Between my kids I’ve spent 4 out of the last 5 years breastfeeding. I am an avid believer in the magic of breast milk and the amazing things it can do for your baby and even you!

I have come to treasure my nursing relationship with each of my children. The bond it creates is incredible. I love knowing that I am providing something my body has tailor made for my child to provide amazing immunity and nourishment.

However, I know first hand breastfeeding doesn’t always come easy and there are a 1,000 different reasons a woman physically cannot, or just does not desire to, breastfeed. I don’t judge. Your body, your baby – whatever works for you both.

For your convenience, this post contains affiliate links. If you purchase from these links I may make a small commission at no cost to you.

I just want to offer my own experiences, for those who do wish to breastfeed. There are a lot of misconceptions about nursing a baby. I want to help educate new Moms so they know exactly what to expect.

It’s not all rainbows and unicorns, but it can be magical.

Mama, some of these truths are going to be hard to hear. Don’t let them deter you. Without a doubt, breastfeeding is one of the most amazing gifts you have to offer your child. Keep this advice in mind, and remember – we Moms are a naturally designed to persevere.

Mother breast feeding her infant

1. Breastfeeding is not easy

After leaving the breastfeeding class, I signed up for before my first was born, I literally joked with my husband about how breastfeeding was all rainbows and unicorns. I was not remotely concerned with my ability to breastfeed.

And then God laughed.

Breastfeeding my first was a huge ordeal the first few months. We practically lived at lactation for the first few weeks. She could not figure out how to latch correctly. She shredded my nipples Even with a nipple shield it wasn’t working.

However, I was determined she would get breastmilk come hell or high water. So for the first three months I exclusively pumped. It was stressful and not easy in the slightest, but I persevered. I set small goals – make it to one month, two, then three, and I just took it day by day.

Then one day the darndest thing happened. I was catnapping on the couch while my husband watched our daughter and I dreamed she was nursing. I woke up and something told me to let her try. Y’all – I kid you not, suddenly it clicked with her. It was A-MAZ-ING!

So here’s the thing. Don’t go into this journey expecting an easy ride. I sincerely hope it is easy for you, and it can be for many women. Just remember, there can be many obstacles and prepare yourself just in case.

2. It hurts

Even when they do it right, it hurts in the beginning. My second nursed within minutes of being born. She came out knowing exactly what to do. I called lactation several times because I just couldn’t believe she was getting it right after the trouble we had with her sister.

Still, my nipples screamed. Even though people tell you it won’t hurt if they latch correctly, I’ve literally never met a Mama who would agree. Your nipples are one of the most sensitive areas of your body. Of course it’s going to freaking hurt! Gradually though, they adjust and it stops hurting. Fight through it. It gets better.

3. It can be an emotional process

Even if your child comes out nursing like a pro – even if somehow your nipples never scream – you may be surprised at how emotional nursing is. In those first few days, your hormones are raging, you are sleep deprived beyond your wildest imagination, and you have this tiny little body cluster feeding all night long.

Your body is no longer your own, your life is no longer your own and you just want to freaking sleep. There were many nights, I silently sobbed as my child nursed. I wondered why I was doing this, until I looked down at her tiny perfect face and found my answer.

If you are struggling, physically or emotionally, reach out to someone. I was so very fortunate to have a close friend who was a veteran breastfeeding Mama. She talked me through my struggles and helped support me. Her advice and encouragement made me preserve until things got better.

4. Pumping sucks – but there are ways to make it better

There’s not really anyway to glorify pumping. It’s about as glamorous as it sounds. Sitting hooked up to a machine that squeezes milk out of your breasts for 20 minutes isn’t much fun. And it truly can really be a pain without the right products.

I devoted a whole post to things you need to have when breastfeeding, several of them focus on ways to make pumping easier. I’ll link my favorites below, but be sure to check out the post for a more in-depth look at these amazing products!

