What I Wish I Knew Before Breastfeeding: Honest Advice from a Mum Who’s Been There

If you’re pregnant or just starting your breastfeeding journey, first congratulations mama! You're about to enter one of the most emotional, raw, and powerful experiences of your life.

But let’s be honest: most of us aren’t fully prepared for what breastfeeding really involves. There’s a lot we wish someone had told us not just about technique but about the emotions, expectations and silent struggles too.

So here it is: an honest heart-to-heart list of what I wish I knew before I started breastfeeding.

1. It might not come naturally and that’s okay

I thought it would just... happen. Baby latches, milk flows, we bond. But the truth? It took time. My baby didn’t latch properly for days. I needed help from a midwife, a lactation consultant, YouTube tutorials and a whole lot of patience.

Breastfeeding is a learned skill for both of you. And like any new skill, it takes time and support.

2. You will second guess yourself a lot

Am I making enough milk? Is the latch right? Should I switch sides now?
That constant inner monologue is real — and exhausting. I wish I’d known that most mums feel this way. Trusting your body takes time, especially when you’re sleep-deprived and hormonal.

The truth is, most of the time, your baby is getting what they need — and your instincts are more powerful than you think.

3. Breastfeeding can feel lonely

Feeding around the clock while the world keeps moving can feel incredibly isolating. Everyone wants to hold the baby, but no one quite gets what it’s like to be the one up all night, feeding, worrying, googling everything.

I wish I’d spoken up sooner — told my partner exactly how I felt, joined a mum group, asked for help without guilt.

You deserve support just as much as your baby does.

4. You’ll need to fuel yourself, too

I spent so much energy focusing on feeding my baby that I forgot to nourish myself. Breastfeeding burns calories, depletes hydration, and takes a toll physically.

That’s one of the reasons I created Omea — because I needed a simple, gentle, nourishing way to support my body. Hydration, galactagogues, vitamins — all in one easy drink that could slot into the chaos of mum life.

5. It’s okay to change your plan

Maybe you planned to breastfeed for a year and only made it a month. Maybe you end up combo feeding. Maybe you decide that your mental health matters more than pushing through the pain.

Guess what? That doesn’t make you less of a mum. It makes you wise, strong, and brave.

Final thoughts:

If you're just starting out — be gentle with yourself.
Ask questions. Accept help. Cry if you need to. Laugh when you can.
And remember: you are the perfect mum for your baby.

You’ve got this — and we’ve got you. ❤️