Should This Mum Keep Feeding? How We Make That Decision- E17

When breastfeeding is causing significant pain or nipple trauma, should a mother keep feeding through it?

Or are there times when a temporary change in the feeding plan may actually protect breastfeeding long term?

In this episode, Katie and Joh explore one of the most challenging clinical decisions faced by lactation consultants, midwives and breastfeeding supporters.

Episode Summary

Breastfeeding professionals are often taught how to support mothers to continue breastfeeding. Sometimes harder is knowing when continuing exactly as things are may be contributing to ongoing pain, tissue damage, stress, and feeding difficulties.

In this episode, Katie and Joh discuss how they approach severe nipple pain and trauma in clinical practice. They explore the factors that influence decision-making, including wound healing, maternal wellbeing, feeding goals, pumping, nipple shields, and the importance of individualised care.

The conversation highlights the reality that many breastfeeding situations sit firmly in the grey zone. Rather than rigid rules, the discussion focuses on clinical reasoning, transparency, and working collaboratively with mothers to develop plans that feel achievable and supportive.

As always, this is an honest conversation between two experienced clinicians navigating the complexity of real-world breastfeeding support.

In This Episode We Cover

Why severe nipple trauma is rarely a simple clinical decision

When continuing to breastfeed may be helping or hindering healing

The role of maternal wellbeing in feeding decisions

How pumping may fit into a temporary feeding plan

When nipple shields might be useful

Supporting wound healing while protecting milk supply

Why breastfeeding support must remain individualised

Clinical reasoning versus rigid protocols

The importance of collaborative decision-making

Helping mothers feel seen, heard and supported

The emotional impact of ongoing feeding pain

Balancing short-term challenges with long-term breastfeeding goals

Want More From Katie and Joh?

Check out our courses for professionals:

Decoding the Suck: Gentle support for babies with sucking difficulties

Breastfeeding & Lactation: The Fundamentals

Pregnant or a new mum? Find more support from Katie:

The Feeding Couch® – Breastfeeding SOS – for new mums

Instagram

Katie: @katiejameslactation

Johanna: @milkandmotherhood

YouTube: The Latch Revolution

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Medical Disclaimer

The content of this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for personalised medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Listeners should always seek the guidance of their own healthcare provider, midwife, or lactation consultant with any questions they may have regarding their own situation or that of their clients. Katie James and Johanna Sargeant do not accept responsibility for any decisions made based on this content.

Keywords

nipple trauma, nipple pain, breastfeeding pain, breastfeeding support, lactation consultant, IBCLC, breastfeeding complications, wound healing, pumping and breastfeeding, nipple shields, breastfeeding management, breastfeeding challenges, breastfeeding education, lactation support, midwife education, doula education, breastfeeding professional development, maternal wellbeing, clinical lactation skills, breastfeeding counselling