10 things I wish I knew about breastfeeding

1. After birth, your milk typically “comes in” meaning it transitions from colostrum to mature milk — around 2 to 5 days postpartum.

   
   

   Here’s a quick breakdown:

   
   

   • Immediately after birth: Your breasts produce colostrum, a thick, golden, nutrient-rich fluid that’s perfect for your newborn’s tiny stomach and immune system.

   • Days 2–5 postpartum: Your body begins producing transitional milk, and you may notice your breasts feeling fuller, warmer, or even engorged — this is often what people refer to as your “milk coming in.”

   • By week 2: You’ll typically have mature milk, which looks thinner and whiter and comes in larger volumes.

     
     
   
   

   Factors that can affect when milk comes in:

   
   

   • First-time moms may have a slight delay (closer to day 4–5).

   • C-sections, difficult births, or medical complications can delay it a bit.

   • Frequent nursing or pumping in the early days helps stimulate faster production.

   
   

   As a C-section mama, my milk came in on Day 4. My son dropped 11% of his body weight. The hospital will recommend supplemental formula if your baby drops more than 10% of their weight. But this doesn’t mean you won’t be able to breastfeed. We did a grand total of 2 ounces of formula before my milk came in and we have exclusively breastfed for 7 months now.

   
   

2. Your newborn falling asleep doesn’t always mean they’re full. One of the biggest surprises for me was realizing that just because my baby nodded off at the breast, it didn’t mean he’d had enough to eat. I used to think, “Well, if he’s hungry, he’ll eat!” — but newborns are tricky like that. Sometimes they get cozy and drift off before their bellies are full.

   Here are a few gentle tricks I learned to help keep baby awake during feeds:

   • Strip them down to a diaper. A little cool air keeps them from getting too cozy and snoozing too soon. (It feels mean in the moment, but a full tummy = a happier baby!)

   • Use wipes. A quick swipe with a damp wipe can be just enough to stir them awake.

   • Rub their jaw. This motion can trigger their instinct to keep sucking.

   • Time your feeds. Look up the average nursing length for your baby’s age — it helps set a baseline so you know they’re likely getting enough.

     
     

3. You can’t do this alone — and you’re not supposed to. One of the most important lessons I learned early on is that breastfeeding takes a team. Support looks different for everyone — maybe it’s your partner, your mom, your sister-in-law, or even a best friend who’s just willing to listen. Whoever your person is, don’t be afraid to loop them in. (In fact, send them this link: How to Support Your Breastfeeding Partner!)

   Beyond your inner circle, community can make such a huge difference. Online groups are amazing for the questions you feel too embarrassed to ask anywhere else. My favorite is a Facebook group called “Breastfeeding (Truly Unfiltered): Nursing, Pumping, Breastfeeding Mamas.” Truly, nothing is TMI in that space, and it’s a relief to hear from other moms who get it.

   
   

4. Breastfeeding makes you hungrier (and thirstier) than you’d expect. Nobody warned me just how much my appetite would spike once I started breastfeeding. For some moms, it’s the constant thirst that sneaks up. For others, it’s the bottomless hunger. Either way, your body is working hard and burning a ton of energy to make milk, so those extra snacks and sips are not just in your head.

   If you’re in this season, give yourself permission to eat and drink more than usual. Think of it as fueling your body so you can fuel your baby. Need some ideas? Check out my favorite recipes and meal prep tips — quick, nourishing options that actually keep up with those 2 a.m. hunger pangs.

   
   

5. Breastfeeding duration shortens as baby gets older! If you’re in the newborn stage and it feels like there’s not enough time in the day, it gets better!

   
   

   Here’s a helpful guide to breastfeeding frequency and duration by age, so you know what to expect as your baby grows:

6. Be your own mom. Someone told me this during pregnancy, and it stuck with me all through my breastfeeding journey. Just like a good mom always has snacks and juice on hand for her kids — you need to do the same for yourself.

There’s nothing worse than finally getting your baby latched, cozy in your spot, and then realizing… you have no water within reach and your phone is completely dead. (We’ve all been there!) So, stock your “nursing station” with the essentials..

Because taking care of you is just as important as taking care of baby.

Here is a list of Nursing station must-haves:

• Water bottle (bonus if it’s a big one with a straw)

• Easy snacks (granola bars, trail mix, fruit, crackers)

• Phone + charger (or tablet/remote for entertainment)

• Burp cloths (always keep extras handy)

• Nursing pillow or extra pillows for support

• Blanket (for you or baby)

• Chapstick & hand lotion (trust me, you’ll use them!)

• Tissues or wipes

• Small basket/bin to keep it all organized

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7. Breastfeeding in front of people is hard. I don’t think anyone prepared me for how vulnerable it would feel to nurse in front of others. Even when you know breastfeeding is natural and normal, it can still feel awkward, uncomfortable, or even anxiety-inducing at first.

   For me, it wasn’t about shame — it was about learning how to get a wiggly baby latched, while fumbling with nursing bras, covers, or shirts, all under someone else’s gaze. It takes practice, and honestly, confidence comes with time.

   Here are a few things that helped me ease into it:

   
   

   • Practice at home in front of a mirror (so you know what it looks like from the outside).

   • Wear nursing-friendly clothes (button-downs, wrap tops, or loose layers make it so much smoother).

   • Use a cover — or don’t. Some moms love them! My baby hates them and I find that to be true for a lot of moms.

   • Start with safe people. Practice in front of your partner, sister, or a close friend before a bigger family gathering.

   • Remind yourself: feeding your baby is always more important than anyone else’s opinion.

     
     

8. Growth spurts = nonstop nursing. Just when you think you’ve found a rhythm, baby hits a growth spurt and suddenly wants to nurse every hour. It can feel overwhelming, like your supply isn’t enough — but this is completely normal! Frequent nursing is your baby’s way of telling your body to make more milk. Growth spurts often happen around 2–3 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, and beyond. Hang in there — it usually only lasts a few days, and things even back out again.

   
   

9. The emotional side of breastfeeding is real. Nobody really talks about how emotional breastfeeding can be. Some moments feel magical and bonding, while others leave you in tears (sometimes for no reason at all). Hormones play a huge role, and even things like letdown can trigger sudden waves of emotion. It doesn’t mean you’re doing anything wrong - it just means you’re human. Lean on your support system, give yourself grace, and know that it’s okay to feel all the feelings.

   
   

10. Leaks happen. Ah yes, the glamorous side of breastfeeding. Waking up in a puddle? Check. Soaking through your shirt at Target? Double check. Leaking is part of the deal for many moms, especially in the early months when supply is regulating. Nursing pads are a lifesaver (disposable or washable — both work), and keeping an extra shirt in your bag never hurts. Try to laugh it off when you can — every leak is just proof of the amazing work your body is doing.

Final Thoughts

Breastfeeding is one of the most rewarding — and challenging — journeys you’ll ever take. It comes with surprises, emotions, and moments that no one can possibly prepare you for. You'll find yourself saying, "Why didn't anyone tell me this?" You truly cannot put it all into words! It’s a rollercoaster of learning, bonding, and discovering just how strong and resilient you are.

Remember: every mama’s journey looks different. Support, self-care, and a sense of humor are just as important as the nursing itself. Lean on your people, trust your instincts, and give yourself grace when things get messy (literally and figuratively!).

Most importantly, know this: you’re doing an amazing job. Every feed, every ounce of milk, every moment of patience counts — even if it doesn’t always feel like it. Celebrate the wins, forgive the hard days, and enjoy the little moments with your baby. You’ve got this.