WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT BREASTFEEDING (AND WHAT YOU CAN IGNORE)

If you’re expecting a baby, there’s a good chance that breastfeeding is on your mind. Whether you’ve heard the benefits of breastfeeding from well-meaning friends and family or read a hundred articles about latch techniques and milk supply, it can all feel a bit overwhelming. It seems like everyone has an opinion on the topic—some helpful, some not so much. So, where do you start? What do you really need to know about breastfeeding, and what can you safely ignore?

Here’s a no-nonsense guide to navigating the world of breastfeeding, with practical tips for new parents—and a little humour to lighten the load.

What You Absolutely Need to Know About Breastfeeding

It’s Normal to Need Help in the Beginning

The first few days and weeks of breastfeeding can be a learning curve for both you and your baby. You might experience nipple soreness, trouble with latching, or worries about milk supply. It’s totally normal to feel unsure at first! The good news? With the right support, you can get through this. Consider taking a breastfeeding class or attending a one-on-one session with a lactation consultant. If you find yourself struggling, don’t hesitate to reach out for help—it can make a world of difference.

Positioning Is Key

Finding a comfortable and effective breastfeeding position is crucial for both you and your baby. There’s no “one right way” to do it, but there are a few tried-and-true positions to explore, including the cradle hold, football hold, and side-lying position. Your baby should have their mouth open wide, with the nipple far enough back on the roof of their mouth to latch properly (no painful pinching!). If you’re unsure, a lactation consultant can help ensure a good latch that works for both of you.

Your Milk Supply May Take Time to Settle

In the first few days after birth, your body will produce colostrum— a small but mighty substance packed with nutrients and antibodies for your baby. It’s completely normal for your milk to take a few days to fully come in. Don’t panic if your baby seems hungry often or if your breasts don’t feel full right away. The supply will increase as your baby feeds more, and your body adjusts to their needs. If you have concerns about your milk supply later on, talking to a lactation consultant or a breastfeeding support group can help. You may also find that your supply fluctuates as your baby grows or goes through growth spurts, so keep an open mind and be patient with yourself.

Breastfeeding Is a Marathon, Not a Sprint

Breastfeeding takes time and patience. It can be easy to get discouraged in the early days, but remember: your body and your baby are learning how to make this work together. Set realistic expectations for yourself and know that you don’t have to “perfect” every feed. It’s okay if things don’t always go smoothly. With practice, you’ll both find a rhythm. Keep in mind that most moms experience a mix of easy and challenging breastfeeding moments—so hang in there!

What You Can Ignore (And What’s Just Well-Meaning, but Not Helpful Advice)

You Should Only Breastfeed for a Specific Amount of Time

You’ve probably heard a lot of opinions on how long you should breastfeed. Some say six months, some say a year, some say longer! The truth is, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. Breastfeeding is a personal decision, and you should feel empowered to make the choice that’s best for you and your baby. Whether you breastfeed for a few weeks or a few years, what matters most is that you feel supported and informed in your decision.

Your Baby Needs to Feed for Hours at a Time

It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that your baby needs to be attached to your breast for hours to get enough milk. In reality, most babies are efficient feeders — especially once milk is in and feeding is established. Short, effective feeds can be just as nourishing as longer ones.

Rather than focusing on the length of feeds, it’s more helpful to look at how your baby is doing overall. A well-fed, well-hydrated baby will have at least 6 or more wet diapers per day after the first few days of life, pale or clear urine, regular stools, steady weight gain, and periods of calm alertness between feeds. During feeds, you’ll often see rhythmic sucking and swallowing, and your baby may release the breast on their own and settle afterward. If these signs are present, shorter, efficient feeds can meet your baby’s needs just as well as longer ones.

Don’t Listen to Old-Wives’ Tales About Breastfeeding

From “you should only eat certain foods” to “you have to give your baby water between feedings,” there are plenty of old-wives’ tales about breastfeeding that simply aren’t true. A healthy, balanced diet is great, but unless your healthcare provider says otherwise, you don’t need to follow a strict food regimen to be a successful breastfeeding mom. And no, you don’t need to supplement with water or formula unless you’re advised to do so by a medical professional.

You Have to Do It Alone

One of the biggest myths about breastfeeding is that it’s a solo job. The truth is, breastfeeding is a team effort—your partner, family, and friends can help in so many ways. Whether it’s bringing you water during a feed, helping with nighttime diaper changes, or simply offering moral support, don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it.

The Bottom Line: Take it Day by Day

The world of breastfeeding can feel like a whirlwind of advice, opinions, and well-meaning advice from all corners. But here’s the most important takeaway: you’ve got this, and you’re not alone. Every mom’s breastfeeding journey is different, and there’s no “perfect” way to do it.

What you really need is support, patience, and the tools to feel confident in your choices. If you’re looking for more guidance, our Feeding Studio is a great place to start. Whether you need help with latch techniques, establishing a feeding routine, or simply want to learn more about breastfeeding in a group or private class, we’re here to support you every step of the way.