When Does Breastfeeding Get Easier?

If you’re just starting your breastfeeding journey and you have the bleeding nipples and engorgement to show for it, you might be wondering if and when you’ll feel like you’ve got this whole making milk thing down pat.

Nursing isn’t exactly a breeze in the beginning for many new moms, who experience breastfeeding problems ranging from latching pain to low milk supply. But for many, there’s a tipping point when it starts to feel easier, particularly if they work with a lactation consultant to get the proper support.

“I breastfed my daughter and absolutely loved the experience, but the first few months were rough,” shares Jessie Lane, engineering manager at The Knot Worldwide and mom of one. “From mastitis to clogged ducts to improper latch causing painful nursing sessions, I feel like I experienced it all. But after about two to three months, baby and I finally found what worked for us. My lactation consultant taught me different holds and positions to ensure we were both set up for success. I’m so glad I stuck through it, because the bonding time was so rewarding and absolutely priceless.”

So, when does breastfeeding get easier? Below, experts and real moms share their experiences, timelines and tips.

When Does Breastfeeding Get Easier?

Breastfeeding typically becomes less of a struggle a few weeks postpartum, experts say—how many weeks highly varies. “Generally speaking, breastfeeding gets easier in waves,” says Melanie Kondrat, IBCLC, owner of Dragonfly Lactation in Knoxville, Tennessee, and mom of three. “The first big milestone is around two weeks postpartum. This is when your body has started to learn how much milk to make, so we generally see way less engorgement. This makes it easier for baby to latch on, and you’ve had some time to learn how you and baby fit together.” She adds that by this point, you’ve also likely learned the different pitches of baby’s cries and their hunger signs.

Nicole Peluso, IBCLC, manager of lactation services and education at Aeroflow Breastpumps and mom of four, observes that for many moms breastfeeding starts to feel more manageable after the six-week mark. “By then, your milk supply is well-established, baby has started to find a rhythm and your confidence is growing,” she says. Of course, every mom is different and there’s no “magic number,” she adds.

If you’re still having breastfeeding issues a few weeks postpartum, don’t despair—things can get easier at any point. Make sure to see a lactation consultant, or IBCLC, for further support.

Does breastfeeding get easier when milk comes in?

A few days after you give birth, colostrum will give way to transitional and then mature milk, a process known as your “milk coming in.” For many moms, breastfeeding can get easier at this point. “Babies tend to stay engaged at the breast a little better, and seeing and feeling your milk is a confidence booster,” notes Jacque Ordner, IBCLC, RN, lactation consultant, registered nurse, medical advisor at Motif Medical and mom of four.

Real Moms on When Breastfeeding Gets Easier

There are as many stories of breastfeeding getting easier (finally!) as there are breastfeeding moms. Here are a few accounts:

• “The first week or two was pretty brutal from a pain perspective, but it eventually got less painful. I was lucky that my kids latched on, so that wasn’t something I had to worry about, thankfully. Mastitis and nursing with torn nipples is no joke, and can happen anytime.” — Angie Sanders, engineering manager at The Knot Worldwide and mom of two
• “With baby No. 1 and baby No. 2, everything seemed so much easier after the first two weeks. Both nursed well. With baby No. 3 and baby No. 4, however, it took closer to six weeks for me to not feel like all I thought about was latching, pumping, syringe-feeding and bottle-feeding. Both had significant oral ties (they run in the family). I took my IBCLC exam when baby No. 4 was 2 weeks old, and I remember feeling grateful for our struggles because I knew they would make me a better lactation consultant.” — Ordner
• “My baby and I had a thrush infection. It was so painful. At the time, I didn’t understand the importance of consistent treatment and it dragged out for three months. I had axillary breast tissue (aka extra breast tissue under my arm) which my doctor misdiagnosed as an infection. He gave me a small surgery and antibiotics and [I had] a ton of problems after—leaking milk from the surgery site and thrush from the antibiotics… It was a rough start, but luckily I had plenty of milk and powered through. Despite all that, I loved breastfeeding and never considered quitting. — Peluso

Tips to Make Breastfeeding Easier

Oftentimes, it’s important to be proactive in order to improve your breastfeeding experience—and baby’s. If you’re looking for concrete tips to make breastfeeding easier, here’s what our experts recommend:

• Get your latch right. A good latch is super important to making breastfeeding more comfortable—and making sure baby’s getting enough milk, says Peluso. “Look for a wide-open mouth, lips flanged outward (like a fish) and baby’s chin touching your breast,” she says. “If it feels pinchy or painful, gently break the suction and try again—it sometimes takes several tries to get it right, but that’s okay!”
• Position properly. You shouldn’t have to contort yourself to feed baby—get as comfortable as you can. Experiment with different breastfeeding positions that feel good for you and baby. “Bring baby to you, rather than leaning forward or hunching over,” Peluso advises. You can use pillows to support your arms and baby; she also recommends leaning back and putting your feet up so you can relax during feedings.
• Feed early and often. “Look for early hunger cues like stirring from sleep, lip-smacking, hand-sucking or rooting,” says Peluso. “Offering your breast before baby starts crying helps keep both of you calmer and makes latching easier. Giving frequent feedings not only satisfies baby, but also helps establish and maintain a healthy milk supply.”
• Get a great breast pump. Ordner recommends that every breastfeeding mom consider getting a high-quality primary breast pump in order to effectively build and maintain milk supply. “A primary pump uses traditional flanges, has a powerful motor and typically has separate controls for both cycle speed and vacuum strength,” she says. “A portable or wearable pump can be added once breastfeeding is well-established.” If you need help picking out a pump—or figuring out your flange size—be sure to get in touch with a lactation consultant.
• Educate yourself. Especially if it’s your first time breastfeeding, it’s important to work with a lactation consultant and perhaps even take a breastfeeding class. “I love when families come to learn about how to breastfeed or pumping prior to their baby’s arrival,” says Kondrat. “I personally didn’t prepare for breastfeeding with my first baby and I really regret that decision.” She suggests building a relationship with a local lactation consultant before baby comes, so “you have someone on speed dial” if you need help.
• Tap into your support system. Talk to your friends and family about your breastfeeding goals, suggests Ordner. “Assess who’s in your corner and who might not be as supportive as you’d hoped,” she says. “It’s okay if your feeding goals don’t align with the views or opinions of friends and family members, but it’s important to know who you can lean on. For those in your circle who might not be supportive, you may need to avoid the topic of breastfeeding or even limit your interactions for a while.”

Everyone’s breastfeeding journey is different. Of course, not all moms are willing or able to stick it out—and it’s absolutely okay to gradually stop breastfeeding for any reason, including your mental health. It’s also important to resist the urge to compare yourself to others.

If you do want to keep going, remember that just because you’re struggling now doesn’t mean breastfeeding won’t get easier. “Just remember that hard doesn’t always equal bad,” says Ordner. “There’s beauty to be found in this season!”

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.