9 Things They Don't Tell You (Before Breastfeeding)
1.
It may not come naturally
You’ve read all the books, taken all the prenatal classes (including the optional breastfeeding class), and practiced with a doll. But your tiny inverted nipples, or giant breasts, or baby’s tongue tie, or just a complete lack of patience for learning to latch on have made breastfeeding nearly impossible. We’re here to tell you that IT’S OKAY! As long as your baby is getting the nutrients he or she needs, whether through pumping, formula, breastfeeding, or otherwise, you’re on a roll!
2.
You will finally understand the phrase “it hurts like a mother”
Definitely coined by a breastfeeding mother with mastitis, this phrase will come to mind when you’re deep in an internet search for cures for a blocked milk duct, whether you try a slice of raw potato on your breast or have your partner suck out the blockage. Dare we mention the jaw-clenching pain of cracked nipples and the horror of realizing your beautiful newborn has a mustache of blood after nursing?
3.
It's a full-time job
I hate to crush your dreams of going on a long lunch break, but your schedule is totally booked, Mama. When we say full-time job, we mean it—we’re talking about a 24/7 milkshake machine. Your newborn will be nursing for at least eight hours every day, whenever they want. This kind of on-demand service seriously limits a lot of activities that can be done without the baby. Plus, if you’re in the middle of a cluster feed, be prepared to nurse for a loooong time—drain the right breast, switch to the left breast, repeat. If you’re struggling on the night shift (with no overtime perks to sweeten the deal), here’s a tip: Tune in to a podcast to stay awake and entertained.
4.
You will live in comfort
Not only are you in full recovery mode from childbirth, but you’re also dealing with the realities of your new role as a lead dairy technician, so you’ll need the right uniform. Leggings, nursing-friendly tanks, and a robe are the look du jour for new moms, but there’s one key piece you can’t skip—the nursing bra. Clip-down construction is essential, but it’s even better to have fabrics that cool your body temperature and a design that handles engorgement and weaning. Do yourself (and your breasts) a favor!
5.
When the milk arrives, wow, how it arrives!
At nine months pregnant, you probably thought your breasts were as big as they’d ever be, right? Wrong! After three days of existing on a colostrum-rich diet, your baby has awakened the milk monsters, unleashing a tsunami-like influx of fluid. Prepare to be amazed at the size and shape of your breasts. Keep being amazed, as their size and shape fluctuate constantly throughout the next period.
6.
Prepare for the "humidity"
There’s no point in sugarcoating it: it’s going to get wet. At some point you don’t even realize the perpetual state of dampness you now reside in until you catch a glimpse of your soaked blouse in the window of your local coffee shop (#coffee). Think a bra is going to stem the tide? Absolutely not, you need to go all out or go home (and change your blouse). Reusable nursing pads are a must-have from the start, we’re talking “pack them in your hospital bag” major. Ours are eight times more absorbent than the best-selling pads on the market, and their antimicrobial treatment eliminates odors… just saying.
7.
Your baby may have favorites
It could be personal preference, it could be that one breast produces less milk, it could be Mercury retrograde – for some reason, babies may prefer one breast. Just another one of those puzzles that can be a little frustrating, especially when they’ve already had their favorite dry milk and are still hungry. You can try to increase the profile of the other breast by always offering it first, but be careful not to lose track of which breast you fed from last and face the horror of seriously asymmetrical breasts – we’re talking different ends of the alphabet in cup sizes.
8.
You will feel like you have a superpower
Because you do! Breast milk is literally magical. If your baby is sick, your body will produce antibody-rich milk, and breast milk produced at night is full of the “sleepy” hormone melatonin. And the list goes on! Even if you don’t continue to breastfeed, it’s pretty mind-blowing to know that your body is capable of creating, sustaining, and nurturing human life. What a gift!
9.
This shall pass
Look, breastfeeding has its challenges. Honestly, breastfeeding at any time, regardless of whether it’s breast or bottle, has its challenges! We know you’ve heard this from your mommy squad, but you’re going to love breastfeeding. Once you find your groove and experience the buffet of illnesses and problems, you’ll cherish the sweet, peaceful moments you and your baby have together. No matter how you breastfeed, that moment when your baby settles down while drinking with abandon is a blessing—a truly special experience that won’t last forever. Enjoy it while you can, mama.
