Breastfeeding Survival Basics: What No One Tells You
Let’s be real—breastfeeding is one of the hardest things I’ve ever done, both mentally and physically. I thought it would be simple: put baby on the boob, and nature takes care of the rest. Wrong. So very wrong.
Between recovering from an emergency C-section, moving two weeks postpartum, and dealing with low milk supply, I was ready to throw in the towel. But I didn’t. And after a ton of trial, error, and sleepless nights, I was able to breastfeed my son for two years.
If you’re adamant about breastfeeding, I’m here to share the things I wish I had known sooner—so hopefully, you don’t have to suffer through the same struggles.
1. Get Your Baby Checked for a Tongue or Lip Tie—ASAP
If your newborn is struggling to latch, it’s not always “user error.” A tongue or lip tie can make breastfeeding an absolute nightmare. But here’s the kicker: not all doctors or pediatricians catch it.
Many moms don’t find out about these issues until weeks (or months) later, which means painful, ineffective feedings and a frustrated baby. I had to go to a pediatric dentist at 8 weeks postpartum for a frenectomy, but had I known earlier, it could have been handled in the hospital.
🔗 Related: Learn More About Tongue and Lip Ties
2. Find a Lactation Consultant (and Be Picky About It)
Hospitals usually have lactation consultants on staff, but not all of them are helpful. I went through three before I found one that actually knew what she was talking about.
If you’re struggling, don’t hesitate to find an external resource. The best help I received was from Legendairy Milk, which offered virtual consultations and the most helpful breastfeeding tools I’ve ever used.
3. Increase Your Milk Supply the Right Way
There’s nothing more defeating than barely producing enough milk to keep up with your baby’s needs. But there are things you can do to boost your supply naturally:
✔️ Lactation Supplements – I tried several, but Lechita by Legendairy Milk worked best for me.
✔️ Hydration is EVERYTHING – Coconut water became my best friend (shoutout to my husband for bringing home every single brand from the grocery store).
✔️ Eat Like a Hungry Mama – Your body needs extra calories to produce milk, so don’t skimp on food.
🚨 Game-Changer: If you’re serious about breastfeeding, check out the Duette Breast Pump. It’s small, powerful, and lets you adjust suction for each breast separately. Perfect for working moms!
4. Get the Right Pump Parts (Because OMG, It Hurts if You Don’t)
If pumping hurts, you’re probably using the wrong flange size—and I learned this the hard way.
Legendairy Milk’s Silicone Nipple Ruler is an absolute lifesaver because, let’s be honest, who actually knows how to measure their own nipple?!
Even better? They offer Personal Flange Fitting Consultations, where a specialist will analyze a video of your current pump fit and recommend the correct size.
5. Be Prepared for Milk Supply Hiccups (Like Milk Bleb – Yeah, That’s a Thing)
Just when you think you’ve got it all figured out, surprise! Enter the milk bleb—basically a clogged duct that makes nursing excruciating.
After a desperate Google search, I found out I needed a massage ball like this one to break up the clog. A face-down warm bath also helped. But seriously, why did no one tell me about this sooner?!
6. Make the Most of Your Milk (Yes, Even Extra Milk!)
Once I finally got my supply up, I ended up with an oversupply—so I put that liquid gold to good use!
🍼 Frozen Stash – Always good for backup!
🛁 Breastmilk Baths – Helps with baby’s skin irritation and eczema.
🥣 Blended into Homemade Baby Food – Extra nutrients FTW.
🤱 Milk Donation – If you have extra, donating to struggling moms is an incredibly rewarding experience.
Must-Have Breastfeeding Essentials
Aside from everything above, here are the other items that made my life 10x easier during my breastfeeding journey:
💛 Mother’s Milk Tea – A soothing tea that naturally boosts supply.
💛 Nursing & Pumping Bras – Because you will live in these.
💛 Breastmilk Storage Bags – Stash that liquid gold!
💛 Lunch Box Style Pump Bag – Perfect for discreet pumping on the go.
💛 Breastmilk & Bottle Warmer – Because a screaming baby does not have patience for cold milk.
💛 Glass Bottles – Safer and better for storing pumped milk.
💛 Massage Ball – Trust me, this thing will save your sanity when dealing with clogged ducts.
Final Thoughts: You’ve Got This, Mama
Breastfeeding is hard. There will be moments when you want to quit, and that’s okay. But if you’re determined to make it work, I hope these tips save you from the weeks of hell I went through.
It’s not easy, but it’s so worth it in the end. 💕
Drop a comment below if you have questions or share your own breastfeeding struggles—I’d love to hear your story!