Struggling to Latch? 7 Small Breastfeeding Problems That Actually Need Real Help
Many breastfeeding challenges start off looking “small” — a little clicking sound, a bit of fussiness, a slightly sore nipple, or a baby who only feeds on one side. But small problems often grow into bigger issues like low supply, breast pain, slow weight gain, or a baby who becomes increasingly frustrated at the breast.
Pretoria moms often tell me they waited too long to get help because they felt they were “overreacting.” As a Pretoria newborn photographer, I hear these concerns almost daily. The truth is: small issues deserve real help, and support is available quickly and easily.
Here are seven “small” breastfeeding problems that actually need proper attention — along with Pretoria professionals who can help.
Clicking Sounds During Feeds
Clicking often means baby is losing suction during the latch. This may be caused by:
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A shallow latch
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Oral tension
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Tongue tie
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Fast letdown
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Incorrect positioning
Pretoria Contacts for Clicking / Latch Support
All Things Breastfeeding
WhatsApp: +27 79 886 8943
https://allthingsbreastfeeding.co.za
Mother’s Coach (oral tension + reflex support)
WhatsApp: +27 83 457 6494
https://motherscoach.co.za
2. Reflux-Like Fussiness
Not all reflux is reflux. Fussing, arching, gulping, and crying during feeds often come from:
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Fast letdown
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Oversupply
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Tension in baby’s body
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Poor latch
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Bottle flow mismatch
Pretoria Specialists for Feeding-Related Reflux
Mother’s Coach (reflex & feeding behaviour)
+27 83 457 6494
Natascha Olivier – Paediatric Dietitian (allergies/reflux)
+27 83 650 7628
https://nataschaolivierdietitian.co.za
3. Baby Only Feeds on One Side
Some babies prefer one breast due to:
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Neck tension
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Positioning discomfort
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Faster flow on one side
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Oral asymmetry
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Past pain associations
Pretoria Contacts for One-Sided Feeding
All Things Breastfeeding
+27 79 886 8943
Sr Melanie (Pretoria East)
+27 76 041 1415
srmelanieclinic@gmail.com
4. Persistent Nipple Pain
Pain is NOT normal. Causes include:
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Poor latch
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Ties
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Incorrect flange size
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Thrush
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Shallow sucking pattern
Pretoria Consultants for Breastfeeding Pain
Sr Melanie – Baby & Breastfeeding Clinic
+27 76 041 1415
All Things Breastfeeding (latch + pain specialists)
+27 79 886 8943
5. Baby Falls Asleep Instantly on the Breast
This can signal:
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Inefficient transfer
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Fatigue
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Low flow
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Shallow latch
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Oral motor issues
Pretoria Consultants for Sleepy Feeder Evaluation
Parentwood Wilgers
+27 84 581 6567
https://parentwood.co.za
All Things Breastfeeding
+27 79 886 8943
6. Baby Is Always Hungry
Yes, cluster feeding is normal — but CONSTANT hunger can mean:
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Poor transfer
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Oversupply issues
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Bad latch
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Incorrect pumping technique
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Bottle flow mismatch
Pretoria Help for Transfer + Weight Checks
Life Wilgers Baby Clinic
+27 12 807 8100
Life Unitas Baby Clinic (Centurion)
+27 12 677 8000
Parentwood Wilgers +27 84 581 6567
Weighted feeds give clear answers fast.
7. Excessive Gas or Green Poos
These symptoms often point to:
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Fast letdown
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Oversupply
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Lactose overload
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Swallowing air during feeding
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Allergies or intolerance
Pretoria Specialists for Gas / Green Stools / Digestive Issues
Natascha Olivier – Paediatric Dietitian
+27 83 650 7628
https://nataschaolivierdietitian.co.za
LLL Pretoria (free support)
+27 82 457 8931
https://www.llli.org/south-africa/
Breastfeeding Problems Pretoria
Small breastfeeding issues are rarely “nothing.” In Pretoria, you have access to caring, trained professionals who can correct problems early — before they become painful, stressful, or overwhelming.
Whether you’re hearing clicking, dealing with fussiness, feeling pain, or simply sensing something isn’t right, trust your instincts. Help is available, and the right guidance can transform your feeding journey completely.
You don’t have to figure it out alone.
if you are looking for Breastfeeding Support, visit La Leche. Have a look at the info sheet we put together – La Leche Breastfeeding Support
