Nearly every mother who breastfeeds her child will walk through some trials and have to overcome issues. Breastfeeding is one of the most natural things, but it’s not always easy, at least not at first. We often hear about latch issues, dietary sensitivities, low supply, and mastitis but there are so many other things that a breastfeeding mother might encounter. Here are some you might not have heard of!

1. Raynaud’s Phenomenon of the Nipple: A condition where blood vessels in the nipple constrict during breastfeeding, leading to intense pain, discoloration, and even numbness in the nipple.
2. Milk Bleb or Milk Blister: A small, white, pimple-like spot on the nipple that blocks milk flow, causing discomfort and potential infection if not treated.
3. Hyperactive Let-Down: When milk flows too forcefully, it can cause choking and fussiness in the baby, as well as frustration for the breastfeeding mother.
4. D-MER (Dysphoric Milk Ejection Reflex): Sudden feelings of sadness, anxiety, or irritability just before or during milk let-down, which can be unsettling. This is separate from, and can come without any other postpartum mood disorders.
5. Oversupply of Milk: This can lead to issues like engorgement, mastitis, and a fussy baby who struggles to latch or manage the flow. This might be caused by unnecessary pumping after nursing which encourages your body to make more milk than baby needs.
6. Thrush and Breastfeeding: An overgrowth of yeast (Candida) in the baby’s mouth can lead to nipple and breast pain for the mother. This often appears as white patches on the baby’s tongue that can’t be wiped off or white, itchy patches on the mom’s nipples.
7. Galactocele: A milk-filled cyst that can develop in the breast, potentially causing discomfort and requiring drainage if it becomes large or painful.
8. Nipple Vasospasm: Blood vessels in the nipple constrict due to cold temperatures or improper latch, leading to pain and color changes similar to Raynaud’s phenomenon.
9. Breastfeeding Aversion and Agitation: Some mothers experience negative emotions such as irritation or even anger while breastfeeding, often without a clear cause. These feelings might be related to a postpartum mood disorder or D-MER but they also might stand alone. Be honest with those around you regarding what you are experiencing and remember why you chose to nurse your baby in the first place.
10. Milk Ducts in the Arm Pit: While not necessarily an issue, some women have breast tissue and milk glands that develop in the upper chest or armpit area. These areas can swell when the breasts fill with milk and they can even leak!

No matter what you walk through, breastfeeding is a labor of love that has proven benefits for mom and baby. Always seek help from a trusted professional if you are struggling with any of these issues.