I always saw breastfeeding as this beautiful and amazing experience that just easily and naturally unfolded. Nobody ever told me it’s actually very hard and can be very painful! So I decided to write this to let other mamas know, it can be hard, it isn’t just you, and most of all encourage you to keep with it, and let you know it gets easier I swear!

At first, babies don’t know what they’re doing (neither do we) so, my first tip:

1. Take all the help you can get

When you’re at the hospital, get lactation to come in and watch you feed. You might think you’re doing great, but a day or two later your nipples feel like they’re going to fall off! So like I said, talk to lactation at the hospital (or if birthing at home, make an appointment with a lactation consultant soon after birth). They’ll save your nipples, and help you get into the swing of it.

2. Protect your supply

Not everyone tells you, but not only do you have to wake up your baby the first few weeks to ensure they eat, but it also protects your supply to have your little eat every few hours. If baby only eats on one side, pump some from the other.

3. Get the accessories

Get the accesories that will help you continue your journey while you establish breastfeeding, and toughen up those nips! Some that saved me were:
- Earth Mama Nipple Butter
- Medela Harmony Breast Pump
- Medela Tender Care Hydrogel Pads
- Medela Contact Nipple Shield
- Don’t forget to wear nursing pads (nobody tells you, then all the sudden your shirt is soaked). I love the Bamboobies Washable Reusable Nursing Pads.

Last of all, don’t give up you’re amazing you just went through pregnancy and birth, you can do this! Breastfeeding is one of the best things you can do for your baby, so it’s worth all the effort.