What I wish I'd known about breastfeeding

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Whether you’re a new mother in need of advice, or hoping breastfeeding will be easier this time around, other BabyCenter mums have plenty of tips, guidance and knowledge. 

Practice makes perfect 

“Breastfeeding may be the natural way to feed your baby but it is a skill which needs to be learned by both of you and like most things you can’t expect to get it right straightaway.” - Lou 

“I wish I’d known that breastfeeding doesn’t always 'come naturally'. It took me six weeks to get it right - so don’t be put off if it doesn’t work at first! It can take a few weeks for you and your baby to learn, and it can hurt sometimes. But persevere because it’s one of best things you can do for your baby.” - Sharlene 

There is always a way 

“There are other ways of giving breastmilk successfully if the conventional way isn't working for you, so experiment. Don't beat yourself up if it doesn't work. So far, despite being a real guzzler, Alexander has had nothing but breastmilk fed to him in a bottle, and he is simply thriving.” - Wendy 

“I found nipple shields really helpful for those times when my nipples were sore and cracked. I could breastfeed fairly comfortably, and it gave my nipples a chance to heal.” - Nikki 

Workshops work wonders 

“Breastfeeding workshops run by your local hospital and other breastfeeding organisations are the best way to find out all you need. What I learned gave me so much confidence in the early weeks after Ellis was born.” - Lou 

Get the best support and advice 

“I’d recommend having the telephone number of a breastfeeding counsellor to hand in case you need them, and join a support group or baby group if there is one near you.” - Lou 

“I had terrible problems breastfeeding my daughter in the beginning - she was tiny and I couldn’t get her to latch on. I developed mastitis and a huge crack in my right nipple, but I was very determined to keep trying. I took advantage of breastfeeding helplines and I had a breastfeeding counsellor visit me at home on several occasions. After 12 weeks of trying I had success! I’m so glad I didn’t give up. Get as much advice, help and encouragement as you can - you don’t have to do it alone.” - Catherine 

Breastfeeding shouldn’t hurt… 

“When it hurt, I knew we were not doing it right, so instead of grinning and bearing it I made sure I got help to improve Ellis’s latch. When my milk came in and he was almost drowning in the stuff I knew about using other positions to feed him more comfortably.” - Lou 

…but painful letdown may happen 

“I wish I'd known that if it hurts it doesn't always mean the baby isn't latched on properly. Neither of my babies were having problems latching on but I had extremely painful letdown.” - Alexandra 

Breastfed babies are hungrier 

“Most breastfed babies feed more than formula fed babies. This is because breastmilk is digested quickly and easily so their sleep patterns can be different and they may even grow at a different rate. Comparing your baby with formula fed babies on any of these dimensions is a bit like comparing apples and pears. You may have to remind others of this too.” - Bridgette 

Supply and demand 

“Your body produces milk based on how much your baby needs - the more your baby needs, the more they feed, producing more milk.” - Tracy 

Involve your husband 

“I think it’s important that you discuss how you are planning to feed your baby with your husband and make sure he understands how important his emotional and practical support will be to you. From my breastfeeding workshop I knew that in the first few weeks it was likely my baby was going to feed an awful lot, especially in the evenings, and my husband delighted in bringing me home vast quantities of chocolate, as well as piles of magazines and, lucky me, a lap top. He also understood that he was on dinner-making duty for the foreseeable future!” - Lou 

“I express a bottle of milk in the evenings so my husband can feed our baby daughter when he gets home from work. He really enjoys these father-daughter bonding sessions, and it gives me a half an hour to enjoy a hot bath or get some chores done.” - Kate 

Growing babies get hungry… 

“Expect growth spurts at approximately 14 days, six weeks, 12 weeks, and then monthly. During this time, the baby will feed more often over the course of 48 hours to a week, and will then settle down again. During growth spurts, expect to have sleep deprivation, sore nipples and to feel like a breast on legs - but this will pass!” - Tracy 

…and feed speeds vary 

“Feeds can last from five minutes to an hour or more, as every baby is different. My baby went from taking 40 minutes per feed at birth, to just 10 minutes now he is five-and-a-half months - they get more efficient as time goes on.” - Tracy 

Don’t be discouraged by deflation! 

“When my Jordan-style breasts deflated six weeks after he was born I knew it was my supply settling down not my milk drying up. It’s around then that when many women sadly resort to formula thinking their milk has run out.” - Lou 

Breasts come in all shapes and sizes 

“Most of us do not have the breasts and the nipples shown on illustrations. We may have big breasts, big nipples, small breasts, small nipples, flat nipples, inverted nipples, round breasts, long breasts, the list goes on. Experiment and try different positions to find what is comfortable for you.” - Bridgette 

“I have flat nipples, and I didn’t know this until a few days after my baby was born when I was having trouble breastfeeding him. The nurse suggested that I try using nipple shields, and my baby latched on to it right away and fed ravenously. Just a week later I didn’t even need to use a nipple shield to get him latched on!” - Marie 

Winding really works 

“If baby is fussing at the breast try winding gently for up to three minutes. First I thought breastfeeding babies didn't need winding, and then I expected winding to work in about 10 seconds. Once I realised what the problem was, things were far smoother.” - Janet 

Enjoy it! 

"Make the most of the sit down time - you deserve it! Turn the television on, put your feet up and relax. I enjoyed 14 months of breastfeeding bliss!" - Amanda