Breastfeeding for the First Time: The Honest Truth I Learned Along the Way

I will be completely honest here, breastfeeding for the first time was not easy and I was not sure if I had the tolerance to continue. Becoming a new mom is emotional, overwhelming, and incredible all at once. Feeding your baby is one of the very first ways you show them love — but whether you choose to breastfeed, exclusively pump, or formula feed, the truth is simple: a fed baby is a healthy baby. That’s something I wish I had truly believed from the start.

The Reality of Breastfeeding for the First Time

When I first started breastfeeding, I thought it would come naturally and I would get the nag of it quickly. It’s what our bodies are made to do, right? But the truth is, it’s hard — really hard. Between cracked nipples, engorgement, mastitis scares, cluster feeding sessions that seem endless, little one over eating, and even teething later on, breastfeeding can feel like a full-time job. There were moments I wanted to quit. Moments I cried from frustration and exhaustion. But there were also moments when I looked down and realized — my body was nourishing my baby. And that made every challenge worth it.

The Emotional Side: Overproducing and Underproducing

Something not enough people talk about is the emotional rollercoaster that comes with milk supply. Some moms struggle to make enough milk, no matter how many lactation cookies they eat or how often they pump. The stress of watching every ounce, comparing freezer stashes, and worrying if your baby is getting enough can weigh heavily on your heart. It’s not just physical — it’s mental and emotional, too. On the other hand, being an overproducer comes with its own kind of struggle. Constant engorgement, leaking through shirts, clogged ducts, and the pressure to keep up with pumping to prevent mastitis can feel like you’re trapped in a cycle you can’t control.

Both situations can leave you feeling defeated, guilty, or overwhelmed — but here’s the truth: you are doing your best, and that is enough. Your worth as a mom is not measured in ounces. Whether you make a few drops or fill the freezer, your love is what your baby needs most.

The Exclusive Pumping Struggle

If you choose to pump — whether exclusively or to supplement — that comes with its own unique set of challenges.

Finding time to pump up to ten times a day, washing pump parts over and over again, labeling and storing milk within the perfect window, and trying to keep up your supply while also caring for your baby… it’s a lot.

Everyone says “sleep when the baby sleeps,” but if you’re pumping, that often means you’re washing parts or preparing bottles instead. It can feel endless and isolating, but please know you’re not alone.

The Reward

Despite all the struggles — the tears, the endless cleaning, the sleepless nights — there’s something incredibly empowering about realizing your body can nourish your child. It’s raw, beautiful, and deeply human.

But the most important thing to remember? How you feed your baby does not define what kind of mom you are. Love does. Whether it’s breastmilk, pumped milk, or formula — fed is best, and your baby is lucky to have you.

If you’re in the thick of it — sore, tired, and second-guessing everything — take a deep breath. You’re doing an amazing job. This season won’t last forever, and one day, you’ll look back proud of how strong you were.

Breastfeeding may not be easy, but it’s deeply rewarding. And no matter how your feeding journey looks, your baby is growing, thriving, and loved — and that’s what truly matters.

With love, Mommy & B🩵

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