Breastfeeding can be challenging. I have had multiple clients call me within days (even hours) after having their baby, asking for lactation support. Those first few days, weeks, and sometimes months can be challenging to figure out this new skill. I decided to speak with a few lactation consultants I know and ask them what they wish new mothers knew about breastfeeding.
Here Are 20 Things Lactation Consultants Want You To Know
Breastfeeding comes with questions, emotions, and learning curves, which is why I asked several lactation consultants to share the honest advice they give new moms every day.
1. It’s normal for newborns to want to nurse all. The. Time. Sometimes more than once in an hour.
Related: 5 Reasons Your Baby Wants to Breastfeed AGAIN
2. Breastfeeding isn’t all or nothing.
Combination feeding can support both bonding and flexibility. Learn tips on how to combination feed with breastmilk and formula.
3. Breastfeeding is not supposed to hurt.
Pain is a sign that something needs adjusting, usually the latch.
I’m sure you’ve heard many people say breastfeeding will hurt and that you must “toughen up your nipples” beforehand to get ready, but that is not the case. If breastfeeding hurts, you need to speak with a lactation consultant as soon as possible because it shouldn’t hurt.
Yes, you will experience odd sensations and pressure while breastfeeding because you probably have never had someone sucking on your breasts for extended amounts of time on and off throughout the day and night, but it shouldn’t be painful.
Pressure and tenderness, yes. Tugging and some pulling, yes. But pinching and or pain, no. Learning how to get a proper latch is key to avoiding pain. This will help reduce your chances of experiencing blistered, bleeding, and/or cracked nipples. Ouch. That is no fun.
4. We’ve all had days when we wanted to give up. You’re not alone.
Feeling overwhelmed is common. Support makes all the difference.
Related: What I Wish First-Time Moms Knew About Breastfeeding
5. Be sure to stimulate your milk production within the first 24 hours.
Early stimulation helps your body establish a strong, healthy supply.
It may take a little while for you and your baby to learn how to get a good latch, but while learning this new skill, it is still crucial to start stimulating your milk production soon after birth. The suckling sensation alerts your breasts that it’s time to start producing milk and establishing a milk supply.
Breastfeeding works a lot like supply and demand. If you and your baby are not demanding that your breasts make more milk, your body will think that there is no need to make more milk. It will begin to produce less and less, eventually stopping altogether.
Milk needs to be removed from your breasts for your breasts to work on filling them back up. If your baby is having difficulty latching on in the beginning, continue to practice getting a good latch while also expressing milk through another method. This way, you can help your body produce an adequate supply. You can withdraw your milk by either hand expressing or using a breast pump.
Either way, lactation consultants want you to know that getting a good latch can always be improved with proper guidance and practice. But there is no reversing time and making up for inadequate breast stimulation in those early hours and days.
Related: When Will My Breast Milk Come In? What You Should Know
6. Most moms will make enough milk for their babies if they nurse often enough. However, a small number of mothers have a low milk supply, and these women deserve positive and kind support.
Most milk-supply worries are normal, and personalized support can make a big difference.
Related: How to Produce More Breast Milk: 22 Ways to Boost Your Supply
7. Babies are not robots. Like us, they will not eat at the same time and the same amount every day.
Growth spurts, cluster feeds, and changing routines are all part of normal development.
8. You don’t have to drink milk to make milk. However, you do need an extra 450-500 calories a day, plus plenty of fluids.
9. Find good support.
Breastfeeding is an ever-evolving relationship and a journey that has ups and downs. It’s important to surround yourself with positive people who will support and encourage you during the most challenging times.
10. Get your partner and your family on board. Ensure that you provide them with specific ways to assist you.
For example, ask them to watch your older children while you’re breastfeeding, bring you a snack or water, grab your breastfeeding pillow, or clean your pumping parts. (Here are some more ways dads or partners can help with breastfeeding.) Just remember that you can do this, but it helps when you have support.
11. There are breastfeeding helpers out there who won’t judge you. Keep looking until you find someone who makes you feel safe and supported.
12. Everyone will have an opinion. Only take the good ones and forget the bad ones. Remember that you know your baby and your body better than anyone else.
Filtering advice helps protect your confidence and keeps your feeding experience positive.
13. It is NEVER anyone’s place to judge a mom who chooses not to breastfeed. There are so many reasons why a mother might decide not to breastfeed. And none of those reasons reflect poorly on her mothering or her level of care for her child.
14. There are no silly questions when it comes to breastfeeding.
Find a Certified Lactation Counselor or International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) in your area. Set up an appointment or attend a breastfeeding support group. Your questions are valid and have most likely been asked (many times) before.
Related: To the Struggling Breastfeeding Mom: You’re Not Alone
15. How much you pump doesn’t always reflect how much milk your baby takes at your breast. Most babies take more than the pump extracts, and some take less.
16. Tongue tie and lip tie can impact breastfeeding. Tongues that are tied down can’t milk the breast properly (leading to low weight gain) and cause a lot of pain.
17. If you experience problems, go back to the basics. Most breastfeeding problems can be solved by starting over and keeping things simple. If your nipples hurt, you probably need to change the feeding position or the shape and hold of your breasts. Or you can always unlatch and start again. Start with the basics before assuming anything more complicated is going on.
18. Working mothers who pump deserve all the respect and love in the world. Exclusive pumping moms do, too. Pumping on a schedule takes commitment and physical effort.
Related: Tips for Pumping at Work
19. Trust biology, trust your baby, and trust your body.
Your body was made to make breast milk. Ask yourself, “Is my baby pooping and peeing enough? Do my breasts feel drained after a feeding? Is my baby gaining weight and meeting developmental milestones?” If the answer to these questions is yes, then your baby is getting enough milk!
20. Breastfeeding is normal, it is intense, and it is beautiful.
All in all, I tell my clients that the most important thing is to feed your baby in the way that works best for you. Only you understand your situation and can determine what is right for you and your child. Just know that you can breastfeed if you want to, that support is available, and that you are not alone in either the joyful moments or the hard ones.
Breastfeeding is a learning experience for both you and your baby, and no two journeys look the same. Take what helps and let go of what does not. Whether you breastfeed, pump, supplement, or combine all three, you are caring for your baby with love, and that is what matters most.
