry how they’ll feed their baby. This, explains Trainer, is completely normal and not a cause for concern.
“At first, your body just has a very small amount of colostrum, which is the first, thicker milk. That’s all your baby needs just after birth. Their stomach is the size of a cherry. So, if you’re pumping or hand expressing, you’re going to notice that you don’t have a lot coming out, and that’s fine. You don’t get your mature milk until days three to five,” says Trainer. “Your baby’s stomach slowly stretches out as your milk comes in. It should all work together perfectly.”
“Why is breastfeeding so painful?”
A common misconception is that breastfeeding should always be painful or cause discomfort. For those experiencing this, speak to a lactation consultant or pediatrician, as it’s a sign your baby isn’t latching properly. A professional can help address the problem.
“The basis for good breastfeeding is the latch,” says Trainer. “If they’re not on there well, they might not be getting enough milk. And leaving milk in the breast could increase chances of mastitis or plugged ducts, in addition to more anxiety and emotional stress.”
“Why does social media make it look so easy?”
While it can be helpful in finding support and resources, social media can amplify that feeling of being “less-than” in new parents experiencing breastfeeding struggles. A number of “influencer” moms are taking to TikTok to boast their oversupply, showing off freezers filled to the brim with perfectly organized packets of breast milk.
“A lot of parents who are seeing this on social media ask, ‘Well, why can’t that be my problem?’ There’s much anxiety related to how much milk they’re pumping and about whether their baby is getting enough milk from them,” says Trainer. “Oversupply is a problem the same as an undersupply would be. You don’t really want to make more milk than you need.”
Such videos, adds Trainer, make parents with a normal supply feel like they’re not pumping enough or that they should be pumping more. This leads to further anxiety and stress, which can inhibit their milk supply.
It’s important to not feel intimidated by the false expectations showcased on social media. Instead, pay attention to your baby and your pediatrician’s guidance on daily wet diaper count and weight gain, as these are the best indicators that you’re supplying enough milk.
“Where can I find support?”
Holy Cross Hospital works to ensure that no new parent feels alone, confused or afraid when beginning their breastfeeding journey.
Postpartum hospital-based lactation consultants are on hand immediately after birth to evaluate any potential issues with latch or supply, and the transition from breastfeeding in the hospital to home. And for babies in the NICU, lactation consultants like Trainer help parents with pumping, allowing them to still build a bond and provide for their little one.
When needed, Holy Cross’ lactation consultants also connect patients with community resources and local breastfeeding support groups.
“Breastfeeding is hard and it takes a lot of support from the people around you, even if it’s through social media, your extended family or health care professionals. There is support out there. But when you’re a brand-new parent, you can feel isolated and alone. Reach out for help if you need it,” says Trainer. “A lactation consultant can help ease your mind of its worries so that you can know you’re doing everything to achieve your breastfeeding goals.”