I thought I was prepared to breastfeed, but the truth is, all the information I consumed beforehand ended up being mostly useless ideas that I quickly had to throw out in favor of real-world experience.
When I was pregnant, I did all the things: I read the books, bought all the supplies, and felt “prepared” to breastfeed. In my mind, it would be a simple, natural transaction that happened every few hours.
The reality of feeding my baby for 16 months (and counting!) has been a full-time masterclass in unlearning. I had to toss out all my ideas and learn to trust my body, my baby, and my own intuition.
If you’re starting your journey or feeling overwhelmed, please know that everyone’s journey is unique. Take what helps you and leave what doesn’t!
Here are the 10 biggest things I thought I knew about breastfeeding—and the truths that set me free.
1. I Thought I was Prepared:
I thought I was prepared to breastfeed But I had no idea how much of a commitment it would be. I didn’t know I’d be nursing every two hours—or more. The time you spend feeding in the first year? It’s honestly a full-time job.
2. I Thought I Needed SO Many Supplies:
I thought I needed so many supplies. I panic-bought nipple creams, silverettes, hot/cold pads, bra inserts for leaking—all the things. But honestly, I didn’t end up needing most of them. (Some people might, but I’d wait until you know you actually do.) I used nipple cream a few times, but I learned you can hand express and use breastmilk too, which worked just as well. I did love having a breastfeeding pillow for the first 6 months, and my nursing chair still gets daily use. But the best “supply” I had? A visit with a lactation consultant and a local breastfeeding group. That support mattered more than anything I bought.
3. I Thought Pregnancy was When You Were Hungry All The Time:
Nope—breastfeeding hunger wins. I kept waiting for the huge pregnancy appetite to hit, but it never did. Breastfeeding? I was eating 5 full meals a day and still snacking. Even now, I notice my appetite spikes when she nurses more during teething or illness.
4. I Thought I Needed a Nursing Schedule:
I thought I needed a nursing schedule But trying to stick to one—and track everything—was just too much. So I went to feeding on demand. It felt way less stressful and more natural for us. Eventually, I noticed a rhythm. Some days it was more, some days less, but I stopped obsessing.
5. I Thought Breastfeeding was Quick:
In my head, nursing took like 10-15 minutes, right? Instead, my baby nursed for 45-60 minutes almost every time in the beginning. And “every 2 hours” starts from the beginning of the last feed—so if you start at 10:00 and end at 11:00, you’re nursing again at 12:00. Eventually, our feeds shortened to around 30 minutes by 4 months. Even now, they can last 15-20 minutes.
6. I Thought I Had to Pump:
I got a pump, and it’s still never been turned on. I learned nursing is more efficient than pumping, and trying to build a ‘stash’ can sometimes mess with your supply or lead to an oversupply. If I worked outside the home, I’d pump just for that day. The idea of filling a freezer stressed me out. I did use the Boon Trove to collect while nursing—but only occasionally.
7. I Thought I Needed Special Breastfeeding Outfits:
I haven’t worn a real bra in ages, but most of my regular clothes work just fine. Bralettes and sports bras can be pulled up, built-in bras are amazing, and dresses can be made nursing-friendly with shorts underneath or stretchy straps. It’s actually not that hard to dress for nursing—I still wear what I like.
8. I Thought Clusterfeeding was for Newborns:
It’s not just for newborns—it happens during growth spurts, too. Often in the late afternoon or evening, my baby would nurse and want to nurse again 5-15 minutes later for hours. At first, I thought it meant she wasn’t getting enough. But I went to a milk café, weighed her before/after, and she was getting plenty. I just needed to trust my body and the process.
9. I Thought Breastfeeding Was Just About Food:
But it’s comfort, it’s connection. It’s calming during teething, illness, or when baby feels overwhelmed. It’s been a bonding experience and honestly being her safe space has been such a sweet part of motherhood.
10. I Thought Breastfeeding Would Come Easy:
I thought breastfeeding would come easy And yes, my journey has been positive, but it’s still a skill both my daughter and I had to learn. Her latch wasn’t great at first. I had to have everything just right—nursing pillow, position, setup. Now, we can nurse anywhere, no problem.
This is a reminder that every feeding journey is different, and every mom deserves to feel proud of hers.
