Struggling With a Painful Latch? A Lactation Consultant in Perth’s Northern Suburbs Can Help

Breastfeeding is one of the most natural things in the world, yet for thousands of Perth mums, it’s also one of the most painful. If every feed has you wincing, dreading the next latch, or wondering whether you can keep going, please know: you are not alone, and you do not have to push through the pain by yourself.

Tracy Steele from Breastfeeding Solutions is a certified lactation consultant providing in-home breastfeeding support across Perth’s northern suburbs, including Joondalup, Wanneroo, Mindarie, Kinross, Clarkson, Butler, Merriwa, Currambine, Ocean Reef, Edgewater, and surrounding areas. Her goal is simple: to give you the hands-on, personalised help you need so that breastfeeding becomes comfortable, enjoyable, and sustainable.

Why Does a Painful Latch Happen?

A painful latch is one of the most common breastfeeding problems new mums face, but it is rarely something you just have to live with. There are a number of reasons why latching can be painful, and most of them are entirely fixable with the right guidance:

• Incorrect positioning, baby is not lined up with your body in a way that encourages a deep latch
• Shallow latch, baby is only taking the nipple, not enough of the areola
• Tongue tie (ankyloglossia), a tight or restricted frenulum can stop baby from flanging the lips and drawing in enough breast tissue
• Lip tie, can cause a poor seal around the nipple, leading to nipple compression
• Engorgement, a very full breast can be hard for a newborn to latch onto deeply
• Nipple damage from repeated shallow feeding, once nipples are cracked or blistered, every feed hurts until healing occurs

Many mums are told ‘it gets better with time’ or ‘pain is normal.’ But pain that persists beyond the first few seconds of a feed is your body telling you something needs to change. That’s where a lactation consultant comes in.

What Happens During a Home Visit?

• Take a full breastfeeding history, feeds per day, duration, your pain levels, baby’s weight gain, nappy output
• Observe a full feed from beginning to end, watching how your baby latches and suckles
• Assess baby’s oral function, checking for tongue tie, lip tie, or muscle tension that may be affecting feeding
• Check your nipple condition, assessing for trauma, thrush, vasospasm, or anatomical factors
• Work with you hands-on to adjust positioning and latch in real time
• Provide a written care plan you can refer back to between sessions
• Follow up after the visit to answer questions as they arise

Tracy covers the full northern Perth metro corridor, so you won’t need to load a newborn into the car and drive across the city. She comes to you, in your home, your environment, where you and your baby are most comfortable.

Areas Covered: Northern Perth Metro Home Visits

Tracy provides lactation consultant home visits throughout the following northern suburbs and surrounding areas:

• Joondalup, Edgewater, Heathridge, Connolly, Currambine
• Wanneroo, Madeley, Hocking, Pearsall
• Mindarie, Quinns Rocks, Clarkson, Butler, Merriwa
• Kinross, Ocean Reef, Iluka, Burns Beach
• Duncraig, Hillarys, Whitfords, Padbury
• Mullaloo, Craigie, Marmion

If you’re unsure whether Tracy services your suburb, reach out directly, the team at Breastfeeding Solutions is happy to confirm availability for your area.

When Should You Call a Lactation Consultant?

Many mums wait too long before seeking help, hoping the pain will resolve on its own. These are signs it’s time to book a home visit:

• Pain that lasts beyond the first 30-60 seconds of a latch (not just initial tenderness)
• Cracked, bleeding, or blistered nipples
• Baby slipping off the breast repeatedly during a feed
• Baby clicking during feeding or taking in a lot of air
• Feeling like your breasts are never truly empty after a feed
• Baby not regaining birth weight as expected by day 10-14
• Low milk supply concerns
• Recurring blocked ducts or mastitis

Breastfeeding Is Worth Fighting For, But You Shouldn’t Have to Fight Alone

Every breastfeeding journey is different. Some mums find it straightforward from the start; others face challenges that test their resolve at every feed. Whatever your experience, the support of a skilled, empathetic lactation consultant can make all the difference.

At Breastfeeding Solutions, Tracy’s mission is not just to fix the immediate problem, it’s to give you the knowledge, confidence, and practical skills to breastfeed successfully for as long as you choose.