Breastfeeding: The Things No One Tells You
A practical, honest guide for Calgary parents
Breastfeeding is natural, but learning it is a skill. You are learning. Baby is learning. No one expects you to magically know what you’re doing.
I support families in hospitals, birth centres and homes across Calgary, and almost every new parent tells me the same thing: “I wish someone explained the real stuff. The messy, practical stuff.” So here it is.
Before Baby Arrives: Prepare (lightly)
Colostrum Expression (optional, but helpful)
Around 36–37 weeks (confirm with your midwife/OB first), you can hand-express small amounts of colostrum into syringes to freeze.
Why this matters:
It builds confidence before baby arrives.
If baby is sleepy at birth or needs extra energy, you have backup.
Great as a top-up before or after feeds in the first few days while you’re still getting the hang of things.
You only need a few millilitres. Colostrum is liquid gold.
The First 24 Hours: What to Expect
Baby’s stomach is the size of a chickpea.
They need only drops of colostrum.
Skin-to-skin helps them instinctively root and latch.
Cluster feeding is normal. It is how baby tells your body, “make more milk.”
Signs baby is feeding well:
Audible swallowing (soft “ka” sound)
At least 1 wet and 1 dirty diaper in the first day, increasing each day
If anyone tells you “baby is hungry, just give formula,” and you don’t want to yet, ask them to check the diaper count first. Output matters more than ounces.
How to Get a Good Latch
(the part nobody explains clearly)
Think: belly to belly, nose to nipple, chin to breast.
Line baby up: Their nose should be opposite your nipple.
Wait for a wide mouth: Brush your nipple along their upper lip to trigger the reflex.
Bring baby to breast, not breast to baby.
Aim for a deep mouthful of areola (especially the bottom half of the areola).
A good latch feels like a tugging sensation
A bad latch feels like pinching or burning
If it hurts after the first 10 seconds:
Break the seal gently with a finger and pull nipple out quickly to avoid unnecessary tugging. Try again. Pain is your bodies way of communicating, but not normal or necessary in breastfeeding.
Positions to Try
Cross-cradle hold: Great for first timers because you can guide baby's head.
Football hold: Amazing for large breasts, C-section recovery or long babies on a small frame.
Laid-back breastfeeding: Gravity helps them latch deeply; relaxing for nighttime feeds.
There is no “wrong” position if it feels good for you and baby can breathe. Just know that if you feel uncomfortable, your baby most likely does too, so move around until you find something that works.
Nipple Pain: What’s Normal vs Not Normal
Normal (temporary):
Tenderness in the first few days
Sensitive nipples while milk transitions from colostrum to mature milk
Not normal:
Cracked, bleeding, burning or dread when baby latches. Pain is almost always related to latch or oral tension (like tongue/lip ties).
Pain Relief Options
Apply colostrum to nipples and let them air dry
Hydrogel pads between feeds (freezing feels heavenly), an alternative is freezing cabbage leafs and applying these.
Silverette cups if you don’t want ointment involved
Avoid harsh soaps and make sure nipples stay dry between feeds
Lanolin is fine, but many parents prefer natural balms (I make one if you need, contact me for info!).
Milk Coming In + Engorgement
Between day 2–5, breasts may feel firm, heavy, or warm.
To avoid blocked ducts:
Apply warmth for 1–2 minutes before feeding
Hand express a tiny amount to soften the areola
Apply cold after feeds to reduce swelling
Engorgement is not a supply issue, it is a plumbing issue.
Supply: How It Actually Works
Milk production runs on:
Supply + Demand
Nursing + Removal
The more milk removed, the more milk your body makes.
Instead of timing feeds, watch baby’s cues:
Rooting / turning head side to side
Fists to mouth
Alert and wiggly
Crying is a late hunger cue.
Diaper output is the best indicator of supply.
By day 5, expect 6–8 wet diapers and 3–4 stools per day.
Pumping: When and How to Start
You do not need to pump right away.
First 2 weeks:
Focus on nursing to establish supply.
After 2–3 weeks:
Introduce pumping if you want a small freezer stash or want partner involvement.
Hospital-grade pump
Best for increasing supply or exclusive pumping
Most efficient
Available for rent in Calgary (pharmacies, pump depots, Baby & Me stores)
Hands-free wearable pumps
Great for convenience and mobility
Not as strong (not ideal for increasing supply)
Use once supply settles, not to build it
Pumping basics:
15–20 minutes per session
Never pump dry (can cause inflammation)
Stop when the flow slows
Trouble-Shooting Guide
Pain with latch
→ Try football hold or laid-back breastfeeding
→ Get latch assessed by an IBCLC
Baby constantly falling asleep
→ Strip down to diaper, tickle feet, switch sides, or even change diaper halfway through feed
→ Try breast compressions during feeds
Worried about low supply
→ Track diapers, not ounces
→ Skin-to-skin increases oxytocin and milk flow
Overwhelmed?
→ Combo feeding is allowed. Your mental health matters.
Calgary Support
(use it early)
AHS Lactation Clinics
Book before you leave the hospital, or call Health Link (811)Private IBCLC home visits
Ideal if latch is painful, baby is losing weight, or you want hands-on helpDoula Support
I help with latch, positioning, pumping schedules and feeding troubleshooting
www.laurenhaledoula.ca
Final Thoughts
Breastfeeding requires patience, hydration, support and rest.
You are not supposed to figure this out alone.
If you want a private prenatal breastfeeding prep session (hands-on positioning practice, troubleshooting tools and space to ask every question), reach out anytime. You feed the baby. We will take care of you.
