Before I gave birth, I knew I wanted to try breastfeeding. I wanted my son to have the best possible nutrition, and I was genuinely curious to experience what my body was capable of. I heard about the special bond it can create, and I thought, “Yes — I wanna do this.” But what I wasn’t fully prepared for was how hard it could be — both physically and emotionally. 😬
If you’re a mum considering breastfeeding, I want to share my honest story with you — the messy, real version — along with some gentle advice that might help you feel a little more prepared.
First of All: You Get to Decide
Let me start with this: you have the right to choose what works best for you and your baby.
Whether that’s exclusive breastfeeding, formula feeding, or a combination — your decision is valid. No guilt. No judgment. You’re the mum, and you know what’s best for your situation. If you’re unsure or struggling, talk to your doctor or a lactation consultant. Their support can make a big difference.
Why Many Mums Choose to Breastfeed 🤱
Here are some of the reasons breastfeeding can be a beautiful (though challenging) experience and the main reasons I wanted to do it:
- It’s tailored nutrition. Breastmilk provides the ideal mix of nutrients, especially in the first 6 months.
- It builds connection. There’s something magical about those quiet feeding moments — your baby nestled into you, calm and safe. Sometimes it can also serve to soothe your baby when you’re struggling to calm them in another way.
- It’s convenient (eventually!). No bottles to sterilise or formula to pack — just you and your baby on the go.
But It’s Not Always Easy…😭
Let’s be real — breastfeeding can also be tough. Here are a few things I wish someone had told me:
- You might feel like a human dummy. In the early days, your baby may feed constantly, not just for hunger but for comfort. It can feel never-ending and draining.
- You might feel uncertain about whether their actually feeding. Because sometimes my baby would want to feed all day, I’d feel like he’s not actually getting anything in. At the time it was so stressful.
- Your body can struggle to adjust. I remember the first time I finally got a full night’s sleep — I woke up with painfully engorged breasts and a drop in milk supply. It caught me completely off guard.
My Experience: The First Few Days Were Brutal 😰
I gave birth while I had Covid-19, which meant my husband couldn’t be there and I was in isolation. The nurses, understandably cautious, didn’t check on me often so I was left alone, trying to figure out latching, milk supply, hunger cues — all while dealing with fever, fatigue, and eventually, mastitis.
I had no idea what was happening. My nipples were sore beyond belief. My body ached. I had a high fever and splitting headaches. I thought, maybe this is just how it is at first. I tried creams, nipple shields, you name it — nothing worked.
And then two things saved me.
What Helped Me Push Through 💪
- A kind neighbour showed up once I was home from hospital. She had two little children and knew exactly what was going on. She told me to get in the shower and massage my breast while having hot water go down on them. I followed her advice — and it was like magic. The pain eased, my fever dropped, and I finally felt some relief.
- A small breast pump changed everything. My husband bought me a simple Medela Harmony breast pump, and once I felt a bit better, I started expressing milk. I’ll never forget the moment I filled that first cup. It was such a victory — proof that I could do this and that there was something there, even when I had doubted myself so deeply.
A Gentle Note About Advice 👀
In those early days, I got so much advice from well-meaning mums — but most of it was conflicting. Try this position. Don’t pump yet. Use this cream. Don’t use shields. It left me overwhelmed and even more unsure of myself.
So here’s my tip: take what works, and gently let go of the rest. Your journey is yours. What helped another mum might not work for you — and that’s okay.
I would also recommend that if you struggle with this and feel overwhelmed with all the advice and research you’ve been doing, that you reach out to your doctor, doula or a lactation specialist. This can help save you a lot of pain and stress.
If You’re Preparing to Breastfeed…📝
Here are a few practical tips:
- Have nipple cream on hand. It really can help in the early days.
- Learn about latching before baby arrives. A short video or class can go a long way.
- Line up support. A lactation consultant, midwife, or a breastfeeding-friendly friend can be a lifeline.
- Don’t be afraid to supplement if needed. Your mental health matters just as much as your baby’s feeding method.
- Be mindful of fever. If you start to get a fever, you’re probably getting mastitis or something similar, so if you have any symptoms, go to the emergencies or call your doctor.
- Have some backup formula. Prepare a box of formula to have just in case while you’re figuring this whole new thing out. It could be that you don’t need it, but you also want to ensure your baby is getting the nutrients they need.
- And finally — be kind to yourself. You are learning something completely new while healing from birth. That’s no small feat.
You’re not alone in this, dear mum. Whether you breastfeed for a week, a year, or not at all — what matters most is that you and your baby are happy, healthy, and supported. Trust your instincts. You’ve got this.💪
And if you want to speak with someone to just vent, please reach out! ❤️