My First 30 Days of Nursing & Breastfeeding

Giving birth at home made such a difference for me this time around. Being in my own space, in my own bed, with everything familiar, really set the tone for those first few days of recovery and bonding. But let’s be honest—nursing and breastfeeding still came with its own challenges, lessons, and adjustments.

Getting Started

I knew I wanted to breastfeed, just like I did with my first baby. I also decided to use the Haakaa again since it worked great for me first time. I also wanted to try pumping here and there so I could build up a freezer stash. In my head, it sounded like a solid plan: breastfeed, catch the letdown, pump when needed, and freeze for later.

But in reality? I immediately hated the pump.

Why I Quit Pumping Early

I was already sleep-deprived, and just the thought of pumping felt exhausting. By the second week, I quit altogether. I stuck with the Haakaa for a little while, but even that became overwhelming. Having to wake up in the middle of the night not only to nurse but also to transfer milk into bags and store it—it just wasn’t sustainable for me.

By week three, I realized I was resenting the whole process. I already needed a break! I told myself: Forget the freezer stash. Forget the extra gadgets. Just focus on breastfeeding this first month.

Finding My Flow

I talked with other moms about their feeding journeys, and it helped me see that there’s no one “right” way to feed your baby. By week four, I ditched the Haakaa too and decided to exclusively breastfeed, no extras involved. Just like women used to do in the past. And what do you know— at 40 days postpartum, I was actually enjoying breastfeeding again. The stress was gone. No more pumps to wash. No more pressure to store milk. Just me and my baby.

Things That Helped Me Along the Way

• Clothing: Although I didn't want at first, I finally decided to buy nursing shirts that would make breastfeeding much easier. I ordered from Amazon a set of 4 nursing tanks that I wear to sleep. I also ordered a set of 3 nice nursing tops that are very discreet with a sporty/casual look and a set of 3 nursing tanks with a lighter fabric perfect for the hot days of summer. I also have the set of 2 nursing bras I purchased from Target when I was in my first trimester. Having all these have made a huge difference.

• Healing: My midwife suggested that for cracked nipples I could use coconut oil, my own colostrum, and breastmilk to speed healing naturally. Breast milk and colostrum worked faster than coconut oil but they all worked.

• Boosting Supply: With my first baby, oatmeal worked so well, and when out and about I used to carry some lactation oatmeal cookies. But this time, the cookies didn't really work; what worked best for me was hearty beef soup or stew, a lactation drink powder with electrolytes that I add to my smoothie or water, and even a cup of Abuelita hot chocolate (a sweet little comfort that also did the trick).

• On-Demand Feeding: With my first, I followed a strict feeding schedule. This time, I let my baby guide me by watching for early hunger cues—rooting, sucking on hands, fussing—rather than waiting for the clock to tell me it was “time.” This has made our bond so much stronger and kept both of us calmer.

  
  

3 Months In

Now that we’ve hit the 90-day mark, I feel completely stress-free and genuinely enjoying breastfeeding. It took trial and error, a little letting go, and a lot of listening to myself and my baby—but we found our rhythm.

If you’re in your first few weeks of nursing, my biggest piece of advice is: give yourself permission to change your mind. What worked with your first baby might not work again. What you thought you “should” do might not fit your reality. And that’s okay.