First-Time Breastfeeding: Honest Advice and Holistic Insights from Pros

Are you pregnant with your first baby and wondering how on earth you’ll manage to sustain them with milk from your own body for months? It’s a daunting thought, right? No pressure or anything.

If you’re feeling that way, you’re not alone—we’ve all been there.

As a holistic professional and a first-time mom, I want to share my journey with you. This includes the advice I received from a lactation consultant a few months into breastfeeding my now 11-month-old daughter.

I fully understand that breastfeeding is a blessing not every mother gets to experience, and at the end of the day, a healthy and nourished baby is what truly matters. This blog is for first-time moms who hope to breastfeed and are looking for tips to make that journey successful—if it’s the right choice for you and your little one.

First things first: your body makes the milk, and your baby instinctively knows how to find the nipple, latch on, and get the nutrients they need. It really is that simple—and yet, it’s not.

Did you know that when your baby is born, they can use their natural sensory abilities to find your nipple on their own? It’s incredible! Place your baby upright on your chest, and you might see them nuzzling to one side, using their sense of smell and touch to navigate their way.

Another key to breastfeeding is helping your baby latch with a nice, wide-open mouth. You’ll probably hear the phrase “nose to nipple” a lot if you take a breastfeeding course, which I highly recommend. Our birthing center offered a free one, and it was a game-changer. Find a class, sign up, and take it—you won’t regret it.

In the early days, your body starts producing the good stuff: colostrum. This nutrient-packed milk is exactly what your baby needs, and here’s the thing—they don’t need much of it. Since colostrum is nearly invisible, it’s completely normal to wonder if your baby is getting anything at all.

A good sign that they are? Listen for those little swallows—they’re a clear indicator that things are working.

This is also the perfect time to connect with a lactation consultant. Having an expert observe your baby’s latch and feeding can make all the difference. Our birthing center offered lactation support for free, and it was invaluable. If that’s not an option for you, don’t worry—lactation consultants are widely available. If you’re questioning your baby’s latch or how much they’re eating, reach out to someone as soon as possible. It’s worth it.

Here’s the honest truth: breastfeeding can hurt at first. It’s not just about the latch—it’s because your nipples are incredibly sensitive and not accustomed to the constant sucking and stimulation.

But don’t worry, you’ve got options to help ease the discomfort. Invest in silverettes, (I wore mine for months) use a high-quality nipple cream, and try soothing remedies like frozen cabbage leaves. Most importantly, remind yourself that this pain is temporary.

As your nipples adjust and you and your baby find your rhythm, it really does get better. I promise—you’ll get through this!

And what about pumping? Here’s a tip: start simple with a hand pump—and whatever you do, MEASURE YOUR NIPPLES AND GET THE RIGHT FLANGES.

Wait, what’s a flange? It’s the part of the pump that fits over your nipple, and unfortunately, most pumps come with a one-size-fits-all flange that doesn’t actually fit everyone. Nipples come in all shapes and sizes, and an ill-fitting flange can make pumping unnecessarily painful. I learned this the hard way when my pump felt more uncomfortable than my baby’s early latch—turns out, my flange was way too big for my nipple.

Do yourself a favor: get a nipple ruler, invest in properly sized flanges, and grab a hand pump. You’ll be amazed at how much easier and less intimidating pumping can be with the right tools.

That’s the basics—let your baby take the lead, and remember that the nipple discomfort is only temporary. Honestly, there were so many moments when I wanted to give up, but I stuck with it, and now, 11 months later, we’ve found a seamless rhythm.

I hope this advice helps any mom-to-be or first-time mom wondering if breastfeeding is the right path for them. Whatever you decide, trust yourself and your instincts. Best of luck, mamas—you’ve got this!

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