Management of common breastfeeding issues

Breastfeeding for humans is a natural process, but, in the twenty-first century it is also a learned skill. Care must be taken to inform and educate while supporting the breastfeeding mother's own goals. Common occurrences, such as sore nipples, engorgement, too much or too little milk, mother or infant illness, or infant breast refusal, can become significant problems if not managed appropriately. Although not thought to be harmful, traditional therapies have not been subjected to vigorous scientific evaluation as to efficacy. A potpourri of problems and suggested solutions are presented, along with scientific evidence where available, to enable the clinician to manage common breastfeeding situations and to converse intelligently with patients and lactation consultants.