Published: July 20, 2026
Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
National Breastfeeding Month is celebrated every August to raise awareness about the benefits of breast milk and promote better support systems for nursing families. While breastfeeding can be rewarding for both mother and baby, many families face unexpected challenges.
Lucie Meffert, 38, had little experience breastfeeding.“I have a 17-year-old daughter, and I tried nursing her, but I was so young when I had her. Breastfeeding really didn’t line up with my life at that time,” she said.So, when Lucie’s son, Bennett, was born in 2025, she knew she wanted to have the kind of breastfeeding experience she had been reading about during pregnancy.
Bennett was delivered via planned cesarean section in January 2025.“Everything was wonderful at Norton Women’s & Children’s” Hospital, Lucie said. “I had great care, and it was a very good experience.”
Lucie worked with the lactation consultant in the hospital and felt good about what she had learned.
A few days after getting home from the hospital, Lucie felt something was wrong.
“Bennett seemed hungry all the time,” she said. “I did a lot of research on nursing, but I hadn’t done much on using a breast pump or the importance of a good latch.”
Lucie was referred to lactation consultant Tina Martin, LPN, IBCLC, RLC, with Norton Women’s Health.
“I got to my appointment, and I was so nervous,” Lucie said. “I had just had a baby. I really wanted breastfeeding to work this time, and I was terrified I was going to have to switch to formula and that I wasn’t going to be enough for my son.”
Tina introduced herself, and the two talked for about 15 minutes. Then Tina performed a functional breastfeeding assessment, including weighing Bennett before and after a feeding to see how much breast milk he took in. She also checked for tongue tie, which can affect latching. Latching is how the baby attaches their mouth to the breast. A good latch means the baby can get enough milk while feeding. It also makes it more comfortable for the mother and reduces nipple irritation. Tina identified a minor tongue tie, which was later corrected with a minor procedure to release tissue under the baby’s tongue.
Lucie texted her husband halfway through the appointment and shared her relief.“This is amazing,” she wrote. “I’m learning so much.”
He could tell when she got into the car afterward that things had gone well.“He said, ‘You look totally different. I see peace and calm,’” Lucie said.
Even with preparation or previous experience, sometimes issues occur.“Bennett did have a tongue tie, which is not uncommon,” Lucie said.
Lactation support can be a great breastfeeding resource for anyone having difficulties with latch, milk supply, nipple pain or other issues.
Breastfeeding may be the body’s natural way to nourish a baby, but it can be very challenging for many reasons.
“It’s hard, especially in the beginning,” Lucie said. “You’re a new mom, or it’s been a while since you nursed a baby; you’re emotional and tired in those first few weeks. It can make things feel overwhelming. But there is always help somewhere.”
See a lactation consultant if you have:
“Breastfeeding shouldn’t hurt,” Lucie said. “Some soreness is normal, but it should not be very painful.”
Once Lucie and Bennet got on the same page with breastfeeding, it was off to the races. She nursed exclusively for over two months.“I developed mastitis,” she said. “Pumping was the only thing that helped.” Mastitis is a painful condition, sometimes from a bacterial infection or clogged milk ducts, that affects the breast. Mastitis symptoms include:
“I used a breast pump to pump 10 to 12 ounces, just for comfort,” Lucie said. “I didn’t intend to become an oversupplier.”
Some women’s bodies produce much more milk than their baby needs. Breast milk can be stored in the freezer for up to six months. Lucie found herself in the fortunate position of having too much for Bennett. That excess supply has gone to two other babies in need.
“I learned of a woman who adopted a child that had been exposed to drugs while in utero, but who wanted the baby to have breastmilk,” Lucie said. “I supplied milk for the baby for about a year.”
A former co-worker of Lucie’s reached out for help as well.
“Her milk supply dropped, and I still had extra, so I’ve been donating to her, too,” Lucie said. “It’s incredibly fulfilling to know my body can nourish and comfort not my own child, but others.”