If you are going to be a mum for the first time, then you may feel you know everything you should about breastfeeding.

The truth, there are some things no one tells you about breastfeeding a baby. To help you out, we have come with a few things no one tells you and we think you need to know:

1. Its natural but that doesn’t mean its easy

Before you begin breastfeeding for the first time, you may have assumed or imagined that breastfeeding will be so easy. That all you need to do is bring out your breasts and your baby will begin sucking immediately.

This image may be shattered by the piercing nipple pain you may feel the first time the baby latches on. Like any new skill, breastfeeding may take a bit of practice to get it right.

2. You should start learning about breastfeeding before you have your baby

Naturally before birth, the last thing on your mind will be about how you intend to breastfeed your baby. However, when you finally give birth and your child is placed on your bossom, it might be a steep learning curve.

It’s a good idea to begin to learn as much as you can about breastfeeding. Ask your nurses during your antenatal clinics, talk to family and friends, read useful tips online, watch other breastfeeding mothers if you can.

3. Its much easier than bottlefeeding

Most mothers who breastfeed will agree that being able to just bring out your breast and your baby is being fed instantly, is a blessing. You don’t have to worry about sterilizing bottles, boiling hot water, mixing formula etc.

Especially at night, you can feed your baby on demand without having to come out of the bed.

4. Breastfeeding in public is not a big deal

If you are new mum  or are new to this breastfeeding game, you may assume that people will stare at you when you are breastfeeding your child in public.

The truth is that no one will even notice. As long as you are covered and are not exposing your breasts, most people will politely look a way as you feed your child.

With time, you would lose all inhibitions and get less embarassed to bring out your breast in public or in front of friends and family members.

5. The more supportive your spouse is the more likely you will breastfeed

Numerous studies have shown that the more supportive spouses are about breastfeeding, the longer the mother is likely to continue.
Husbands can be supportive by assisting the mum with other tasks like encouraging their wives = to breastfeed, burping the baby, changing dirty diapers, assisting during bath time etc.

6. Mastitis can affect anyone

Mastitis is a painful condition caused by an infection, that results in a painful breast and fever like symptoms. About 10 percent of mothers will be affected by this condition. Learn about what mastitis is, its symptoms and the treatment options available here.

7. Babies who are breastfed, fall ill less often

Most breastfeeding mothers will attest to the fact that their babies tend to fall ill less often.

Breastfeeding provides all the nutrients that a baby needs. In addition the antibodies in breast milk may boost your baby’s immune system as it fills in the immunity gap until baby’s own immune system develops.

 Experienced mums, share you tips below. What are the things no one told you about breastfeeding?