09/17/2026
Breastfeeding is sometimes more daunting and intimidating for many women than labour and birth. How will I know baby is getting enough? How do I do it? What if it hurts? These are all valid concerns! So here are three things to remember when starting your breastfeeding journey:
1: It will probably hurt at first, and that’s okay! Many moms hear “if it hurts, you’re doing it wrong”. This is true, however, this blanket statement can be gutting and very discouraging. Most first time moms do experience pain, discomfort, and even cracked and bleeding ni***es. It’s all a part of the journey! Until you and baby both learn eachother, learn how to work with your own anatomy, and what to do, your latch most likely won’t be perfect right off the bat. You’ll know you’ve finally nailed the perfect latch when there is no more pain, however, if you are still experiencing pain, KEEP GOING. There’s nothing wrong with trying. I know it hurts but you will both figure it out, I promise!
2: It’s okay if it’s been more than 3 days post birth and your milk still hasn’t come in! We often hear the three day rule and think great now my baby will starve without supplementing, however, many babies are absolutely fine with just colostrum for up to 5-6 days post birth. The circumstances of your birth (induction, cesarean, NICU stay for baby, etc.) can all greatly impact when your milk comes in as well. Keep latching baby if possible, or keep pumping on demand, and prioritize skin to skin where you can.
3: It’s okay to be a “just enougher”. Many women find that after they feed baby, they’re unable to pump much excess afterwards to store or use for future feeds. This is actually quite common and totally normal. The amount you pump after a feed says absolutely nothing about the quantity and quality of the milk your baby is getting. As long as baby has plenty of wet diapers, isn’t constantly rooting for milk and seems otherwise satisfied, you don’t have to worry about it!
Remember: skin to skin is the best thing you can do for milk production. Our bodies need baby as much as baby needs us. They were a part of you for 9 whole months, of course you’ll still need each other on the other side!
