Information
The most common reason for pain when breastfeeding, especially when breastfeeding is still establishing, is poor positioning and attachment. Please direct women and families to their HV/FNP/CMW for advice.
Other causes of pain may include:
- Breast/oral thrush
- Mastitis
- Breast abscess
- Vasospasm
The Health Visitor, Family Nurse or Community Midwife should always be the first point of contact and support for families experiencing any feeding issues. They are all trained to the standards set by UNICEF Baby Friendly and offer advice to families needing support. They will work closely with each family to develop a plan. Where breastfeeding issues cannot be resolved Breastfeeding, the Infant Feeding Team can be contacted for further support. There is one breastfeeding clinic in each hospital (Edinburgh Royal Infirmary and St John’s Hospital) for issues that cannot be resolved remotely. Referral to the Infant Feeding team by HV/CMW/FNP is required to be considered for a clinic appointment.
M.A. & K.H. 18/6/26
Problems with establishing breastfeeding
GPs should, in the first instance, direct families to their Health Visitor, Family Nurse or Community Midwife. They will work with the family to develop an infant feeding plan. Families requiring additional support may be referred to the Breastfeeding clinic.
Who can refer:
Health visitors, FNP and community midwives
Who to refer:
Any families experiencing complex breastfeeding issues if the initial infant feeding plan hasn’t been successful.
How to refer:
Referrals should be made by Health visitors, FNP and community midwives via email referral (Please use Referral Form which can be found under the Resources & Links section)
Encourage parents to continue breastfeeding, go over the benefits of skin to skin and discuss with appropriate community colleague (midwife or health visitor). Do not suggest stopping breast feeding or introduce the use of formula milk.
