5 Tips Every New Parent Needs to Hear About Breastfeeding

Written by Anna Rodney, Doula and Childbirth Educator

Anna Rodney is the owner and founder of Chicago Family Doulas and Birth and Baby University. She is a leader in the perinatal field and a trusted resource for expecting families and perinatal professionals.

Breastfeeding your baby is a personal decision that deserves thoughtful consideration. Like many aspects of motherhood, breastfeeding is a relationship: it requires patience, learning, and commitment to grow and thrive.

One of the biggest challenges many new families experience is the flood of inaccurate or conflicting information. This often leads to unrealistic expectations, frustration, and in some cases, giving up. While breastfeeding does come with its hurdles, it also brings beautiful moments of connection and joy. It doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. With the right support and accurate information, you can have a successful breastfeeding experience.

5 essential tips to empower new parents on their breastfeeding journey

After nursing my three daughters and supporting thousands of families on their own journeys, I’ve gathered my top five tips to help new parents feel more confident and empowered as they begin breastfeeding:

1. Remember: It’s a relationship

Breastfeeding is not just a skill; it’s a relationship between you and your baby. There will be ups and downs, moments of ease, and moments that feel incredibly difficult. Some of the learning curves may feel steep and even discouraging.

If you approach breastfeeding with the mindset that it's a relationship worth investing in, you’ll be more prepared to ride out the tough moments and keep going.

2. Surround yourself with supportive people

Not everyone will understand or support your decision to breastfeed, and that’s okay. What’s important is surrounding yourself with people who do support you: friends, family members, and professionals who believe in your choices and cheer you on.

If you’re constantly around negative or dismissive voices, it can start to affect your confidence. Seek out a community that lifts you up and reminds you that you’re doing something amazing. Don’t give negativity power. 

3. Take a non-hospital-based class

Hospital-based breastfeeding classes are often limited in time and depth. In contrast, private or community-based classes typically offer more comprehensive and practical guidance, often three hours long and filled with relatable, real-world information.

Understanding what’s normal in the early days, like how often your baby needs to feed, how to recognize hunger cues, and what to expect in those first few weeks, will boost your confidence. I highly recommend our virtual Breastfeeding Class at Birth & Baby University. It includes a beautifully designed workbook and evidence-based, parent-centered support.

4. Meet with a lactation consultant during pregnancy

Many parents wait until they're struggling with breastfeeding before seeking help from a lactation consultant, but connecting with one before your baby arrives can make a huge difference.

Prenatal visits with a lactation consultant can help you prepare, make a personalized plan, and lay the foundation for a smoother breastfeeding journey. Already having that relationship in place makes it easier to troubleshoot issues later. And the good news? Most insurance plans cover lactation services.

5. Be gentle with yourself

Breastfeeding can feel like a full-time job, even with all the right support in place. There may still be moments when it feels exhausting, emotional, or frustrating.

Be kind to yourself. Offer yourself the same compassion and encouragement you’d give a friend. There will be hard moments, but there will also be deep joy, bonding, gratitude, and love that words can’t fully describe. You’ve got this!

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Read more from Anna Rodney

Anna Rodney, Doula and Childbirth Educator

Anna Rodney is the owner and founder of Chicago Family Doulas and Birth and Baby University. She has been a leader in the perinatal field for over a decade, and continues to grow her offerings in order to support more families and to help her colleagues grow. She supports thousands of expecting and new families each year through both of her businesses. She is a passionate leader and a force of change and inspiration for families and birth and postpartum professionals.