What breastfeeding mums wish they’d known before starting - and how you can feel prepared

What breastfeeding mums wish they’d known before starting - and how you can feel prepared A new report has revealed the breastfeeding realities in the UK, with many mums admitting they felt unprepared for the experience - here's what they wish they'd known Mums have shared the key things they wish they'd been told before starting to breastfeed, with a quarter confessing they felt unprepared for what lay ahead. A survey of 1,000 mums revealed the emotional and physical realities many say they wish they'd known earlier. Leaking breasts was a common surprise, along with just how hungry and thirsty breastfeeding can make you - and how difficult it can be when you're out of the house. On a more emotional level, many mums said they wished they'd known more about how painful it can be, and how lonely the experience may feel. The research was commissioned by Momcozy whose 2026 report looks into the reality of breastfeeding in the UK. Sophie Martin, author of The Infertile Midwife and lead midwife for an antenatal clinic, said: "Many mums expect breastfeeding to come naturally, but the reality can be physically, emotionally and mentally demanding. "At the same time, breastfeeding can bring an incredible sense of connection and confidence. "It's important that parents are given honest, balanced information so that they feel prepared both practically and emotionally for the realities of breastfeeding. Education and preparation is key." The study, published to coincide with World Breastfeeding Week, uncovered a broad spectrum of experiences amongst new mums. It discovered that 54% found breastfeeding harder than anticipated, while 18% said it had a detrimental effect on their mental health. Although 74% of mums felt backed by those around them during this stage of their baby's life, 11% said they didn't feel this way. Meanwhile, 79% said it had an impact on their relationship with their partner, affecting intimacy and giving rise to feelings of resentment. Nursing their newborn in public was also described as "difficult" by 45% of those surveyed, citing a lack of privacy, feeling self-conscious and receiving unwanted attention. However, it hasn't all been negative. The vast majority (96%) said they experienced a "special moment" when feeding their new child. The most treasured of these was watching their newborn relax or drift off to sleep while feeding, followed by knowing they could comfort their child whenever they needed them. This led 19% of couples to work more effectively together as a team, and inspired 16% of partners to seek other ways to bond with their baby. And 44% said breastfeeding helped them feel a stronger bond with their child, while 22% said it left them feeling empowered. Tara Cai, head of user research at Momcozy, said: "Breastfeeding can be one of the most rewarding parts of early parenthood, [and] it can also come with unexpected challenges that leave many mums feeling unprepared. "But the results also highlight the importance of ensuring families have the resources, products and support networks they need to feel confident every step of the way." SOPHIE MARTIN'S TOP TIPS: Breastfeeding takes practice You have never fed this baby before, and this baby is learning to feed for the first time too. Like all skills, it takes patience and practice to perfect this. Focus on good positioning and attachment The fundamentals for good breastfeeding are maintaining a good latch. This will ensure effective milk transfer and a comfortable feeding experience. Stay hydrated Breastfeeding mums need lots of fluids so they can make enough milk. Particularly during this hot weather, don't underestimate how much water you need, and make sure you have a drink nearby. Expect feeding patterns to change It can be hard to have a set feeding routine with a newborn baby, and as your baby grows and needs more milk, you will find their feeding pattern changes. All babies will have their own feeding pattern, so be responsive to your baby. Remember cluster feeding is normal too, although it can be hard work, so rest where you can. Rest when you can It's very normal for babies to wake during the night for feeds, particularly at the newborn stage, but even beyond that. Make sure you get rest where you can so you can cope with the night feeds. Be kind to yourself Breastfeeding is both rewarding and challenging. Celebrate all those milestones, and remember that your body is doing an incredible job nourishing your baby. TOP 20 THINGS MUMS WISH THEY'D KNOWN BEFORE BREASTFEEDING - How tiring it can be - How difficult it can be to tell if your baby is getting enough milk - How difficult it is to feed with sore or cracked nipples - How painful it can be - How emotional it can feel - How much pressure you can put on yourself - How often a baby may need feeding - How long feeds can take - How important a good latch can be - How much your breasts or nipples can change - How hungry it can make you feel - How difficult it can be in public - How thirsty it can make you feel - How much leaking can happen - How lonely it can sometimes feel - How often cluster feeding can happen - Growth spurts and how they can affect feeding patterns - Tongue tie and how it can affect feeding - How rewarding it can be - How illness affects feeding