Breastfeeding 101: Latching, Supply & Common Issues

I’ll never forget the first time I tried to breastfeed. There I was, cradling my tiny newborn, both of us completely new at this, and I thought, How hard can it be? I had read the books, watched the videos, and heard the advice. But the reality? My baby was bobbing his head like a confused little turtle, I was panicking, and my husband stood nearby, looking equally bewildered.

If you’re in the early days of breastfeeding and feeling a bit lost, let me tell you—you’re not alone. Breastfeeding is a beautiful, natural process, but that doesn’t mean it comes naturally to everyone. There’s a learning curve, and that’s okay. The good news? With the right techniques, patience, and support, you and your baby will find your rhythm.

The Art of the Latch

Getting a good latch is the foundation of successful breastfeeding, and trust me, a bad latch will make itself known real fast (hello, sore nipples!). The key is ensuring your baby gets a deep latch, not just sucking on the tip of the nipple. Instead, their mouth should cover the areola, with their lips flanged out like a little fish.

There are a few positions that can help you get that perfect latch. The cradle hold, football hold, and side-lying position are all great options—experiment to see what works best for you and your baby. I personally swore by the football hold in the early days, mostly because it gave me the most control when guiding my baby’s mouth. Whatever position you choose, bring your baby to the breast (not the other way around) and make sure their chin is touching your breast first. If it hurts beyond the first few seconds, unlatch and try again.

One thing no one told me? Babies are like little detectives—they smell, feel, and sense their way to the nipple. Rubbing a little breast milk on your nipple can encourage them to latch on correctly. And when in doubt, don’t hesitate to seek help from a lactation consultant. They are literal lifesavers.

Building and Maintaining a Healthy Milk Supply

One of the most common worries new moms have is, Am I making enough milk? I had this fear myself, constantly questioning if my baby was getting enough. The good news? In most cases, your body is designed to meet your baby’s needs. The trick is keeping up the demand.

Frequent nursing is the best way to maintain supply. The more milk you remove, the more your body makes—supply and demand at its finest! Keeping your baby close and nursing on cue (instead of watching the clock) helps ensure you’re meeting their needs. And if you need a boost, hydration is key! Keep a giant water bottle nearby at all times (trust me, you’ll get so thirsty while nursing), and eat nourishing foods like oatmeal, leafy greens, and healthy fats.

If you’re pumping, having a good-quality breast pump and sticking to a schedule can help mimic the natural feeding pattern. Pumping in the morning, when supply is often highest, worked well for me. If your supply dips, power pumping—where you pump multiple times in a short period—can help increase output. But most importantly, try not to stress. Anxiety can actually impact supply, so breathe, relax, and trust your body.

As a busy new mom, I needed a pump that could keep up with my day without slowing me down. The Momcozy Wearable Breast Pump was a total game-changer—it’s hands-free, portable, and makes pumping feel effortless. Check out my favorite pump here!

Common Breastfeeding Challenges and How to Overcome Them

Breastfeeding is rewarding, but let’s be honest—it’s not always easy. Here are some common issues and how to handle them:

1. Sore Nipples – If you’re wincing every time your baby latches, something’s off. A shallow latch is usually the culprit. Try adjusting their position and ensure their mouth is wide open before they latch. Using lanolin or breast milk on sore nipples can also help.

2. Engorgement – Your breasts might feel like overfilled water balloons in the early days. Frequent nursing, gentle massage, and warm compresses before feeding can help relieve discomfort. Cold packs after feeding can also reduce swelling.

3. Clogged Ducts – If you feel a hard, painful lump in your breast, you might have a clogged duct. The best remedy? Nurse, nurse, nurse! Try massaging the area while feeding and using warm compresses to help loosen the blockage.

4. Mastitis – If you experience flu-like symptoms, fever, and a painful red lump in your breast, you might have mastitis. It’s no joke—keep nursing, stay hydrated, and see a doctor if it doesn’t improve.

5. Low Milk Supply Worries – If you suspect a supply issue, check for enough wet diapers and weight gain rather than relying on pumping output (which isn’t always an accurate measure). Cluster feeding is normal, and often your baby is increasing supply, not starving!

Creating a Supportive Breastfeeding Environment

Breastfeeding is easier when you have support. Having a comfy nursing space—complete with pillows, snacks, and lots of water—can make those long nursing sessions more enjoyable. Surrounding yourself with supportive people is also key. Whether it’s your partner bringing you a snack mid-feed, a mom friend who reassures you that you’re doing great, or a lactation consultant who helps fine-tune your latch, support makes all the difference.

Joining a breastfeeding group or online forum can be a game-changer. There’s something incredibly reassuring about hearing other moms say, Yes, I went through that too! Breastfeeding isn’t always intuitive, but having a community makes it so much easier.

Final Thoughts: Trust Yourself and Your Baby

Breastfeeding is a journey—one filled with learning, adjustments, and plenty of ups and downs. Some days will be easier than others, and that’s okay. You and your baby are figuring it out together.

There were moments when I doubted myself, when I wondered if I was doing it right, or if I’d ever stop feeling like a human milk machine. But now, looking back, I realize that every struggle, every triumph, and every quiet moment of connection made it all worth it.

So trust yourself, mama. You are enough, your body is capable, and your baby thinks you’re doing an amazing job. And if you ever need a little extra support, know that help is always out there—you’re never in this alone. ❤️