By contributing writer, Jenni
When I was pregnant, there was no question as to whether or not I wanted to breastfeed. In my mind, there was no other option. As committed as I was, I have to admit it was more difficult than I thought. Now over six months into my first time nursing, here’s what I would tell a new mom…
Breastfeeding is a learning process. For you and your precious little one. I think I expected to have an easier time with it because it would be something that came naturally. To be honest, it doesn’t seem very natural at first. It feels awkward and takes a lot of work, time and patience.
Nursing is a full-time job. At times you may feel like it’s all you do. During your postpartum recovery, it may be all you manage to do besides eat, sleep and shower occasionally. And that is ok! There are differing opinions on scheduled feedings, but I firmly believe that it is important to feed on demand–especially during the first few months.
Sometimes it will hurt. You can expect to have sore nipples the first few days. Possibly bleeding, cracked ones if your baby has problems with latching. You can use Lanolin or some other cream for a little relief. The nurses gave me Soothies Gel Pads when I was at the hospital, which lived up to their name and were actually quite soothing! Personally, I found that using a little expressed milk and air drying after each feeding to be the best remedy. Also, when your milk comes in (usually around the third day) you breast may become hard and swollen. However, this discomfort usually only lasts a day or so as your body adjusts your milk supply to the needs of your baby.
You will probably leak. Some women find this to be more of an issue than others, but it’s always good to be prepared. You definitely don’t want this to happen in public, so nursing pads are a must until your milk supply regulates. I prefer to make or buy reusable nursing pads, but many woman have found that disposable ones work well for them.
Nutrition is important. Even though you aren’t pregnant anymore, you are still eating for two. Be sure you are eating a healthy diet with plenty of protein, healthy fats and vitamin-rich vegetables. This is very important as nursing mothers are at a greater risk for vitamin deficiencies. Most doctors suggest that you continue taking a prenatal vitamin until you wean your baby. Also, drinking plenty of water is crucial to keeping a good milk supply and for your overall health. Try to drink at least eight glasses of water daily.
You need a good nursing bra. Buying nursing bras that fit well can be a bit of a challenge because you have to purchase them before you know what size you will end up being. I suggest buying a comfortable sleep bra and a bra with no underwire (to avoid clogged milk ducts in the beginning) about a month before your due date. After you have your baby and your milk supply has regulated you can then purchase a couple more in the size you need.
There is a way to nurse modestly in public. Technically, there is still a debate–especially among men–on whether breastfeeding in public is ever modest. However, thanks to the wide variety of nursing covers and tank tops available, you can discreetly feed your baby just about anywhere. I still try to find an out-of-the-way place to avoid offending people or drawing attention to myself. 
Breastfeeding is worth the effort. Not only does nursing create an important bond between you and your baby, it is often the most beneficial option for both of you. Sara has already covered several good reasons to breastfeed. If you need more convincing, check out this extensive list of articles about the many benefits of breastfeeding. Your perseverance will eventually pay off in sweet moments like the one pictured above!
What breastfeeding advice would you give a new mom?
Here are some additional great resources that will help you succeed!
Don’t miss the rest of the Breastfeeding series (past and future)…find them here
A word from Nikki: This post contains affiliate links for Jenni. She isn’t recommending because she gets money (though of course, that is always a plus), she is recommending the products because she believes in them! I cannot personally vouch for the products specified as I have not personally used them.
About Jenni Mullinix
Thank you for the post. As my little one is due in 7 weeks this is very informative! Thank you!
Deborah, I’m so glad to read that this post was a blessing to you. I wish you all the best in the last weeks of pregnancy, through labor, and as you bond with your new little one!
Great post, Jenni! I wish I would have read this before I started nursing my little guy! We had a pretty easy time, but I was unsure of what to expect before hand. I like the tip about waiting to buy nursing bras! Oh, and expressed milk after nursing to worked great for me!
Yeah, I need to follow my own advice go buy another bra… lol Thanks for your comment!
Great post! My first is 17 months now and I weened him around 1 as I was already pregnant (due in March). Nursing was a somewhat challenge as there was constant pain from the beginning to end….I’m hoping for a much better experience this time around.
The tip on drinking water is SO important. I didn’t realize that I wasn’t drinking enough until I started giving him his own sippy cup. I had wondered his entire life why his wet diapers smelled soooo strong. Once I gave him his own water the smell was gone – I hadn’t been drinking enough while nursing and I’m so glad that’s the only ‘problem’ we had with that.
I hope you have a better experience this next time also! And I didn’t know that about strong smelling diapers. That makes sense though. Thanks for the tip!
Great post. With my second (a lot due to my odd size and not being able to find bras) I abandoned the nursing bras and developed a method using my normal ones.
My advice: stick it through! With our first I had heard from most everyone that it takes about 2 weeks to get into a groove. So when we were in the 3rd week and Mama, baby and Papa were all frustrated it was very disheartening. By the end of week three we had it figured out.
Good advice, Sara! I use my lanolin on my baby’s diaper rash and eczema now.
Great post, Jenni. Breastfeeding (especially as a first-time mom) can be so frustrating a draining. Being prepared and having support is so helpful.
I agree. Having support is so vital. I’m thankful my mom breastfed us, so she was very encouraging to me during the learning phase. Thanks for your comment!
Having nursed my sons for a combined total of over nine years, my best advice for all new moms is to commit to stick with it for at least SIX weeks. After that, it’s usually smooth(er) sailing because you have experienced the most uncomfortable phase, developed confidence, and established a routine.
Christy I could not agree with you more!
Thanks for posting and linking up to Raising Homemakers. I’m having my first baby in March and trying to learn all I can about breastfeeding now.
Missy, thanks for stopping by! We will be continuing the series through the end of the month!
I am living in Europe & watched alot of American baby t.v shows when I was pregnant (I get horrendous morning sickness so spent a bit of time on the couch). The thing that I noticed alot was that breastfed mothers were told by the hospital that they had to supplement with formula until their milk came in. It is completely unnecessary to supplement.
I would also say that the first week or 2, feeding can be quite stressful. I would suggest taking baby somewhere quiet, where you feel comfortable. Ignore the phone & the door bell & just let it be you & baby.
Also, if you are having difficulty getting baby to latch on in the first day, do not let anyone touch baby’s head as this stresses them out & they naturally resist someone pushing the back of their heads.
Lastly, I think that every new mom planning to breastfeed should watch the breastfeeding crawl video on you tube.