Did you know that, according to the World Health Organization and UNICEF, over two million babies could be saved every year if breastfed within one hour of birth? 

Did you know that mothers who breastfed were more protected from rheumatoid arthritis than those who did not? 

Did you know that YOU, as a partner, could help by creating a comfortable and stress-free atmosphere for the breastfeeding mother? 

Did you know that breastfeeding is the most important responsibility of a new mother?

Breastfeeding did feel weird at first, especially when the nurses pulled out my breast and pushed it into my baby’s little mouth. It does have its perks and I eventually got used to it. But, there were some pains that no one told me about. Some things that no one really discusses in public. So, while I’m breastfeeding for the third time, I thought of updating this blog and being honest about everything I know about breastfeeding. This is, after all, a vital part of motherhood.

THE REAL BREASTFEEDING GUIDE: PERKS, PAINS, AND BEST POSITIONS EXPLAINED

PERKS

1. MOTHER-BABY BOND: Breastfeeding helps the baby bond with their mother. When a baby is breastfed, they experience physical closeness, warmth, and nourishment, which can help reduce stress and anxiety in babies as well as in the mothers during this difficult postpartum period.
   
2. DEVELOPS DIGESTIVE TRACT: Colostrum is the ideal first milk that helps develop the newborn’s immature digestive tract. It is rich in nutrients and key antibodies that prevent infections like respiratory tract infections, etc. Together, the foremilk and hindmilk are rich in carbohydrates, fats, protein, growth factors, enzymes and nucleotides and have a whole lot of benefits for the baby’s growth and health.
   
3. BUILDS IMMUNITY: The main benefit of breastfeeding is that it helps the baby to have a strong immune system. It is said that repeated common colds and other sicknesses can be avoided if the baby is breastfed well. These babies are also said to have a stable personality and low chances of acute infections, allergies, hypertension, diabetes and obesity.
   
4. SAVES TIME AND MONEY: Unless you are wearing an outfit not fit for nursing, breastfeeding requires no preparation time. Breast milk is usually free and available at any time, anywhere; thereby saving time and expenses. I have made use of this opportunity at so many places. My friends were flabbergasted in places like Pizza Hut (Bangalore), Ritz Classic (Goa) and at an elite party (5-star hotel in Hyderabad). Also, during travels, you don’t have to spend time cleaning and sterilizing bottles.
   This results in more snooze time, which is much needed, especially at night. For all three of my babies, breastfeeding was/is comfortable and doable anywhere, anytime, as I did/do not have to prepare for it.
   
5. WEIGHT LOSS IN MOTHER: While the baby increases its weight, the mother begins losing a considerable amount of calories. If that’s not motivation enough to breastfeed your baby, then what is? Right? 😉
   
6. REDUCES RISK OF CANCERS IN MOTHER: Breastfeeding moms experience reduced bleeding after delivery. Breastfeeding also helps reduce the risk of breast cancer, ovarian cancer and endometrial cancer.

PAINS

1. PAIN & SORE NIPPLES: This was the most horrid time of breastfeeding. Sometimes I wanted to whack my baby because of the pain she inflicted upon me. Sometimes I would have nightmares that she wanted to attack me. At times, even the nipple care butter didn’t soothe my pain. You have to keep away from the baby until your nipples are ready to be bitten again.
   Wrong latching results in breast engorgement or cracked or sore nipples. Another pain that you may come across is when your bosom is full. You can feel the manufacturing happening within and the filling being done. And it PAINS like mad when it reaches the peak! But don’t you worry, because you can always express your milk with a breast pump when necessary.
   
2. LACTATION AND LATCHING ISSUES: It is recommended to start breastfeeding as soon as your child is born, but sometimes a mother does not lactate because she is mentally not willing to, she is stressed or has a medical issue. 
   Sometimes, the newborn is unable to latch on. Though sad, there are several breastfeeding myths to avoid and foods to consume that could help in lactation. So, be positive, chill and you should be okay.
   
3. TABOO: Sometimes, you will find people staring at you like you are doing something wrong by feeding your baby in public places (even if you are covered). Like boobs, when filled with milk, are unattractive. But try not to feel too bad about it because people are not used to bumping into brave women. Watch Kristina Kuzmic’s sarcastic video here!
   It is healthy to talk about breastfeeding with moms so we can relate to each other.
   
4. EXHAUSTION & DEPRIVED SLEEP: Sometimes you may experience less sleep because of the number of times you have to breastfeed your baby. After all, you are a milk factory that has to be open 24/7. It’s just a phase that will pass soon. Do not let it frustrate you.
   Update 2026: I was super exhausted, frustrated, and almost dying after pushing the little human out of me. Due to the body aches, breathlessness and extreme exhaustion, I wasn’t able to pass the exclusive breastfeeding test and resorted to formula milk when I needed the sleep.
   
5. SUDDEN LEAKING: Did anyone tell you that your boob will leak when your baby is hungry or if you don’t feed? Did anyone tell you that you should be ready with a breast pump just in case your baby decides to sleep while you’re leaking? Well, be aware that leaking happens. And make sure you are ready to cover up when that happens in public or in front of guests. There are breast pads and stuff, but it is better to plan your day according to your leaks rather than your baby, who can be happily fed with formula in case you’re unavailable.

Have you heard of VBAC?

POSITIONS

1. CRADLE POSITION: This is the most common position wherein the baby is held comfortably with one arm supporting their head, neck and back. For example, if the baby is being fed from the left breast, the mother uses her left hand to hold the baby.
   
2. CROSS-CRADLE POSITION: This position is similar to the cradle position, but the mother holds the baby with the opposite arm, wherein her palm holds the baby’s head. For example, if the baby is being fed from the left breast, the mother uses her right hand to hold the baby while keeping her left hand free to shape breast or guide the baby to latch on.
   
3. CLUTCH POSITION: This position is also called the rugby or football hold, where the mother holds the head of the baby in her palm while the baby rests on the mother’s side, with their body and feet tucked under the mother’s arm. This position is favourable to mothers who have undergone a caesarean section since it places no or limited weight on the mother’s chest and abdomen area.
   
4. SIDE-LYING POSITION: This position is apt for mothers who are unable to sit comfortably. The mother lies down on her side, while the baby is parallel to her. This was my favourite breastfeeding position throughout postpartum (all 3 times).

Breastfeeding was something I had decided to do as soon as I knew I was going to be a mother. I had read that it benefitted the baby and also helped mothers lose their pregnancy weight. So, for whatever selfish reason, it was always on my list of important things-to-do after the baby arrived. Despite my positivity, I had only enough milk to last for a few feeds every day, so I had to resort to formula milk whenever I felt all sucked out.

At good maternity homes, efficient doctors will work with you to support your breastfeeding experience in a number of ways. They will also answer all your queries with regard to breastfeeding and it is advisable to attend the available seminars held to know more about breastfeeding and handling your baby post-delivery. So choose your maternity home carefully and be aware of your responsibilities without letting it overwhelm you.

Hope you have gained knowledge from this real breastfeeding guide. Let us know how in the comments below.

I would like to introduce Sweta Kachhap, Author at Cloud and Sunshine. Do read her review of a different take on Father’s Day.

Photo by Nano Erdozain: https://www.pexels.com/photo/a-woman-holding-her-child-21073558/