.jpg)
Breastfeeding, which means either pumping or nursing, is a beautiful yet challenging journey that both moms and babies learn to navigate together. From the very beginning, it’s a process that involves bonding, adjusting, and discovering what works best for both of you. And what works best for you both, is completely different to what works for someone else.
Your breastfeeding journey can come with many ups and downs from start to finish. While sometimes you may feel like you’re making progress, other days you might want to quit completely. For many new moms, it DOES start as a tough experience, so you’re not alone. Unfortunately it’s not always rainbows and butterflies straight away (or ever) and this can really make moms second guess themselves.
In this post, we’re going to talk about if breastfeeding becomes easier (spoiler alert: it does) and some challenges you might face along the way. We’ll even talk about how you can navigate these challenges. Now, come on, mama. You’ve got this!
When Does Breastfeeding Become Easier?
Let me level with you for a second–breastfeeding doesn’t always come naturally. In fact, the majority of the time it doesn’t. It’s so different from what you see in the movies, and it doesn’t always feel easy to start, that’s for sure. Reminder: This is new for both of you– both of you need practice on this new skill! It will take time, and that is totally okay!
This journey requires patience, practice, and understanding as you adjust to this journey together. The early days can definitely be tough, but with time and support, rest assured, it does tend to get easier. And knowing where to start can seriously change your journey.
If you don’t know where to start, I highly recommend The Ultimate Pumping Course for mamas who want to enjoy fuss-free pumping from the first feed to the last. Or, book a consultation with one of our friendly lactation consultants. This way, you can kickstart your journey and step off on the right foot.
Why Is Breastfeeding Difficult?
Newborn’s Latch
When nursing, a proper latch is essential for effective feeding, but getting it right can be challenging in the early days. Both you and your baby will be trying to figure this skill out, so go easy on yourself. Sometimes your baby’s latch may not be deep enough or may be painful for you, which can make nursing frustrating and difficult. Breastfeeding pain can really put mamas off, understandably.
Milk Supply
Establishing your breast milk supply can take a little time, especially in the first few days after birth. You may find that one breast produces more milk, or your supply may fluctuate between feedings. Not producing enough milk can cause a lot of stress and anxiety, making the experience much harder than it needs to be. Remember, building your milk supply won’t happen overnight. So, be patient with yourself.
Sore Nipples
In the beginning, it’s pretty normal to experience sore or cracked nipples while pumping or nursing. While this discomfort usually subsides as you continue, it can be painful and discouraging. If you’re struggling, speak to your healthcare provider about how you can ease this discomfort. It REALLY should not be painful for more than just a few days, if it is: book a session.
Engorgement
Engorgement happens when you have an oversupply of milk, causing them to feel hard, swollen, and painful. This can happen as your supply comes in or if your baby isn’t feeding often as well. It can make breastfeeding very difficult, especially if the engorgement is paired with latching issues. Use ice packs to ease the soreness.
Hormonal Changes/Fatigue
Breastfeeding takes a lot of energy, and your body is going through significant hormonal changes. This can leave you feeling exhausted, which can in turn make pumping and nursing feel more difficult, especially if you’re not getting enough rest or support.
Finding The Right Pump
Choosing the right pump can be really overwhelming, but the right pump WILL make a huge difference in your journey. From primary pumps to secondary and wearable breast pumps, there are so many options out there that can overwhelm you. The hospital-grade pumps you’re given probably won’t suit your anatomy or needs. So, by finding the right pump, you can start your journey comfortably, the right way.
Cluster Feeding
Cluster feeding can be super confusing. It can make it feel like your breastfed baby is not getting enough milk, even though they probably are. This can be so draining, and leave you feeling tired. There may also be discomfort and tenderness in the breasts, which totally sucks. This pattern is common and is temporary, but it can be difficult for mothers to manage emotionally and physically in the moment.
%20(1)%20(1).jpg)
When Does Breastfeeding Get Easier?
So when does it all get easier? This is a very valid question. The truth is, there’s no exact timeline, as each mother and baby has their very own unique journey. However, many mamas say that it usually gets easier around the 3-6 weeks of breastfeeding (pumping and nursing) mark but for alot of moms its upwards of 8-12 weeks.
By this time, your body will be accustomed to your feeding pattern and your milk supply will likely have stabilized. On top of this, by this point you’ll have had more practice and the routine will feel more familiar to you. Around 2-3 months, pumping and nursing becomes less of a struggle for many.
Again, it’s SO important to remember that this is new for both of you!
How To Make Breastfeeding Easier
If you’re struggling on your journey, there are several ways to make the experience easier and more comfortable for both you and your little one. Here are some helpful tips:
Seek support and guidance.
Getting support from our team of lactation consultants, support groups, or even your healthcare provider can make a huge difference. Having someone experienced in your corner can help you with anything that arises. Remember, seeking support is OKAY.
Practice proper positioning.
This goes for both pumping and nursing. When nursing, the way you hold your baby matters. You’ll want to experiment with different positions to find what works best. The same applies for pumping. The way you position your pump and the fit will determine how well the experience goes. If you need help choosing a pump, try out our FREE pump matching quiz.
Take care of your nipples.
Using a nipple balm is a helpful way to soothe soreness and prevent cracking. You can also try air-drying your nipples after and use soft, breathable fabrics in your nursing bras to avoid friction.
Stay hydrated and nourished.
Feeding a little one takes a lot of energy. It’s important to keep yourself hydrated and eat nutritious meals to maintain your milk supply and energy levels. It’s also a good idea to get plenty of rest whenever possible.
Be patient and practice.
Above all, remember that this whole thing takes practice. Be patient with yourself and your little one. There will be challenges, but with time, it will get easier. Don’t hesitate to reach out for support when you need it. You should also practice some positive affirmations for moms to keep your spirits up.
This is new to both of you–it’s okay to feel lost!
While pumping and nursing can be a difficult and challenging journey at first, it can become easier as both your and your baby adjust. It’s a steep learning curve, but you can do it!
Understanding the reasons behind the challenges you may face, seeking support, and being patient with yourself can make the experience much easier for both of you. For more support and guidance at your fingertips whenever you need it, check out the One With The Pump Blog.
