The Realities of Breastfeeding: Embracing Challenges, Support, and Seeking Help

Breastfeeding is often described as one of the most natural things a mother can do - but that doesn’t mean it’s always easy. As both a general practitioner with a special interest in oral ties and circumcisions and a mother of three, I’ve seen, both personally and professionally, the joys and challenges that come with feeding your baby.

Breaking the Myth of “Natural = Easy”

There’s a widespread belief that breastfeeding will come naturally to every mother and child. While for some it does, for many, it involves a steep learning curve. Sore nipples, latch issues, concerns about milk supply, and worries about baby’s weight gain are just a few of the common hurdles. For mothers whose babies have oral ties, such as tongue or lip ties, these challenges can be even greater -creating frustration, pain, and even feelings of guilt or inadequacy.

My Journey as a mother

With my first child, I encountered unexpected hurdles. Despite all my training and preparation, I struggled with painful feeds, a fussy latch, jaundice and phototherapy. For the first 12 weeks, nipple shields became my lifeline. They allowed me to keep breastfeeding when I was close to giving up. It wasn’t the experience I had envisioned, but, in time, things improved. We ended up enjoying a full 12 months of satisfying breastfeeding, filled with moments of connection and pride.

When my second child was born, I naively expected a repeat of the first experience - or at least to feel prepared for the same challenges. Instead, my son’s start to breastfeeding was even more complicated: he needed an oral tie (tongue tie) released. Until that was addressed, we faced pain, frustration, and endless feeding sessions. After the procedure, the difference was remarkable. Feeding became easier, and we finally found our rhythm together.

With my third baby, I braced myself for more problems, especially since she also had a tongue tie. Yet, to my surprise, feeding her came easily, and the tie did not interfere nearly as much as I’d anticipated. Each experience was unique: what was essential for one child wasn’t needed for another, and despite similarities, no two journeys were ever the same.

The Power of a Support Team

Support can make all the difference. It might come from your partner, family, friends, healthcare professionals, or online communities. Sometimes, it means sitting with another mother who simply listens. Other times, it means leaning on specialists -lactation consultants, midwives, child health nurses, osteopaths, chiropractors, speech pathologists, GPs, paediatricians or oral tie specialists- especially when a medical issue like an oral tie is suspected.

For mothers encountering breastfeeding challenges, early intervention and support can improve comfort and outcomes. As a GP with a special focus on oral ties and circumcision based on the Gold Coast, I’ve seen firsthand how addressing issues like oral ties or feeding positions can transform a frustrating experience into a fulfilling one.

You Don’t Have to Do It Alone

The most important message I'd like to share is that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Breastfeeding can be a tough journey, but with the right support, it’s one you don’t have to walk alone. Whether it’s your first baby or your third, every experience is different, and every challenge is valid.

In Honour of Breastfeeding Week

Let’s celebrate the resilience of mothers everywhere, acknowledge the real challenges of breastfeeding, and remember the lifesaving impact of supportive, knowledgeable care. If you or someone you know is facing difficulties, reach out - help is there, and you deserve every bit of support along your breastfeeding journey.

Don’t compare your journey to anyone else’s or feel pressured to live up to a certain “standard.” Support, flexibility, and seeking help when you need it make all the difference.

If you’re struggling with breastfeeding latch, technique, pain or suspect a tongue or lip tie in your baby, reaching out to someone with experience is the best way to start.

Supporting You on the Gold Coast

Whether you need feeding support, a tongue tie assessment, or a tongue tie release, you deserve support every step of the way.

Book a Consultation with Dr Carly Hupfeld

Whether you're ready to book or just want to learn more, we’re here to help you make the best decision for your family. 

Dr Carly Hupfeld specialises in circumcision and oral ties at:

Medical On Robina

T3/299 Scottsdale Dr, Robina QLD 4226

(07) 5690 1290

Remember: There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to feeding your baby. Trust yourself, reach out when you need help, and honour your own story