Why is breastfeeding hard?

Question

I'm pregnant with my first child and I've always heard breastfeeding is hard in the beginning. I guess my assumption is that it's painful at first but your body soon adjusts and it no longer hurts the same way. But again, this is just my assumption since I've never done it before.

Are there other reasons that it is very difficult at first? What was your experience like? And can you describe the pain associated with breastfeeding in the beginning? I just want to understand what the challenges will be before I attempt this on my own in a couple months.

Answer

My opinion: 
It's only hard because it's one of 500 things new you're learning about a baby. Your entire life adjusts the second that baby is born.

On top of that, only you can feed that child, a huge responsibility that you've never done before and can't even practice for. Plus, yes the beginning hurts.

However, once you realize your only job is keeping yourself and baby happy/fed, everything else can wait... it's not hard at all. You just get in the routine of it and it's like you've been doing it your whole life.

Take classes, research, read, reach out and have a supportive partner who can help when you need it.

You absolutely CAN do it and be successfully at it if you persevere over the 'adjustment phase'. Don't let anyone pressure you OR rush you. It's a learning process for you and baby!

Answer

I was really frustrated that it didn't come "naturally" because it is "natural" but so is walking and that takes time and practice for humans to learn. I approached it wrong and got really frustrated

Answer

The first few weeks are very difficult. Your nipples will feel like they're about to fall off. I cried many times when feeding my son from it but it does go away so hang in there when the time comes.

It's also very time consuming, I felt like my son was in my boob 24/7 lol but I also enjoyed the bonding time

Answer

I have been  breastfeeding for 6 weeks. I don't know if I'm just lucky or what but it hasn't been painful once. I haven't had any soreness in my nipples or bleeding or cracking. The only pain I got was from being engorged when my milk came it. It was like a free boob job haha. My baby has a very good latch and our breastfeeding experience has been wonderful.

Answer

I'm pregnant with my first and I'd love to breast feed but none of my friends have tried it so struggling for advice... I think establishing a routine, finding a good latch and the amount baby wants feeding is whats difficult, as well as the discomfort in those first few weeks. But i'm in the same boat as you just trying to research as much as I can :)

Answer

For me it was hard at first because it took a while for me and baby to 'know' each other like that I guess...getting the latch right took a while. So at first I was always worried he wasn't getting enough milk and my areolas and nipples were always sore because you have something sucking on them constantly for the first time ever! But once we got the latch right it was fine. Also it can feel like you are constantly breastfeeding non-stop and some babies will feed for ages before they're satisfied.

I do think breastfeeding is difficult at first for most, but once you and the baby get it right with each other it becomes much easier.

Answer

For me it was super stressful because I was never able to get up anywhere near enough of a supply for my babies. I wanted to so badly. I was formula feeding and pumping and trying to nurse and researching all things breastfeeding on the internet. It was exhausting and after four months of this, I decided that a rested, happy mother was more important for my babies than the few drops of milk I was able to produce. That said, I'm going to give it another shot with this baby and hoping for the best.

Answer

Both you and your baby are learning how to breastfeed and what positions work best for you together. It's a new experience. It can be painful because your nipples aren't used to that much stimulation or because the baby doesn't have a good latch. I highly recommend naturalbreastfeeding.com

Answer

Get some lanolin for the first couple months!! I wouldn't have made it if I hadn't had that stuff. Also, if you have WIC I highly recommend breastfeeding classes and seeing a lactation consultant if you have trouble! That woman saved my life. The LCs at the hospital were impatient and didn't even try to help.

Answer

The first few weeks were so hard but it gets easier! I felt like I wanted to give up but I stuck with it and glad I did.

Why is breastfeeding hard?

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