In situations where breastfeeding is working out well, both baby and mother are happy and comfortable. However, most new mothers tend to go through some sort of discomfort or problems when breastfeeding. This is usually the case in the initial few days or weeks of feeding.

Here are five things you probably didn’t know about breastfeeding.

1. You will require nursing products
You will never have the time to run out and buy things once the baby arrives. So make sure that you buy nursing-related products well in advance. These include

• Nursing pads
• 3-4 nursing bras
• Nipple cream
• 2-3 sleeping bras
• A breast pump

2. Breast leakage
You will be thoroughly confused when your breasts start leaking unexpectedly without any warnings, especially in the initial postpartum weeks. This mechanism is quite similar to an in-built alarm clock which might spray or dribble milk when it’s feeding time.

Your breasts also might leak when you can hear the baby cry. In fact, don’t be surprised if your breasts leak even is someone else’s baby is crying! It is said that videos, pictures or even thoughts of the little one could stimulate the pumping of your dairy faucet.

3. Intense hormone release
Here’s a heads up for all new mothers: get ready to experience some intense hormone activity while you’re lactating. The body releases large amounts of oxytocin, the hormone that helps in transferring the breast milk to the front of your breasts. Incidentally, this is also the chemical released by the brain when you fall in love!

And there is another hormonal effect associated with nursing, especially in the initial period when the baby is only a few days old. You will feel a deep sense of relaxation and this can easily turn into drowsiness. You might compare it to how you feel after eating a big, satisfying meal.

4. Breastfeeding=weight loss
As you see your little one grow from a delicate newborn into blossoming healthy baby, you might simultaneously notice your own body shedding pounds. Well, you can be grateful to nursing for this weight loss. According to gynecologists and obstetricians, breast milk is rich in fat and is a high-calorie food. The newborn ends up sucking all these calories from the body of the mother, hence leading to her weight loss.

5. Buy the right bra
Research on nursing women indicates that the breast size of most women increases when they are nursing. They could go up by at least one to two sizes. This makes the purchase of a good-quality bra extremely important because it helps in enhancing comfort and minimizing post-pregnancy sagging of breasts.

Try and find a bra with a wider band which fits well under the breasts. The cups need to offer the right amount of support without being tight. It is best to avoid buying underwire bras because they could restrict flow possibly leading to clogging in the milk ducts.

Article Reviewed By Crystal Ibetoh MD, MBA reviews each article and ensures the accuracy of the health information. Dr. Ibetoh has strong medical interests in women's health and preventative medicine. She is also a mother of three and uses her medical expertise in addition to personal experience to provide advice about breastfeeding.

*The information provided on this site is intended for your general knowledge only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment. Please consult your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding breastfeeding.*