10 Things No One Actually Likes About Breastfeeding

If it's your first time breastfeeding, chances are you don't have the slightest clue what you're doing, and that can be frustrating and scary and even a little detrimental. I know that, as a new mom, I was looking to gain confidence any way and anywhere I could, and breastfeeding was a big part of feeling like I was comfortable in my new role as "mom."

Whether you took a class or not, just because breastfeeding is "natural" doesn't mean it comes naturally. That's the worst.

Studies suggest that babies are born with an instinct to breastfeed, however, that doesn't mean it all goes according to plan. Problems latching, tongue and lip ties and a slew of other complications or situations can make it difficult for you baby to latch, and keep a latch. Sometimes, just like you, they need time to learn. Ugh.

Let's be real: sometimes, breastfeeding hurts. Whether it's a baby cutting teeth or mastitis or a clogged milk duct or engorgement, breastfeeding isn't always pleasant. It's OK to dislike these moments because, honestly, who likes being in pain, right? Just because you don't like discomfort, doesn't mean you don't like breastfeeding in general.

I can't speak for everyone, of course, but sometimes you just don't want to breastfeed. I mean, you do, because you want to feed your baby, but some privacy and time to yourself and a moment when you're not being touched by a tiny (albeit, cute) human would be nice. Sometimes you just want your space so you can feel like an actual human being, but when you're breastfeeding on demand (or just breastfeeding, or even just being a parent) that's not necessarily an option.

Who does this?! I mean, if you're not a character on a television show or a movie, who honestly can do this for an extended period of time? Tell me. Teach me your ways. Because you must have arms like Michelle Obama.

Breastfeeding is magical and amazing and a true bonding moment between you and your child. It's also, you know, kind of boring. The novelty does wear off, sometimes and eventually, and it can feel like a chore instead of a privilege. It's alright if you're not in awe every single time you breastfeed.

I don't think there's a parent in the world that doesn't wish they could experience just a few more hours of sleep each night (or even week, for that matter).

Honestly, sometimes those night feedings are the thing of dreams. It's just you and your baby and silence, and you get to hold them and look at them without anyone else around. It's calm and peaceful and truly a surreal moment that makes you realize that, yeah, you're a parent, now.

Then again, there are those night feedings when you're so exhausted and almost delirious from lack of sleep, that you just can't. You're frustrated and tired and it's hard to see the beauty in a midnight feeding.

Thanks to a society that sees breasts as sexual, and not functional, breastfeeding in public isn't necessarily the most comfortable experience. I don't know very many women who actively like to breastfeed in public; they just breastfeed wherever and whenever they have to because their baby is hungry, and needs to eat. It's that simple, yet it becomes a big deal and, as a result, can be a pretty unpleasant experience for so many breastfeeding women.

You will inevitably ruin a few outfits and bras because of leaking. Yeah, that's never fun.

Then again, that's kind of awesome. When you're exclusively breastfeeding, you're the only person in the world who can feed your baby. When that isn't slightly annoying or exhausting, that's insanely cool. Good on you, mom.