5 Things I Wish I Knew Before Breastfeeding

When I was pregnant with my first, I spent so much time researching labor, delivery, and what to pack in my hospital bag… but not nearly enough time learning about breastfeeding.

Today I'm sharing five things I wish I had known before beginning my breastfeeding journey - lessons that would have saved me a lot of stress, uncertainty, and 2am Google searches.

Number 1: Cluster feeding is normal

If your newborn wants to nurse every 30 minutes and never seems satisfied, that doesn’t automatically mean you have a low milk supply! Babies often cluster feed to help increase milk production, during times of growth spurts, and for comfort.

Number 2: Pump output does NOT always equal milk supply

Just because you only pumped an ounce doesn’t mean that’s all your baby is getting. There are so many factors as to why your pump might not be achieving maximum output including range size, pump settings, or the actual pump itself. Babies are usually much more efficient at removing milk than a pump.*

Number 3: Breastfeeding should NOT be painful long-term

Some tenderness and soreness in the beginning can be normal, because your body is adjusting to something totally new! But cracked, bleeding, or severely painful nipples or breasts are NOT normal and aren't something you just have to suffer through.*

Number 4: Babies don’t always take both breasts

Some babies are one-side babies, and some take both breasts. Both can be completely normal! Always keep an eye on diaper output (wet and dirty) and baby's weigh gain. These are the best indicators that is baby getting enough milk.

And number 5: Breastfeeding is natural, but it’s also a learned skill

This one is for both mama and baby. Even though breastfeeding is natural, challenges along the way are not uncommon. If breastfeeding doesn’t come easily right away, that doesn’t mean you’re doing anything wrong.* Remember, even if it's not your first breastfeeding journey, both you and baby are learning this for the first time!

*If you have concerns about milk supply or milk transfer, sore/painful nipples or breasts, or latching issues, please reach out to a lactation professional!

Remember mamas, breastfeeding is a skill, not a motherhood test.

You’re learning. Your baby is learning. And you’re both doing better than you think ♡