Breastfeeding: A Natural Journey with a Learning Curve

Hey mumma! I bet you’ve heard the phrase “breastfeeding is natural”, but did you know it’s also a learned skill? As a mum, I vividly remember when I was pregnant, the mix of excitement and anxiety that came with the thought of breastfeeding. In my practice, I’ve seen countless new mums facing challenges they never even anticipated. But here’s the thing: breastfeeding is a skill that evolves with time and experience. So, if you’re pregnant or a new mum, buckle up for a conversation about the natural art of breastfeeding, the learning curve that accompanies it and what you can do to make breastfeeding easier for you and your baby.

Why People Find Breastfeeding So Difficult

The Misunderstood Realities

Breastfeeding is often portrayed as the most natural thing in the world, and it is. But, the reality is that it doesn’t always come naturally to everyone, at least not straight away. Latch issues, engorgement, and the stress of wondering whether your baby is getting enough can be overwhelming. The pressure to be a ‘perfect’ mum can make this even harder!

One contributing factor is that, unlike in the past where women were exposed to breastfeeding through their communities and families, modern life often isolates us from our communities. In our fast-paced society, we don’t always have the opportunity to witness and learn from experienced mothers in our community. The lack of exposure to breastfeeding before becoming a mum can contribute to the challenges many women face.

Another factor is society, and the media often paint an unrealistic picture of how babies should behave, setting up expectations that don’t always align with reality or evidence-based practices. There’s this notion of babies feeding like clockwork, sleeping through the night from day one, or adhering to a strict schedule. These unrealistic portrayals can lead parents to believe that if their baby doesn’t fit into this mould, something must be wrong. In truth, babies have their unique rhythms and needs. Understanding and embracing their natural patterns can ease the pressure on parents and contribute to a more relaxed breastfeeding journey.

Lost Support in a Modern World

We no longer live in the traditional village setting where support and guidance were readily available from multiple generations. The sense of community and shared wisdom has faded, leaving many new mums feeling isolated and navigating the intricacies of breastfeeding without the collective support system that was once normal. This isolation can add an extra layer of difficulty to the already complex journey of learning to breastfeed (and motherhood!).

Understanding these societal shifts is crucial in approaching breastfeeding challenges with compassion and recognising that, despite the lack of a village, there are still resources and support networks available to help you on this journey if you know to look for them. 

How to Make Breastfeeding Easier

Learn About Breastfeeding Before Your Baby Arrives

Research shows that when pregnant women get antenatal (prenatal) breastfeeding education, breastfeeding outcomes are often better. It’s like giving yourself a head start. Learning how breastfeeding works, what’s normal, and what to do when things don’t go smoothly can make those early days feel much calmer and less overwhelming.

That’s exactly why I created my online course, Breastfeeding Basics: From Prep To Pro.

It’s a step-by-step breastfeeding course for pregnant mummas-to-be who want to feel confident and prepared before their baby arrives. Inside, I teach you how breastfeeding works, how to get a comfortable latch, how to build a good milk supply, how to tell if your baby is feeding well and getting enough milk, and what to do if challenges pop up — so you’re not left guessing or Googling in the middle of the night.

If you’re pregnant and planning to breastfeed, this course gives you the knowledge and reassurance so many mums wish they had earlier.

👉 Learn more about the course here.

Get Support

It’s normal to feel confused, lost and overwhelmed at the start of your breastfeeding journey, but know you’re not alone on this journey. Reach out to International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLC’s), join breastfeeding support groups, or lean on experienced friends and family. Having a support system can provide the encouragement and advice you need if things get tough.

Take It Easy on Yourself 

Planning to breastfeed is one thing; executing the plan is another. Understand that breastfeeding is a skill that evolves with time (for both you and baby!). There might be challenges initially, but with patience, persistence, and support it gets easier. Don’t be too hard on yourself if things don’t go perfectly from the start. Every journey is unique, and your baby is learning just as much as you are.

If you’re pregnant and this all feels a little overwhelming, you’re not alone! And you don’t need to have everything figured out right now. A really helpful first step is simply understanding what breastfeeding involves and how you can prepare before your baby arrives.

I’ve created a free Preparing for Breastfeeding guide that walks you through the key things that make the biggest difference early on — like what breastfeeding education actually covers, how to set up a supportive team around you, and how to plan for breastfeeding (not just birth). It’s designed to help you feel calmer, more informed, and more confident heading into breastfeeding, without feeling overwhelmed. Download the free guide here.

Breastfeeding is a natural, but it’s also a learned skill. Educate yourself before baby arrives, seek support, and don’t beat yourself up. Remember, it’s okay to stumble along the way. Take it easy on yourself and enjoy the moments of connection with your little one. 

If you’ve found these insights helpful, DM me on Instagram and let me know what you’ve taken away from this post. Here’s to a beautiful breastfeeding journey ahead!