5. Lactation Consultants are life-savers

Seriously, they are like your own little Milk Mama cheerleaders who know all things breastfeeding. We literally drove every other day for 2 weeks to visit with lactation when my first was born. Without their support, I may not have made it past those first few weeks.

They can offer advice on achieving a good latch, comfortable positions, and ways to improve your supply. If you have questions about certain foods or medications while breastfeeding, they have the resources to help you determine if they are safe. Additionally, lactation consultants make amazing cheerleaders and will encourage you when you encounter a breastfeeding obstacle.

mother breast feeding and hugging her baby

6. You aren’t as limited by foods and medicines as you might think

I remember being pregnant and having all these things I wanted to eat, that people kept telling me I couldn’t. And then when I found out that while I was breastfeeding, I’d have to avoid certain foods I almost lost it. However, I came to find out that a lot of that is dated advice. Sure, there are some kids who have sensitivities to certain foods, but it’s not a hard and fast rule for the majority. I literally never noticed a different in my girls that I could link to what I ate.

After my oldest was born, I developed some medical issues that required medication. Without going into details, I immediately panicked because I just knew our breastfeeding relationship was over before it started. But I was wrong. There is so much research out there now, and so many options. Many medications are safe for nursing babies. If you are in need of medication, don’t assume you will have to quit nursing. Reach out to medical professionals and you may be surprised.

7. It gets easier

Eventually it becomes like second nature. As natural to you as driving a car. You will become a pro before you know it and life is so much easier. You don’t have to carry around bottles. Feeding is easy, you can just whip out a boob wherever. You have instant comfort when your child is in pain. Formula costs aren’t breaking the budget. You have less dishes.

There are a hundred reasons why breastfeeding can make your life easier, but the reality is it’s not about you. It’s about that baby, who you are essentially feeding liquid gold. You are building your child’s immunity, nourishing their body and nurturing their soul.

So just keep in mind, while your breastfeeding journey may start with a rocky road, there is relief around the corner. Don’t give up. Set small goals for yourself and strive to attain them. There is a light at the end of the tunnel. I promise.

And, there are things you can do to get prepared!

Be sure to Educate yourself!

One of the most important things you can do before beginning your breastfeeding journey is educate yourself. Finding a good breastfeeding class is essential. Your OB-GYN can probably refer you to a class. Or…if you’re the kind of Mama who prefers to learn in the comfort of her own home – I have amazing news for you!

You don’t have to subject yourself to awkward videos with strangers. You can learn all the essentials without even getting dressed or leaving the couch. How you ask?

I recently discovered an online course called The Ultimate Breastfeeding Course and was lucky enough to view it as an affiliate. Y’all! I WISH this existed when I was just learning to breastfeed. Heck I wish it existed when my 2^nd was born so I would’ve taken a quick refresher course.

This class explains how your body actually produces milk and things you can do to increase your supply. It provides great advice on getting a good latch and how to position your baby when nursing. The course even covers what to expect through your breastfeeding journey from those first days through those first months. It also offers lots of other resources and bonuses.

And y’all its only $19 DOLLARS! For real!

I paid $65 for the class I took. I had to get dressed and sit in an uncomfortable chair for 2 hours. This class offers the luxury of learning at home and the ability to learn at your own pace.

I’m telling you. It’s amazing. And seriously, I don’t know how it will stay this price for long. I’d have easily paid more for a comprehensive online class like this.

So do yourself and your baby a favor. Grab it while you can and get armed with all the information you’ll need to make your breastfeeding journey a successful one.

While you’re at it. Check out my post for 10 Breastfeeding Essentials for Nursing Mothers. These products will save your sanity!

Have your own tips you’d like to share? I’d love to hear them! Be sure to share them in the comments!  Also, be sure to save this pin for later!

Preparing to breastfeed and looking for breastfeeding tips? Check out this post full of breastfeeding tips and advice to start your breastfeeding journey off smoothly.