Breastfeeding is often described as a deeply personal and emotional experience, but what does breastfeeding feel like? For many mothers, it’s an intimate experience that weaves together physical sensations and emotional bonds, creating a unique rhythm between mother and child, from the initial tenderness of a newborn’s latch to the soothing comfort of nourishing the baby. While the experience can vary widely from one mother to another, it’s universally a moment of connection-both physical and emotional. Whether it’s a feeling of warmth and closeness or occasional discomfort, understanding what breastfeeding feels like can help demystify the process and highlight the beautiful, transformative bond it fosters.
Breastfeeding Does Feel Good
Breastfeeding your little one is one of the most rewarding feelings for a mom. Hearing and feeling every gulp of your baby while filling their little tummy is therapeutic. As a mom myself, I know how lovely it feels to be the source of comfort for someone so little. Breastfeeding is more than just a physical connection; it is the emotional connection that you start to have as soon as they come out through breastfeeding. One mom from Reddit even said, "It’s painful to have the milk come in, and it’s painful to have a human piranha treat you like an all-you-can-eat all-night buffet. But I wouldn’t trade it for anything. To grow my children, then to nurture them with my body? That’s an amazing thing." — Angela H., Texas .”
Breastfeeding Can Be Painful
Breastfeeding is a beautiful experience, but for many mothers, it can also be painful, especially in the first few days of the baby’s life. From sore nipples to engorgement, the physical discomfort can be overwhelming sometimes. When my daughter was born, her first latch was a mix of emotions. It felt good to see her and feed her, but my nipples hurt so much as I was new to breastfeeding. As a first-time mom, I didn’t know what to do to lessen the pain. I experienced sore and chapped nipples, and it was so hard for me to manage, but I took my time and tried and tried until it was no longer painful. My mindset was, “ I can take all the pain just to fill my daughter with all the healthy nutrients that she needs in order to grow beautifully.”
One mom from SillyDj from Reddit even said, “My girl had a bad latch, and I was holding her wrong at first. Then she hoovered in my nipple. She refused to open wide and preferred to hoover it into her mouth lol. So nursing was painful for longer for me. But while it was getting better, I think because my nipples were tender, I did have that itch scratching sensation. Then, it did eventually become more of a gentle tugging sensation. Now I barely feel it. We're at 19 months nursing twice a day and I just lay on the couch and zone out when we nurse lol. I don't feel much.” The pain is temporary, but being able to understand the causes of the pain and finding ways to ease it helps in making the breastfeeding journey bearable. We, moms, will always choose to do what’s best for our babies, no matter how hard it can be.
Breastfeeding Will Get Easier After the First Few Tough Days
The first few steps in almost everything are usually the hardest, just like in breastfeeding and motherhood. You’ll experience sore nipples, frequent feedings, and body pain, a learning curve for both mom and the baby. But as time passes, breastfeeding typically becomes more comfortable and less stressful. I had a hard time when I started breastfeeding my baby because I didn’t know how to do it properly. My nipples were painful, my body, it was challenging, but we pulled it through. It was just a part of the beautiful journey of motherhood. I will get better, and you’ll learn along the way.
One mom from What to Expect Community said that breastfeeding can be compared to going on a bike ride. Some days, it feels effortless — you move along smoothly, enjoying the calm and taking in the beauty around you as you maintain a steady pace. On other days, things go awry: you feel frustrated when things don't go as planned, like missing a turn, getting stuck, or even facing unexpected bumps along the way. It can be painful and overwhelming, leaving you questioning why you’re even on this path. There are also times when it feels more like a routine task — something you do just to get through the day. The beginning is often the hardest, full of falls and doubts, but the quiet, peaceful moments that come later make it all worthwhile.
Breastfeeding is a journey; it has its highs and lows, but as moms, we always prioritize giving what’s best for our little ones despite the challenges that we encounter along the way. Truly, a mom is a superwoman.
