CircleBumpCheckedFilledMedicalBookmarkBookmarkTickBookmarkAddCheckBoxCheckBoxFilled

"What I Wish I’d Known About Breastfeeding"

Lessons moms learned while going down the nursing road.
save article
profile picture of The Bump Editors
Updated March 2, 2017
Woman sitting at desk and looking out window.
Image: Getty Images

“I wish I had looked at diagrams of a proper latch. But, instead, I got hands-on help from family, friends, midwives and lactation consultants and that was absolutely priceless.” — cubits*

“That sometimes, no matter what you do, it won’t work out and it’s not your fault.” — kaar17

“That I would change my views on nursing in public completely. Before, I thought it was unnecessary, but now I think that people who have a problem with it can just look away!” — finallywed!

“If only I’d known she would want to eat every hour for the first couple of weeks. I felt like all I did was nurse her!” — fairiestarrdust

“That your nipples can spray milk during letdown — what a surprise that was!” — mariamaria

“The horrible pain, cracked and bleeding nipples I was going to have. It hurt like a mother! But I stuck with it and it got so much better.” — rd’sgirl

*Some usernames have been changed.

Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.

save article
ADVERTISEMENT

Next on Your Reading List

Best Nursing Pillows-hero
The Best Nursing Pillows (Plus How to Use One)
By Kathleen Harris
entrance of disney world
Photo of Mom Breastfeeding Her Baby on Disney Ride Goes Viral
By Wyndi Kappes
a mother breast pumping milk while sitting on bed at home
Why You Might Consider Power Pumping (and How to Do It)
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
ADVERTISEMENT
young woman pouring a glass of red wine in kitchen at home
Breastfeeding & Alcohol: Is It Safe to Drink?
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
closeup of baby breastfeeding
Are There Foods to Avoid While Breastfeeding?
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
Cluster Feeding: Everything You Need to Know
Cluster Feeding: Everything You Need to Know
Medically Reviewed by Lauren Crosby, MD
tb-best-nursing-clothes-hero
Where to Shop for the Best Nursing Tops and Dresses
By Martina Garvey
ADVERTISEMENT
black mother breastfeeding baby at home
Black Women on Finding Joy in Breastfeeding
By Ashley Simpo
Mom Responds After Video Shaming Her for Breastfeeding Goes Viral
Mom Responds After Video Shaming Her for Breastfeeding Goes Viral
By Wyndi Kappes
smiling mother breastfeeding baby at home
Top 13 Benefits of Breastfeeding
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
ADVERTISEMENT
mother breastfeeding baby while working
Over 15,000 Breastfeeding Moms Share Their Motivations and Challenges
By Wyndi Kappes
mother breastfeeding baby while browsing on laptop
Can't-Miss Sales in Celebration of National Breastfeeding Month
By Wyndi Kappes
mother breastfeeding baby on bed at home
World Breastfeeding Week 2023: How You Can Help Working Parents
By Wyndi Kappes
ADVERTISEMENT
Georgia Mom Asked to Stop Breastfeeding Her Baby by Water Park Staff
Georgia Mom Asked to Stop Breastfeeding Her Baby by Water Park Staff
By Wyndi Kappes
mother breastfeeding newborn baby
What Is a Milk Bleb or Blister?
By Korin Miller
mother feeing bottle to baby
Can You Mix Breast Milk and Formula?
By Colleen De Bellefonds
Mother baby mastitis breast pain while breastfeeding
Here’s How to Stop Mastitis From Making Breastfeeding Unbearable
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
ADVERTISEMENT
mom struggling to breastfeed her baby
Breast Engorgement: What It Is and How to Find Relief
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
mom holding baby while drinking coffee in kitchen
Can You Drink Coffee While Breastfeeding?
By Natalie Gontcharova
Breast Milk Storage Bags
The 9 Best Breast Milk Storage Bags to Preserve Your Liquid Gold
By Danielle Halibey
ADVERTISEMENT
Article removed.
Article removed.
Name added. View Your List