Breastfeeding. One of the hardest, most rewarding things I’ve done as a mother is breastfeed my babies. I love the bonding time. I love holding my baby to my chest and giving them nutrients. I love learning about all of the crazy cool things breast milk does to a baby.

But also– I know firsthand just how {hard} breastfeeding is. When I nursed my firstborn baby, I don’t remember it being this hard, but with baby number two, I learned the importance of a good latch. I learned that sometimes milk comes in later, nipples can totally bleed, and something that is supposed to come so easily and natural- can be the total opposite.

So .. if you’re a new mama who’s just starting your breastfeeding journey, here’s what I want you to remember..

What I wish I knew when I started breastfeeding

1. Just because it’s hard, does not mean it’s not doable. Sometimes mamas feel like “if it’s this hard, it must not be in the cards for me.” Give it your best shot before you give up. Go see a lactation consultant (that’s what I did) they’re typically a FREE resource from your hospital for new mamas.

2. Get your latch checked. I breastfed my son for almost 2 years and felt like i was an expert at nursing. However, baby #2 proved me wrong on that. Don’t be afraid to reach out for help from an expert.

3. Baby wanting to nurse allllll the time is {completely} normal. Babies don’t just nurse for nutrients. They nurse because they’re thirsty, they nurse for comfort, they nurse to reconnect with mom, they nurse because they’re overwhelmed with the outside world and need to take a second to get their groundings. NURSING 24/7 DOES NOT MEAN YOU HAVE A SHITTY SUPPLY.

4. Your boobs are gonna do some weird ass shit. They’ll be big. They’ll be full. They’ll get hard. They’ll soften up. They’ll spray on their own. They’ll leak when you’re showering. This is alllll normal.

5. Your milk may not come in for a few days. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t have a huge supply when your baby is born. Milk can take a few days to really come in. If you have to supplement before the milk is fully in, THAT’S OKAY. Supplement and then get back on track if you want to make nursing work.

You may also want to check out my post: Breastfeeding Frequently Asked Questions

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