I always knew I would breastfeed my baby, but I never imagined how complex and emotionally layered this experience could be. Before becoming a mother, I heard a lot about the health benefits and the routine, but nobody ever explained how strong and unique the bond becomes during breastfeeding. Only after living through these months can I say with full certainty that every effort, every small challenge, and every moment of doubt was absolutely worth it.

The last five months taught me more than I expected. I faced sore nipples that made the first weeks painful, moments of low milk supply that made me question whether I was doing everything right, episodes of lactostasis that required patience and careful attention, and even discomfort during workouts because the upper body tension felt completely different. But with time, support, and willingness to learn, I figured out how to navigate each period and finally reached a stage where I genuinely enjoy the process instead of surviving it.

Many of you ask about my diet, and this is the part that is truly individual. What works perfectly for one mom can be completely unsuitable for another baby. In my case, I had to remove fresh vegetables and certain fruits like lemons and oranges. I also excluded sauces and recently gave up chocolate. I keep coffee to one cup a day because anything stronger doesn’t feel right for either of us. And overall, I try to eat clean, nourishing meals that give me enough nutrients to support both my body and milk production.

One unexpected challenge was weight loss. I didn’t think maintaining a stable weight during breastfeeding would become something I had to actively control, but recently I noticed that the kilos began to drop too quickly. That is why I started adding extra calories to my daily ration and paying more attention to consistency in meals.

Workouts required adjustments as well. I became much more careful with exercises, especially upper-body training. I try not to overstrain myself, listen to my energy levels, and rest whenever I feel physically drained. Nothing is worth pushing through exhaustion, especially during breastfeeding.

And one more thing I want every new mom to know: having a good lactation consultant can change everything. I was lucky to have someone who guided me through every concern, answered every question, and reminded me that I was not alone in this journey. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness but a form of care for yourself and your baby.

So now I’m curious: did you breastfeed your babies, and how long did your breastfeeding journey last?