Sometimes Breastfeeding Can be Stressful
Breastfeeding could be stressful, especially in the early weeks. You will feel overwhelmed or anxious, especially if you are starting to experience the challenges of breastfeeding, like latch issues, engorgement, or concerns about milk supply. The pressure that people give you to “get it right” adds to the stress, and it is not uncommon to feel like you are constantly adjusting to your baby’s needs.
What other people say about how to do things adds up to that kind of stress, too. They are expecting too much about you, and they teach you ways that don't work for you. Just like motherhood, the breastfeeding experience is not the same for every mom. That is why it is important to remind yourself that you are doing all that you can and that seeking support can make a big difference. Lactation consultants, support groups, or even friends and family who’ve breastfed can offer you guidance and reassurance.
Also, be kind to yourself. This journey is new to you, so take a little break if you need it and ask for help. The goal of breastfeeding is to find what works best for you and your baby, and it is okay to seek balance.
But You Will Always Encounter Problems During Breastfeeding
Many moms experience challenges during breastfeeding, even after the initial hurdles. While breastfeeding is a natural process, it can still come with ongoing difficulties like:
- Nipple Pain
- Low Milk Supply
- Breast Engorgement
- Clogged Milk Ducts
- Baby’s Improper Latch
These challenges vary from person to person and from day to day, and that doesn’t mean that you failed or that you are doing something wrong. It is part of the process, and it is normal. Breastfeeding has its ups and down, especially as the baby grows, their feeding changes too.
A mom from Reddit shared, “For the first three months it was exhausting and painful and somewhat uncomfortable because I was really sensitive to the sensation. It felt like someone rubbing a sunburn or some raw skin from a scrape touching tight jeans. But then, after that I was able to get to a point where I didn't even notice it anymore..” This statement is proof that it will get better, and it is just a part of the process.
You Can Combine Pumping and Direct Nursing When Breastfeeding
Yes, you can combine pumping and direct nursing, sometimes referred to as "mixed feeding" or "combination feeding," which can be a very common and practical way for most breastfeeding parents. This method allows you to provide breast milk to your baby while also giving you some flexibility, especially if you're returning to work, need a break, or want to involve others in feeding.
Here are some benefits of combining both:
- Flexibility: Pumping allows others to feed the baby so that you can rest or leave the baby with a caregiver. Momcozy M9 can help moms pump conveniently and hands-free. The battery also lasts long, so moms can pump up to five times in one charge, which is ideal for busy and working moms. Pump up to five times in one charge, which is ideal for busy and working moms.
- Stimulating Milk Supply: Pumping may be beneficial in maintaining or even increasing milk supply as you are away from your baby or perhaps concerned about your supply.
- Intake Monitoring: Pumping and bottle feeding allows monitoring of the amount that the baby takes so that one is able to keep track of their milk intake by concerned parents.
However, there are some things to keep in mind:
- Latch and Milk Flow: Offering both breast and bottle may sometimes cause nipple confusion, especially in the early weeks. If you're planning to mix nursing and pumping, it's often recommended to establish breastfeeding well first before introducing bottles.
- Frequency of Pumping: Pumping is very time-consuming, and you will need to set up a routine that works for you and your baby. Pump often enough to maintain your supply if feeding from a bottle.
- Storage and Handling: Properly storing breast milk and knowing how long it can be kept at room temperature, refrigerated, or frozen is key to safe feeding.
It's perfectly fine to do a combination of pumping and feeding directly from the breast, and many parents find that it best serves both their needs and the feeding needs of their baby. However, you will find a way that works well for you and your baby along the way.
Conclusion
Breastfeeding is an emotional and physical journey that brings mothers closer to their babies, creating a profound bond of love, comfort, and nourishment. While it’s a beautiful and rewarding experience, breastfeeding can present various challenges, from body aches and nipple pain to stress and exhaustion. And the strength and resilience of mothers shine as they navigate these ups and downs, continuously prioritizing what’s best for their children.
Remember, each breastfeeding journey is unique, and finding what works best for you and your baby—whether direct nursing, pumping, or a combination of both—can make the experience more fulfilling and manageable.
