Know What You’re Seeing

Common feeding problems, what they look like, and how an assessment finds the cause.

Where to start

A feeding problem rarely has just one cause

The same difficulty, like a painful latch or a baby who never seems satisfied, can come from several different things. Positioning, latch, milk supply, let-down, reflux, oral function, and the early learning curve of feeding can each play a part, and sometimes more than one is in play at once.

That is why we look at how your baby actually feeds rather than matching symptoms to a label. The goal is to find what is affecting feeding for you and your baby, then build a plan around it. The pages below are a place to start understanding what you are seeing.

Topics we cover

Conditions and feeding concerns

Tongue tie & lip tie What tongue tie and lip tie look like in babies, the signs they may be affecting feeding, and how an assessment tells you what is going on. Low milk supply How to tell whether your supply is actually low, what can affect it, and what reliably helps when it is. Plugged ducts & mastitis What plugged ducts and mastitis are, what helps at home, when to reach out, and how to keep them from coming back. Painful breastfeeding Why nursing hurts, the common causes beyond a shallow latch, and when it is worth having feeding looked at.

When to seek medical care

Most feeding concerns are not emergencies, but some signs point to medical care rather than feeding support. Contact your pediatrician if your baby is not gaining weight as expected, has fewer wet or dirty diapers than usual, is very sleepy and hard to wake for feeds, or shows signs of dehydration. If you are worried about your baby’s breathing or your baby seems unwell, seek medical care right away.

This is general information, not medical advice. For what is right for you and your baby, talk with us and with your doctor. Read our full Medical Disclaimer.

Next step

Not sure what is going on? Start with an assessment

You do not have to figure out the cause on your own. A feeding and lactation visit looks at the whole picture and gives you a clear plan. Our scheduling team books your first visit and our billing team verifies your insurance, both before your appointment.

Request Appointment