All first-time moms have preconceived notions of what breastfeeding will and won’t be like. Maybe you’ve been dreaming your entire pregnancy of intimate moments with your sweet little one. Maybe you work to support your family and plan to pump at work. Maybe breastfeeding freaks you out! All of these ideas of breastfeeding are completely normal, and in a modern society we can appreciate and celebrate that all mamas who feed their babies – no matter how they feed them – are doing their very best. 

All that to say, there are so many strange and funny things that come along with breastfeeding (or pumping). Since our bodies are designed to provide life-sustaining nutrition for our babies, our boobies are ever-so important, and milk production is a crazy process that can result in a surprising emotional spectrum. Remember, if you think you are developing an infection such as mastitis or thrush, or are just having other concerning issues with nursing, remember that that is totally normal, and contact a lactation consultant.

Here are some things to expect, especially in the first couple of weeks after your baby is born, and if you continue to breastfeed. If you plan to breastfeed, keep in mind that the most critical time to establish a good, consistent milk supply is in the first week of life. 

Rock-solid boobs

What? I remember going on my first walk in my neighborhood after my daughter was born. My husband stayed with her to give me a few minutes to myself. I tried pulling my sports bra on, and I had so much trouble getting it over the ladies! They felt so full and solid – it was weird; I didn’t like it. The full milk glands made my boobs uneven and lumpy; they poked out in weird parts. Once I fed my daughter, they emptied and softened. Sweet relief!

Ew! My nipples look chapped!

Welcome to the club! They probably are. This is totally normal! A little bleeding is normal, too. 

Will I ever be able to wear a normal bra again?

Yes, if you want to! Underwires can be particularly constricting while nursing. For now, enjoy this time to let the ladies breathe, if you so desire. If you are well-endowed and need shoulder and neck support that only a good bra can provide, try this tip: wearing your favorite sports bra, mark with a pen on the outside of your bra where your nipples most naturally find themselves. Then, take the bra off, and cut two small “x”s where you marked. You can use this as your new favorite nursing bra with all of your favorite Latched Mama styles! This tip is particularly helpful if you are pumping – it makes it a far more hands-free experience.

Tips to relieve the pain of chapped or bleeding nipples?

Epsom salts! This is one of the best tips my lactation consultant gave me. If you try this tip, it is critical that you use unscented, plain epsom salts. Do NOT use lavender, mint or otherwise infused epsom salts. In a small glass with a circumference smaller than the front part of your breast, mix plain epsom salts with warm water. Lean over to tilt your breast into the cup, and then “suction” the cup onto your areola – area. Relax and let the soothing and healing effects of the epsom salts go to work for about five minutes on each side, and repeat a couple times per day, as needed.

I’m so tired during the late-night feedings. How do I stay awake?

There are so many things you can do. The very best one is to drink lots of cold water. Not only will it help you wake up and stay awake, it will help tremendously with your milk production. Keep a water bottle next to your nursing chair so that when you wake up for the feeding, it is there and ready for you and you don’t have to think about it. With no side effects associated with sugary drinks, soda or caffeine, you’ll be able to sleep much better once that feeding is done. Just remember to try and use the bathroom before you go back to bed!

I’ve heard that I’ll lose lots of weight while I’m breastfeeding. 

This might be true for you, and it is for many moms, but keep in mind that many moms actually gain weight during the season of nursing, too. Don’t be discouraged if this happens to you. It’s just because your body is working in constant overdrive to provide for your baby. One of the most obvious markers to a breastfeeding mom is that you are likely going to be ravenous! There was no amount of food that I couldn’t eat while nursing. I was just hungry all the time. I gained weight, and after I finished nursing, I wanted to continue to be healthy in my new body. For me, that meant working hard to get to a healthy weight. Give yourself a lot of time, and even more grace. Your body is doing something amazing, no matter how much you weigh!

Make Lasting Memories

Do you ever have mundane moments in your life that you happen to catch on camera? Those are often some of our favorite memories. Capture them! I happened to have my husband take a picture of me holding our 2-week old when it was almost time to nurse her. I didn’t realize that my boobs had been leaking all over my shirt! I’m so glad he captured that on camera because I always laugh when I come across that picture. The best way you can care for your emotional health during this challenging time is to embrace breastfeeding in its sad, lonely, painful, precious, and totally hilarious bonding time with your baby.

By the way, I made it to seven months nursing my daughter. It wasn’t two years, or two weeks; it was just right for she and I. Be encouraged; you’re doing great, mama.

*If you have concerns about breastfeeding, be sure to prioritize talking with a certified lactation consultant who is a professional and an expert.