That’s why interviewing 25 moms about the things they wish they knew before they started breastfeeding turned out to be such an essential list to help mamas get the best start possible. These tidbits turn into tips from breastfeeding moms on things to look out for, things to not stress about, and things to think about that may have never crossed the mind before. Breastfeeding can be a magical journey, yes. However all magical journeys comes with bumps in the road, major and minor issues, as well as the rewards that come from overcoming the tough parts. That’s what these mamas celebrate here — that they made it through with a new outlook, and some new learnings. As these mothers reflect at all the things they wish they knew, they are doing so with love, with an appreciation for how they progressed from early motherhood to being moms of older kids, wistful for those breastfeeding days (or not). What’s important to see is that each journey, while many hold some similarities, are unique. Just as no two moms are alike, neither are two babies. Check out these “I wish I knew” tips from moms to see if any could be helpful in your own journey. I wish someone told me that it may be hard for me and my partner to see my breasts as sexy while I’m nursing and for who knows how much longer past. That they’ve become sacred to our baby and that he may even feel a bit jealous (without saying so) and that’s natural. I wish I knew that WE both may not get to have fun with them in that way right now." – Chastity C. I also wished I had given him bottles early on (he never really took to them) and had not been afraid to ruin our nursing relationship. There was nothing that would have broken his preference." – Elizabeth H. G. Once it reaches a certain level of discomfort (or intense pain) and frustration, many women are past seeking help or the resolve to keep trying (and understandably so, in my opinion). Another thing I wish I knew is that, however difficult it might be in the beginning, it can be so wonderful after that initial challenging period. The first four months of breastfeeding were pretty challenging for me for a number of reasons. After four months, my breasts and baby hit our groove and it has been the sweetest part of every day for us since then." – Christina B.
