When I first started to breastfeed, I expected it to be a meaningful bonding experience with my baby. Turns out, I wasn’t prepared for all the surprising things that came along with it! From unexpected emotions to unique quirks, here’s a list of things that can happen when you’re breastfeeding. Pin, save, or share the image below for the things that even the best advice books often don’t mention.
1. You Might Get Really Thirsty
Oh, the thirst! It’s as if the moment my little one latched on, I was instantly parched. Breastfeeding triggers a release of oxytocin, which helps your milk flow but also makes you super thirsty. I learned to keep a big water bottle handy because once I was settled with a baby in one arm, there was no escaping for a quick drink.
Some moms call this “breastfeeding thirst” and it’s a real phenomenon. It’s your body’s way of keeping up with milk production.
2. You Can Feel Emotional In a Good Way
You produce oxytocin, or the “love hormone,” when you breastfeed.1 This hormone creates a feeling of closeness between you and your baby, but it also makes you feel more connected in general. I remember one afternoon looking down at my little guy and feeling such a strong wave of love and gratitude that it almost brought me to tears.
3. Your Baby Can Smell You from Afar
Babies have an incredible sense of smell. In fact, they can identify their mom’s scent from a few feet away. I noticed my little one would calm down whenever I got close, even before I picked him up. Babies actually use scent to recognize and find their mothers, especially when they’re hungry.
Newborns can identify their mother’s scent within days of birth. 2 It’s a powerful bonding tool that nature designed.
4. Your Appetite May Skyrocket
Breastfeeding burns 450 to 500 calories a day.3 That said, you might feel hungrier than ever. I was honestly shocked by how hungry I felt all the time. It was like being pregnant all over again. But thanks to breastfeeding for burning off the calories I was eating!
It helped me stay in shape despite my constant snacking. That’s why I quickly learned to keep healthy snacks on hand because when hunger hit, it hit hard.
5. Your Breasts Might Not Be Symmetrical
Here’s a quirk I didn’t expect: one breast can become the “favorite.” Babies often prefer one side over the other, and that can lead to one breast producing more milk and even looking fuller. I’ll never forget the moment I realized I had a “lefty” baby. It was like he was making his own feeding schedule.
6. Breastfeeding Can Make You Tired
If you’ve ever felt like breastfeeding is the equivalent of a hard workout, you’re right. It’s a lot of work for your body to produce milk. Sometimes, it can even feel draining. No wonder many moms feel relaxed, sleepy, or even totally exhausted afterward.
As such, I quickly appreciated my mom’s advice about “the value of a nap when the baby slept.” Following her wisdom made all the difference. I’d sneak in those little naps whenever I could, and it helped me recharge just enough to keep going.
Prolactin, another hormone that aids milk production, has a calming effect on you, which can make you feel sleepy while feeding.
7. Your Milk Can Change Color
Sometimes breast milk can change colors, from slightly yellow to even orange.4 And it’s normal. When I noticed this, I initially panicked. However, I learned it could be due to foods I’d eaten, like carrots or mangoes or even just different times of the day. Even more amazing, your breast milk can change color when either you or your baby is sick, as your body produces extra antibodies to help fight off the illness.5
Breast milk is almost like a custom-made immune booster for your baby. It adapts to provide the antibodies they need when fighting something off.
8. Babies Make Cute (and Not-so-Cute) Noises
The noises babies make while they breastfeed range from adorable coos to full-on slurps and grunts. It’s their own little way of “talking” to you during feeding. I found myself chuckling at some of the sounds from my little one.
9. You Might Leak – a Lot
Leaking is one of the joys (or, let’s be honest, struggles) of breastfeeding. The first time I experienced it, I was completely overwhelmed. My breasts ballooned and hardened so much that the discomfort was unreal. I was leaking everywhere and couldn’t manage on my own.
My husband had to jump in to manually pump one side while I took care of the other. Oh, what joy to get some relief! From that moment on, breast pads became my best friend. I always had them ready to save my shirt and sanity when those unexpected leaks hit.
10. Your Baby Can “Dream Feed”
Ever noticed your baby looking half-asleep but still eating? Babies can enter this state called “dream feeding,” where they nurse without fully waking up.6 It’s amazing to see how instinctual it is for them to find comfort while still in a sleepy haze.
Q&A: Common Breastfeeding Questions
Q: How long should a breastfeeding session last?
A: It depends on your baby. Newborns may breastfeed for 20 to 45 minutes, while older babies can finish in 5 to 10 minutes. Watch for cues that they’re satisfied with, like unlatching or slowing down.
Q: How can I tell if my baby is getting enough milk?
A: Look for signs like steady weight gain, at least 6 to 8 wet diapers a day, and a content, satisfied baby after feeding.
Q: Is it normal to feel pain while you breastfeed?
A: Mild discomfort can be normal initially, but consistent pain or cracked nipples could indicate a latch issue. Consulting a lactation expert can help resolve these challenges.
Q: Can I still breastfeed if I get sick?
A: Yes! Breastfeeding while sick is usually safe and can even help protect your baby. Your body produces antibodies in your milk to boost your baby’s immune system.
Q: What should I eat while breastfeeding?
A: A well-balanced diet with plenty of water is key. Include nutrient-rich foods like leafy greens, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats to support your energy and milk supply.
Q: How long does breast milk stay fresh after pumping?
A: Freshly pumped milk can stay at room temperature for 4 hours, in the refrigerator for 4 days, and in the freezer for 6-12 months, depending on the temperature.
Breastfeeding is a unique journey with twists and turns that can surprise us along the way. What’s something unexpected that happened to you during breastfeeding?
- LeWine, Howard. “Oxytocin can help us bond with loved ones and can be released through touch, music, and exercise.” Harvard Health Publishing, 2023. ↩︎
- “Newborn Senses.” Stanford Medicine. ↩︎
- “Breastfeeding Your Baby.” American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, 2023. ↩︎
- Taylor, M. “Can Breast Milk Change Colors?” What to Expect, 2022.
↩︎ - Crider, C. “Breast Milk Antibodies and Their Magic Benefits.” Healthline, 2021. ↩︎
- MIller, K. “What Is a Dream Feed and How Do You Do It?“What to Expect, 2024. ↩︎
