Breastfeeding Can Be Hard....But Worth It! Part 1

Breast-feeding has been one of the most rewarding, yet challenging, experiences of my journey as a mother. When I first began, I was excited but also uncertain. No one in my family understood it. The goal is to increase the number of African American moms breastfeeding. Over the years, it has increased; however, we are still much less likely to breastfeed.

I quickly realized that breastfeeding is not always as natural or easy as it might seem—every baby and every mom has their own unique experience. Through trial, error, and lots of learning, I found my rhythm. Now, I want to share some of what I learned along the way to help new moms who might be in the same place I once was.

Here’s a simple 3-step guide that helped me, and I hope it makes a difference in your breastfeeding journey too:

Step 1: Establish a Comfortable Routine

One of the most important things I learned early on was the importance of finding a comfortable position. In the beginning, I tried several positions—sitting with pillows for support, lying down during those late-night feeds, or even using a nursing pillow to relieve strain on my arms and back. What made a huge difference was ensuring both my baby and I were relaxed and comfortable. When you’re tense, it can affect your milk flow and make the experience more stressful.

Take your time to experiment and find what works best for you. Don’t rush the process of latching either. A good latch is the key to preventing sore nipples and ensuring your baby gets the most milk. Trust me, comfort is everything.

Step 2: Trust Your Body

This was a big one for me. In the beginning, I constantly worried if my baby was getting enough milk or if my body was producing enough. But one thing that really helped me was trusting the process and listening to my body. Staying hydrated, eating nutrient-rich foods, and resting when I could were all crucial for keeping my milk supply strong.

I learned to pay attention to my baby’s hunger cues and feed on demand, which helped regulate my supply naturally. Every breastfeeding journey is different—some days you may feel like you’re producing a ton of milk, and other days not as much. Just remember, your body knows what it’s doing. Trust it.

Speaking of trusting your body, I can’t stress enough the importance of hydration. One thing that made a huge difference for me was flooding my system with water and hydrating drinks throughout the day. Breastfeeding can be very demanding on the body, and staying hydrated helps your body produce the right amount of milk. I made sure to drink water consistently, which not only kept my energy levels up but also supported a healthy milk flow. Hydration is a must!

Step 3: Seek Support—You Don’t Have to Do This Alone

There were definitely moments when I felt lost or overwhelmed, but I quickly learned how valuable it is to seek support. One of the best things I did was join a weekly breastfeeding support group. Not only did it give me a chance to connect with other moms, but it also provided reassurance that my baby was getting enough milk. I met some amazing moms who became my friends and support system. Having that group was a game-changer—it’s so comforting to be surrounded by people who understand what you’re going through.

Whether it’s a lactation consultant, a support group, or even an online community, having someone to talk to and ask questions is so helpful. Breastfeeding comes with its challenges, but having a tribe of supportive people makes all the difference.

Final Thoughts

Breastfeeding is a journey, one filled with ups and downs, but it is also a deeply rewarding experience. Remember that there’s no perfect way to do it—just the way that works best for you and your baby. Take it one day at a time, trust your instincts, drink plenty of water, and don’t be afraid to ask for help.

You’ve got this, mama!

Some Resource Support:

Low Country Support Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/llllowcountry/?ref=share&mibextid=CTbP7E&rdid=xWbqxZUCeWVDAPG6&share_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fshare%2Fg%2FLKr3NKtkDbG9yAzA%2F%3Fmibextid%3DCTbP7E

Mocha Mamas Milk: https://sites.google.com/view/mocha-mamas-milk/our-work?authuser=1

Black Breastfeeding week: https://blackbreastfeedingweek.org/