The Brutal Truth About Breastfeeding: What No One Tells You
Breastfeeding looks so simple in the movies, right? The baby just latches on, you both stare lovingly into each other’s eyes, and that’s it. Easy, natural, instinctive.
Wrong.
For many moms, breastfeeding is one of the hardest things they will ever do—both physically and emotionally. It’s exhausting, painful, and frustrating. And let’s be real: sometimes it just flat-out sucks (pun intended).
I was completely unprepared for the reality of breastfeeding. After an emergency c-section, extreme stress, and zero helpful advice from the hospital, I found myself struggling to feed my baby. I was this close to quitting, but I stuck it out and ended up breastfeeding for two years.
If you’re in the trenches right now, I see you. Here’s what I wish someone had told me before I started.
1. The First Few Weeks Are Brutal (But It Gets Better)
The first 6-8 weeks? Pure survival mode.
Your nipples will hurt (and possibly crack). Your baby might scream at your boob because they can’t figure out how to latch. You’ll be up all night trying to feed, only to feel like you’re not making enough milk.
But if you can push through those early weeks, it does get easier. Your body adjusts. Your baby learns. You stop feeling like a human dairy cow (kind of).
🔥 Pro Tip: Keep a stockpile of nipple cream (this one is my favorite), and invest in breast gel pads for instant relief.
2. Your Baby Might Have a Lip or Tongue Tie—And No One Will Tell You
Here’s something that shocked me: many doctors and nurses don’t check for tongue or lip ties in newborns.
A tongue-tied baby can’t latch properly, which means:
❌ Painful breastfeeding
❌ Low milk supply (because baby isn’t transferring milk well)
❌ Endless frustration
I went 8 weeks before finally getting my baby diagnosed. Once we had a simple procedure done, everything changed overnight.
🔥 Pro Tip: If breastfeeding feels impossible, have your baby checked by a lactation consultant or pediatric dentist who specializes in ties.
3. Breastfeeding Isn’t Just “Put Baby on the Boob and Go”
I thought it would be easy. I thought my body would just know what to do.
Nope.
Breastfeeding takes trial and error, patience, and support. Some babies have a perfect latch. Some don’t. Some days, your supply is great. Some days, it’s not. And that’s okay.
If you’re struggling, don’t wait to get help. Find a lactation consultant, join a breastfeeding support group, and stock up on supply-boosting supplements like Legendairy Milk’s Lechita.
4. Your Milk Supply Might Not Magically Appear (But You Can Fix It)
A lot of moms panic when their milk doesn’t come in right away. If that’s you, don’t stress—there are things you can do to help:
💦 Hydrate like crazy – Coconut water, electrolyte drinks, and plenty of water are key. Try this one.
🥑 Eat the right foods – Oatmeal, healthy fats, and lactation cookies work wonders.
🍼 Use the right pump – The Duette Breast Pump was a game-changer for me.
And if you need a little extra help, Legendairy Milk supplements saved me. See them here.
5. Clogged Ducts & Milk Blebs Are No Joke (And They HURT)
Ever had a milk bleb? No? Lucky you.
Imagine a clogged pore inside your nipple, blocking the milk. It’s painful. It’s annoying. And it makes breastfeeding feel like torture.
I learned the hard way how to deal with them:
✅ Warm baths – Face-down in the tub helps loosen clogs.
✅ Massage ball – This massage tool worked like magic to break up clogs.
✅ Lecithin supplements – Helps prevent future clogs from forming.
If you feel a lump or pain in your breast, act fast—a clogged duct can turn into mastitis, and that’s next-level misery.
6. It’s Okay If You Don’t Love Breastfeeding (Or If You Decide to Stop)
Some moms love breastfeeding. Some tolerate it. Some hate every second but push through anyway.
And you know what? All of that is okay.
If you want to breastfeed for 2 years, do it. If you switch to formula, you’re still an amazing mom. No shame, no guilt. Just do what works for you and your baby.
Final Thoughts: You’ve Got This, Mama
Breastfeeding is HARD. It’s a full-time job, it’s emotionally exhausting, and some days, you’ll want to give up.
But if you really want to breastfeed, don’t quit on a bad day. Get help, try different things, and give yourself grace.
And if you do decide to stop? That’s okay too. A fed baby is a happy baby—no matter how you do it.
💡 Need more breastfeeding hacks? Check out my post on The Ultimate Breastfeeding Survival Kit for all my must-haves!