When I was pregnant the first time, I thought breastfeeding would come naturally. I pictured cozy moments nursing in bed, bonding instantly, and magically producing all the milk my baby needed.
Reality? A lot messier, a lot harder—and eventually, still beautiful, but not without learning and adjusting.
Now that I’ve done this twice, here’s what actually helped me breastfeed and pump successfully, what didn’t work, and what I’d tell every new mom trying to feed their baby—however that looks for you.
What Worked
1. Having a Nursing Cover On Hand (Always)
Whether I was nursing at home with visitors or on the go, a soft, breathable nursing cover helped me feel comfortable. I liked one that doubled as a car seat cover for travel or outings.
👉 My favorite nursing cover
2. Using a Portable Breast Pump
This was a game changer—especially when I wanted to pump during late-night feeds or while multitasking with a toddler. Some are even covered by insurance.
👉 Portable breast pump I used
3. Milk Storage Bags (and a Plan for Freezer Stash)
It took time to figure out a pumping routine, but when I started freezing extra milk, I felt so much relief.
👉 Milk storage bags I recommend
👉 Another option I liked
4. Creating a Night Feed Station
This made everything smoother at 3am:
- Diapers + wipes
- Mini fridge for storing pumped milk (This one was perfect)
- Changing pad
- Diaper cream: Aquaphor, Desitin purple
- A quiet toy to keep baby calm
- Dim night light
👉 Portable changing pad I used
5. Accepting Help + Flexibility
Some days, breastfeeding worked. Other days, my husband gave a bottle while I pumped. And that’s okay.
What Didn’t Work
❌ Skipping Nipple Care
I didn’t think I’d need anything—but the pain was real at first. Nipple cream and silverette cups were life-saving. Don’t wait until it hurts.
❌ Not Pumping Early Enough (or Too Much)
The first time around, I was either overdoing it or waiting too long. The second time, I followed a schedule that matched baby’s needs, and my supply balanced out.
❌ Comparing Myself to Other Moms
Some people have oversupply, some struggle, some formula feed from day one. Your journey is your own, and fed is best.
Quick Product Table
| Item | Why I Love It | Link |
| Nursing cover | Soft, easy to use, and doubles as car seat cover | Shop now |
| Portable breast pump | Great for on-the-go or discreet pumping | Shop now |
| Milk storage bags | Reliable for freezer stash | Shop now |
| Changing pad | Compact, travel-friendly | Shop now |
| Desitin cream | Best for diaper rash | Shop now |
| Aquaphor | Multi-use balm for baby’s skin | Shop now |
| Mini fridge | Ideal for storing milk overnight | Shop now |
Final Thoughts
Breastfeeding is beautiful, but it can also be tough, emotional, and unpredictable. Don’t let social media fool you—it’s okay to feel overwhelmed. Do what works best for you and your baby.
If you’re nursing, pumping, combo feeding, or switching to formula—you’re still showing up, and that’s what matters most.
#BreastfeedingJourney #NewMomTips #PumpingLife #MamiSelfCare #WorkingMamisAndMoney #MomHacks #PostpartumSupport #TheMamiCollab #RealTalkMotherhood #FedIsBest