My son is currently 9 weeks and is breastfed. The first few days were painful because my son didn't latch properly. I was pumping to feed him and I wasn't able to pump enough to satisfy him. I was so engorged but the handpump the hospital gave me wasn't able to get all of the milk. I recommend a few things.

1. check with your insurance company about a breast pump or buy your own. (I have spectra 2 pump and love it)

2. get nursing bras and tops (they make feeding your baby a little easier)

3. stock up on nursing pads, nipple cream, storing bags for milk if you choose to pump and save (saving your milk can be used when you go back to work or want a night out with your sweetie)

4. have a good support system and lactation consultant (being sleep deprived with nipple pain or a bad latch can discourage anyone)

5. Read up on thrush, recognize the symptoms and check your baby's mouth daily for it (my son got it and it is painful for both of you, it can end breastfeeding)

6. Try to enjoy the special time you get with your baby while breast feeding

feel free to message me if you need anything at all :)

My baby is 10 days old and I am breastfeeding and it is so hard. They eat a lot so you're constantly nursing, especially in the beginning. And my nipples hurt so bad, they get better each day but it is frustrating.. Just prepare yourself. I am happy I am doing it and I am determined to keep going but it is not easy. Definitely worth it though

Lansinoh nursing pads are bomb!!!!

Do not let yourself get engorged!!! It is so painful and use lanolin from the beginning and don't stop or your nipples are gonna hurt so bad your gonna wanna chop them off. Drink ALOT of fluids. Don't eat broccoli your baby will be miserable. Invest in nursing tanks, bras, and pjs, you don't have to but they are super handy. Don't forget a nursing cover if you want to be covered in public. If your gonna cover in public use a cover early in so your baby doesn't freak out. Ummm I can't think of anything else right now.

Breastfeeding is super hard. But very rewarding

I'm on six months of breastfeeding. It is an amazing bond to have with your baby. I have large breasts so it was difficult to feed in the beginning because my boob's were almost bigger than my baby. Lol But I stuck to it and it got easier every day. I'll let you know, it hurts a bit at first but only until your nipples get use to it. If it continues to hurt every time and doesn't get better then your baby might be having trouble latching on. Things I learned that would make breastfeeding easier are, a big water bottle with a straw built in. You get super thirsty while feeding. A nursing pillow become my best friend too. Nursing bras and pads are a must. There will be times when your nursing your baby on one side and that other side with have a letdown and having a nursing pad will save you from leaking all over your clothes. Umm, if you have any more questions you can ask me any time. 😊

Also... make sure you eat and drink lots of water! My milk didn't come in until like 4 or 5 days after he was born. Idk if it was because I didn't eat or what. Another thing too is mothers milk tea really ups my supply. Feeding on demand keeps my supply ready for him. Umm you'll need to buy nursing pads... and nipple cream. The first few weeks and month it was really hard! I had to work with lactation consultants to get my baby to latch the correct way and after all that hard work he's a healthy baby boy.

Breastfeeding is a lot of work! Your baby will need to eat a lot more than formula fed babies due to the fact that breast milk is easily digested oppose to formula. With formula they stay full a lot longer. If you're breastfeeding in public..you might get some ppl who will frown at you if you're not covered. If you are comfortable without using a cover just know that you're protected by law to breastfeed with or without a cover anywhere. Also to make it easier some places have breastfeeding rooms which are awesome! They have little rocking chairs and changing tables too. So convenient!