Rating What It’s Like To Breastfeed At Every Age

*Disclaimer this is my personal opinion as an IBCLC and mom who has been nursing over the past four years based on what I typically see the main issues being but if your experience does not mirror this that is totally fair and all feeding experiences vary and are valid!

Newborn - 5/10

• Both of you learning a new skill

• Healing from birth

• So difficult to wake them 

• Most parents need additional support at this stage

1-4 months - 9/10

• Both of you getting the hang of it 

• Very full on because baby is fully dependent on milk 

• Can be stressful if returning to work

• Baby growing so fast and seeing the fruit of your labor

4-6 months - 3/10 

• Very distracted with sleep changes and new skills 

• Most effective feeds often at night as so distracted during the day but this is when everyone is asking you “are they sleeping through the night??” so hard to trust you and your baby’s unique rhythm 

6-12 months - 8/10 

• Usually pretty chill 

• Learning how to integrate solids 

• Biting can be a challenge but usually resolves if firm on boundary

1-2 years - 8/10

• Cool bc baby is no longer dependent on nursing so can be more flexible with feeding frequency and location 

• Can be tricky to place boundaries with a toddler who is learning their new power to demand wherever and whenever 

• Amazing immune protection for toddlers who touch everything  

• 2+ years - 7/10

• Dealing with unsolicited opinions on how long you plan to BF 

• Such a source of comfort to your toddler navigating new experiences 

• You know you’re a badass for making it so long 

If you are currently breastfeeding and navigating a difficult phase, don’t do it alone! Schedule a lactation consultation today.