Breastfeeding and Your Body: 8 Things Nobody Tells New Moms

Everyone says breastfeeding is natural. And it is. But natural does not always mean easy.

Many new mothers are surprised by how tiring, painful or confusing the first weeks can be. And because nobody talks about it, they start to wonder, "Am I doing something wrong?"

You are probably not. Here are eight things that are rarely said out loud.

1. It can hurt at first

A little tenderness in the first few days is common, because both you and your baby are learning. But strong pain, cracked nipples or bleeding are not something to push through. Often the cause is how the baby is latched, and a small change in position can make a big difference. Ask your doctor, nurse or a lactation consultant to watch you feed once.

2. Your baby feeds a lot, and that is normal

Newborns feed often, sometimes every one to three hours, day and night. This does not mean you don't have enough milk. Frequent feeding is how your body learns to make the right amount.

3. You will be hungry and thirsty

Making milk takes energy. Many mothers feel very hungry and very thirsty while feeding. Keep water and a healthy snack, like nuts, fruit or a roti with dal, close to where you feed. Eat when you are hungry, and don't skip meals.

4. You don't need to eat only "special" food

Families often insist on particular foods, and some of them are healthy and good. But a simple, balanced home meal with dal, vegetables, grains, curd and fruit works well. If someone tells you to avoid every food "to keep the baby safe," ask your doctor, because most mothers don't need such a strict list.

5. Sleep will feel impossible, so rest in pieces

Night feeds are tiring. Try to rest when the baby rests, even for 20 minutes. If you can, ask your husband or family to do the burping, the diaper changes or the baby settling, so you can sleep between feeds.

6. Your body is still recovering, too

While you feed, your body is also healing from delivery. You may still be bleeding for around four to six weeks, and you may feel cramps in your belly when the baby feeds. This is the womb getting smaller again, and it is common. Keep comfortable supplies close by, change often, and tell your doctor if the bleeding gets very heavy.

7. Some days you will feel low, and that matters

It is common to feel weepy or overwhelmed in the first week or two. But if you feel very sad, hopeless or anxious for more than two weeks, or you find it hard to care for yourself or the baby, please talk to your doctor. Feeling this way is not a failure, and it can be treated.

8. Fed is best

If breastfeeding is not working for you, or you need to add formula for any reason, it doesn't make you a bad mother. Your baby needs to be fed, and you need to be well. Talk to your doctor or a lactation consultant about what works for your situation.

Signs to call the doctor

Cracked or bleeding nipples that don't improve

A hard, red, hot or very painful area on the breast, or fever with it

Baby has fewer wet diapers than usual, seems very sleepy or won't feed

You are bleeding very heavily, or passing large clots

Fever, chills or a bad smell from the discharge

Feeling very low, hopeless or anxious for more than two weeks

Be kind to yourself

You are learning something new, and so is your baby. Some days will be better than others. Ask for help early, don't compare yourself with other mothers, and remember that your own care matters too.

Where Dreamease can help

The first weeks of feeding often come with heavy bleeding as well. Our disposable period panty gives full coverage and up to 8 hours of protection, so you can focus on your baby and get some rest.

And if you have a question and don't know who to ask, you can talk to a gynaecologist on Dreamease for just ₹49.

This article is for general information. It doesn't replace advice from your own doctor or lactation consultant.