Breastfeeding is often described as “the most natural thing in the world.”

But here’s what no one tells you: just because something is natural doesn’t mean it’s easy.

For many women, breastfeeding can feel:

🚨 Painful

🚨 Frustrating

🚨 Overwhelming

🚨 Like it’s “not working”

And if you’re struggling, you might even be wondering… “Is this supposed to be this hard?”

The truth?

💡 Breastfeeding is a biological process, but it’s also a learned skill—for both you and your baby.

So today, let’s talk about what’s normal, what’s not, and what to do when breastfeeding isn’t going as smoothly as you expected.

🌿 Why Breastfeeding Feels Hard at First (And Why That’s Normal)

In the first few weeks, your baby is learning how to feed, and your body is learning how to produce milk.

✔ Your baby’s mouth is tiny—so their latch might take time to perfect.

✔ Your milk supply is adjusting—so feeds might feel constant.

✔ Your nipples are adjusting—so some sensitivity is expected.

💡 This doesn’t mean you’re failing. It means you and your baby are figuring it out together.

🚀 The key to success? Understanding what’s normal vs. when to get help.

🍼 What’s Normal in the First Weeks of Breastfeeding?

✔ Cluster Feeding (Your baby will feed more frequently at times—it doesn’t mean your supply is low.)

✔ Engorgement (Your milk may come in with force—but it will regulate with time.)

✔ Sore Nipples (Some tenderness is normal in the first few days, but pain is NOT.)

✔ Frequent Night Feeds (Your baby’s stomach is tiny—they need to feed often.)

💡 Knowing this in advance can stop you from second-guessing yourself.

But how do you know when something ISN’T normal?

⛔ When to Get Help with Breastfeeding

If you’re experiencing:

🚨 Cracked, bleeding nipples (Pain means something needs adjusting.)

🚨 Baby struggling to latch or constantly slipping off the breast.

🚨 Clicking sounds during feeding (could be a tongue tie issue).

🚨 Baby not gaining weight as expected.

🚨 Breasts still feeling full even after a feed.

💡 These could be signs that you need support—and the sooner you get help, the easier it is to fix.

🚀 The problem isn’t you—it’s often just a small tweak in latch, positioning, or support that makes all the difference.

🔥 The Most Common Breastfeeding Myths (That Cause Women to Give Up Too Soon)

🚫 “If breastfeeding hurts, it means you’re just sensitive.”

👉 NO. Pain is a sign of a bad latch or positioning issue. Get help.

🚫 “Your baby needs a strict feeding schedule.”

👉 NO. Breastfeeding is based on demand, not the clock.

🚫 “If your baby wants to feed constantly, your milk must not be enough.”

👉 NO. Babies feed frequently to build your supply—it’s normal.

🚫 “You have to wean if you’re struggling.”

👉 NO. Most issues have simple solutions with the right support.

💡 How to Make Breastfeeding Easier (From Day One)

1️⃣ Get a Good Latch (It Changes Everything)

Your baby’s mouth should be WIDE open before latching.
Their lips should be flanged out, not tucked in.
Their chin should be pressed into your breast, not their nose.

🚀 If it hurts? Break the latch and try again. Breastfeeding should not be painful.

2️⃣ Positioning Matters More Than You Think

💡 Try different positions to find what works best:

✔ Laid-back breastfeeding (biological nursing) – Great for newborns, uses gravity to help.

✔ Side-lying position – Perfect for night feeds and minimising exhaustion.

✔ Rugby hold – Helps if you have large breasts or a small baby.

3️⃣ Understand How Milk Supply Works

💡 Your body makes milk based on demand. The more baby feeds, the more milk you produce.

🚨 Skipping feeds, introducing formula early, or restricting feeds can reduce your supply.

✔ Feed on demand.

✔ Let your baby finish one breast before switching sides.

✔ Don’t compare your supply to other mums—every woman is different.

4️⃣ Know Where to Get SupportIf breastfeeding is feeling hard, you don’t have to figure it out alone.

✔ A lactation consultant (IBCLC) can assess latch, positioning, and supply.

✔ A breastfeeding support group can offer real-life encouragement

✔ A When Push Comes to Shove doula or birth keeper can guide you through the early days.

✨ Breastfeeding shouldn’t be a battle. The right support can make all the difference.

💡 What This Means for You

✔ Breastfeeding takes time to learn—just like anything else.

✔ Most issues have solutions—don’t give up too soon.

✔ Getting the right support early can make breastfeeding a smoother experience.

So today, I want you to ask yourself:

💡 What’s one thing I can do to make my breastfeeding journey easier?

💡 Who can I reach out to for support if I need it?

💡 How can I give myself permission to trust the process?

🚀 Because breastfeeding isn’t about perfection—it’s about persistence.

Tomorrow, we’ll be talking about the emotional side of early motherhood—how to navigate the identity shift, the pressure to be “perfect,” and the reality of matrescence (becoming a mother).

Because birth changes your body—but motherhood changes your soul.

26. Breastfeeding: What No One Tells You (And What to Do When It Feels Hard)

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