How we feed our babies is never just a matter of nutrition—it’s a profound act of love, layered with effort, sacrifice, and care. Among the many ways parents nourish their little ones, breastfeeding carries a unique power. Breast milk is rich beyond measure, offering perfectly balanced nutrients and immune protection no substitute can match. Yet breastfeeding can come with unexpected challenges. It can be physically demanding, emotionally intense, and logistically complex—especially in a culture that doesn’t always provide mothers with the guidance and support they need. But no one should have to navigate the journey alone—there is support available that can facilitate better outcomes. With the right help, breastfeeding can not only be a successful feeding strategy, but even a sacred and enjoyable bonding experience for both mother and baby.
Imagine you bring home your baby from the hospital, ready to begin breastfeeding your newborn. You took a breastfeeding class before delivery and felt prepared. But the latch is tricky, so you call the IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant) who taught your class. She answers your questions, offers to come for a home visit, and reassures you that you’re doing a great job. Your fridge is stocked with nourishing meals from friends and family. Your partner takes over washing pump parts, changing diapers, and keeping your water cup full. You’re connected to an online group of moms who understand every high and low. You feel empowered in your decision to breastfeed—and confident in your ability to reach your goals.
Every mother’s postpartum needs are different, but one truth holds: having the right people in your corner makes the journey better. Whether that’s a doula, a seasoned family member, or a supportive friend, the right resources can make all the difference. Breastfeeding might be the natural way for many, but it’s not always instinctive—and preparing your village during pregnancy can be the key to not just succeeding, but truly enjoying the journey.
We spoke to three new moms about what breastfeeding support looked like for them in the early days. Their experiences show that while the details and challenges vary, the common thread is connection, support, and empowerment.
The Power of a Breastfeeding Class
Katie Gronberg recently had her first baby and credits the breastfeeding class she took at her hospital for her confidence and knowledge. When we asked if the class was helpful, her answer was immediate: “Oh goodness, yes! I think about what I learned there constantly. They talked in depth about latch—I think about it every time—and like correct flange size! I would have had no idea.”
The class covered hunger cues, cluster feeding, and let-down, and emphasized that challenges are fixable with the right help. “It made me feel like anything was possible if you try and work to figure things out… it’s not just automatic. You have to have some knowledge—and way more than what they give you at the hospital.”
Katie left the class with the hospital lactation line to call, her instructor’s personal card, and a better sense of what resources insurance might cover. “Without that class, I would have had nothing. For me, it was a must.”
The Hero That Saves Breastfeeding
Emily Demo, mom of three boys, had a rough start with her firstborn. He had a restrictive tongue tie, making breastfeeding painful and difficult.
“I knew I needed more help about a week in when nothing that I was attempting seemed to be helping. My nipples were cracked, bleeding, and I dreaded every feed. It felt awful, physically and mentally, and I knew that it did not have to be this way. I found my IBCLC, Summer, through social media, thanks to her large Facebook support group, and knew she was the right fit to support me.”
Summer came to her home and spent three hours helping her and her son relearn how to latch, then regularly checked in with tailored advice. “It was so helpful to have Summer provide specific techniques to address our unique issues,” Emily says. “I wish I would have hired an IBCLC right from the start!”
Thanks to that support and her partner’s encouragement, Emily breastfed her oldest for 20 months. “I tell so many people that she truly helped save breastfeeding for me.”
The Simple Act of Giving Grace
Katelynn Pellett, a pediatric occupational therapist and certified lactation counselor, has supported families with feeding goals for nearly a decade—and now, as a mom of three, she knows firsthand how unpredictable breastfeeding can be.
“Like many families I support, I have learned that breastfeeding does not always go as planned,” she says. With her first two babies, jaundice led to triple feeding—nursing, pumping, and bottle feeding. It was exhausting, but it worked: “Triple feeding was a bridge… it actually assisted us with successful breastfeeding journeys. I was able to breastfeed both of my boys until they were 15 months.”
Her third baby, a daughter, spent her first 24 hours in the NICU with oxygen and an NG tube. Katelynn focused on skin-to-skin, frequent milk removal, and non-nutritive breastfeeding until her daughter was ready to latch. “She was luckily able to learn to latch and improve her coordination with feeding and now is doing great. As I try to remind families I work with, I tried to give myself and my babies grace and know that we both were learning and trying our best.”
Her advice for new moms: “Many new moms have pain with breastfeeding in the early weeks, but breastfeeding shouldn’t be painful! I would recommend working with a lactation professional to ensure a proper latch to save your nipples.” And remember: “You are the best mom for your baby. Breastfeeding doesn’t have to be all or nothing—any breast milk you give your baby is amazing.”
Bridging the Gap For A Beautiful Feeding Journey
From Katie’s confidence-boosting breastfeeding class, to Emily’s life-changing IBCLC visits, to Katelynn’s grace-filled NICU start—each story proves that breastfeeding support varies widely. Even with challenges, every breastfeeding journey is beautiful in its own way. What matters most is having the right people and resources ready before you need them.
We know that beautiful breastfeeding journeys are possible. But although it comes from a natural source, breastfeeding is not free. It costs time, energy, and often, money for the right kind of help. There’s a real divide between the recommendation to breastfeed and the resources most families actually have to make it happen. Lactation consultations, postpartum doulas, meal delivery, and flexible work accommodations aren’t luxuries—they’re essentials that can help mothers meet their breastfeeding goals while protecting their mental and physical health.
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Emily Shepard is a mother of two with a third on the way, motherhood writer, and advocate for maternal health education.
