Breastfeeding: A Beautiful Challenge Worth Every Drop

Breastfeeding is one of the most natural things in the world, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy. In fact, it can be one of the hardest parts of new motherhood. The first few weeks can be painful, messy, and downright frustrating. I remember wondering more than once if I was doing it “right” or if something was wrong with me.

But here’s what I want to tell you: those hard moments don’t last forever. Once you and your baby find your rhythm, breastfeeding often becomes one of the sweetest, most rewarding parts of your motherhood journey. The snuggles, the eye contact, the way your baby relaxes in your arms, it’s magic.

That said, I’m not going to sugarcoat it. Let’s talk about the realities of breastfeeding, how to soothe those early pains, ways to boost your milk supply, and the products that made all the difference for me.

(Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if you purchase through my links. I only recommend products I truly use and love.)

The Pain Is Real (and You’re Not Doing It Wrong)

The first week or two can be especially tough. Your nipples might feel raw, cracked, or even bruised. The letdown reflex can sting, and engorgement can be downright uncomfortable. For me, those early days were a mix of pride and “ouch, please hurry up and finish.” Som

Here are my go-to tips for soothing discomfort:

• Nipple cream – I love the Honest Co. – Calm Your Nips cream. It’s safe for baby and works wonders on soreness.
• Warm compress before feeding, cold compress after – Heat helps with letdown, cold eases swelling.
• Check your latch – A bad latch is often the cause of pain. Don’t hesitate to reach out to a lactation consultant for help.
• Nursing bras you can sleep in – Soft, breathable ones like these Nightime Nursing Bras prevent extra irritation.

My Breastfeeding Must-Haves

• Haakkaa Breast Pump – Perfect for catching letdown on the opposite side while nursing. (Build your freezer stash this way instead of throwing that milk away in a breast pad!)
• Medela Hand Pump – Honestly, my Lansinoh Discreet Duo is nice for on-the-go, but my hand pump gets the job done faster and more effectively. Its the only way I can feel like I actually emptied all the way.
• Honest Co. – Calm Your Nips (Nipple cream)– Lifesaver for those sore days.
• Nursing Cover– For when you want a little privacy while out and about.
• Nursing Tops – Functional without sacrificing style.
• Nightime Nursing Bras – Soft, stretchy, and comfortable enough to sleep in.
• Breast Milk Pitcher – Perfect for combining milk from multiple sessions before freezing.

Boosting Your Milk Supply

Every mom’s body is different, but there are a few tried-and-true tips that can help most people produce more milk.

1. Nurse or pump frequently – The more demand there is, the more milk your body will make. This is why I like my manual hand pump so much. A quick pump after baby feeds to make sure my breast are “empty”.
2. Stay hydrated – I can’t emphasize this enough. My go-to drink is a mix of oat milk and white cranberry strawberry juice — delicious and refreshing.
3. Prioritize protein – I start my day with a protein shake and focus on high-protein snacks like Greek yogurt, cheese sticks, or boiled eggs.
4. Don’t skip meals – Your body needs fuel to make milk, so try to eat balanced meals throughout the day.
5. Evening treat – Sometimes I end my day with a chocolate oat milk drink…it feels like dessert but also gives me an extra hydration boost (oats are supposed to be really good for your supply too!)

A Note About Breast Pumps

If you haven’t ordered your pump yet, check with your insurance before buying one out of pocket! Most plans cover one at no cost to you. I highly recommend going through Aeroflow Breastpumps. They handle all the paperwork and make the process quick and stress free. You just choose your pump, fill out your info, and they do the rest.

Give Yourself Grace

If there’s one thing I wish I could go back and tell myself during those first few weeks, it’s this: you’re doing an amazing job. Whether you’re exclusively nursing, pumping, combo feeding, or supplementing… you are feeding your baby and showing up for them in the best way you can.

Breastfeeding is a journey of learning, adjusting, and celebrating small victories. Some days will feel effortless, and others will feel like a battle. But through it all, remember that you are enough, and your baby thinks you’re perfect.

You’ve got this, mama. 💕