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07
Jan
Jan
If you’ve decided to breastfeed, this article is definitely for you. As I always like to start with my personal experience – I have heard countless times that “breastfeeding is the most natural thing in the world.” But the truth is, the most natural things don’t always come naturally. Like many of you, my journey was filled with unexpected hurdles, midnight tears, and, eventually, beautiful moments of connection that made it all worthwhile.
The truth is, I wasn’t able to breastfeed my firstborn, and it’s a memory that still weighs on my heart. However, with my second baby, I managed to breastfeed successfully, and it brought me so much joy and satisfaction. This contrast taught me how unique each breastfeeding journey can be.
Preparation Before Baby Arrives
Educate Yourself: Find resources that speak to you—books, videos, or classes—but remember, your experience will be uniquely yours.
Talk to Your OB-GYN Doctor: Get checked to ensure you’re physically ready to breastfeed. Before your baby arrives, it’s essential to consult your OB-GYN doctor. They can assess your breast health and overall physical condition to ensure you’re prepared for breastfeeding.
Meet a Lactation Consultant: A lactation consultant is a valuable resource for expectant and new mothers. They can provide expert guidance on breastfeeding techniques, help you understand how to properly latch, and address common concerns like low milk supply or engorgement.
Talk to Experienced Mothers: Connecting with mothers who have already been through the breastfeeding journey can be incredibly insightful and reassuring. They can share their personal experiences, tips, and challenges, offering you a realistic perspective on what to expect.
Gather Supplies: Invest in nursing bras, breast pads, a breast pump, and other essentials to make the process smoother. I would like to recommend this
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Right After Birth: The Golden Hour
The first few hours and days after birth are crucial for establishing breastfeeding. Here’s what to expect:
Ask for Skin-to-Skin Time: Immediately after birth, skin-to-skin contact helps regulate the baby’s temperature and encourages the first latch.
The First Latch: The initial latch may feel awkward or uncomfortable, but it’s an essential step in stimulating milk production. Don’t be embarrassed to ask for help! Your baby’s stomach is tiny, and those golden drops are precisely what they need.
The Cluster-Feeding Marathon: Newborns feed often, sometimes every 1-2 hours. This helps establish your milk supply and ensures your baby gets enough nourishment. It’s normal newborn behavior—exhausting but normal.
Bringing Baby Home: When Reality Hits
Engorgement is No Joke: When my milk came in, I looked like I’d had cosmetic surgery gone wrong. Cold cabbage leaves became my best friends.
The Supply Struggle: I obsessed over whether my baby was getting enough. I counted wet diapers like it was my job—and honestly, it was. Some days, I worried about low supply; other days, I leaked through multiple shirts.
Midnight Cluster Feeds: There were nights I sat alone at 3 AM, scrolling through my phone while my baby nursed for the fifth time since bedtime, wondering if anyone else in the world was awake and doing this, too. (Spoiler: thousands of us were!)
The Emotional Tsunami: Between hormones, sleep deprivation, and the pressure to “succeed” at breastfeeding, there were days I cried as much as my baby. If that’s you right now, you’re not alone, and it does get better.
What Helped Me Succeed
The Hydration Station: I set up “nursing stations” around my house with water bottles, snacks, and whatever streaming service remote I needed. Thirst hits differently when you’re nursing.
Sleep Became My Religion: When well-meaning visitors came over, I gave them the baby after feeding and napping. I have no regrets.
Patience with the Process: By week three, just when I was ready to give up, something clicked. My baby and I found our rhythm. If you’re in the challenging early days, know it often gets more manageable.
Asking for Help Saved Me: When my nipples were so sore I dreaded each feeding, I finally called a lactation consultant. One session changed everything. Don’t suffer in silence—help exists.
Breastfeeding was simultaneously one of the hardest and most rewarding experiences of my life. Some women have an easier time, some have it harder, and some choose different feeding paths altogether. Whatever your journey looks like, know this—you’re doing an amazing job caring for your baby, whether that’s through breastfeeding, formula, or a combination that works for your family.
Even after taking all the preparation steps, there’s always a chance your baby might not be able to breastfeed.” Remember, the goal isn’t perfect breastfeeding—it’s a healthy baby and a healthy you.