Starting breastfeeding: 10 mistakes to avoid (and our advice on how to get off to a good start)

Breastfeeding is natural... but not always innate. From the very first hours, many young mothers feel lost, painful or discouraged. The good news is that a few common mistakes can easily be avoided to make the most of this new adventure. Here are the 10 most common mistakes made when first breastfeeding, and our practical advice on how to avoid them.

1. Wait for baby to cry before offering the breast

🚫 Mistake: wait until crying to breastfeed
✅ Do: offer the breast at the first signs of wakefulness

A crying baby is already frustrated. You can recognize the signs of an imminent feed well in advance: head movements, hands to mouth, little noises. As soon as you hear these signals, make yourself comfortable and offer the breast.

2. Believing that pain is normal

🚫 Error: accept intense or persistent pain
✅ Do: check breast position and latch

There may be slight discomfort at first, but breastfeeding should never cause lasting pain. If it does, :

• Review baby's position (head well aligned, mouth wide open)

• Check that the areola is well set (not just the nipple)

• Ask a midwife or lactation consultant for help

For more information, see our article how to avoid pain when breastfeeding.

3. Thinking colostrum is "not enough

🚫 Mistake: believing baby is hungry because he often heads
✅ Do: trust your body - colostrum is perfect for the first few days

Colostrum, that first golden, concentrated milk, is all baby needs for the first 2-3 days. It's rich in antibodies and perfectly adapted to his tiny stomach (the size of a cherry!).

4. Spacing out feeds to "stock up

🚫 Mistake: leaving too much time between feeds
✅ Do: breastfeed on demand, day and night

The more baby feeds, the more milk the body produces. Breastfeeding works on the law of supply and demand. In the beginning, feeds may be very close together - this is normal.

5. Denying yourself certain foods out of fear

🚫 Error: eliminate chocolate, spices or legumes for no reason
✅ Do: eat varied and balanced, unless there is a proven reaction

No food is strictly forbidden during breastfeeding, except in the case of a known family allergy or reaction observed in the baby. Chocolate, onions, coffee... can be eaten in moderation.

6. Thinking you don't have enough milk

🚫 Mistake: getting alarmed because baby sucks often or you can't "feel" the milk
✅ Do: trust your baby and your body

The best proof that baby is getting enough milk is :

• he wets his diapers well (at least 6 a day from D5),

• that he regains weight from day 4 or 5,

• and looks full after certain feeds.

7. Forget to rest and stay hydrated

🚫 Mistake: thinking you have to "hold it together" and do everything alone
✅ Do: drink regularly, sleep as soon as possible, get help

One breastfeeding tea can also become a gentle, moisturizing ritual.

Breastfeeding, especially in the early days, requires a lot of energy. Give yourself permission to delegate, to isolate yourself, to ask for support. The world can wait.

8. Use breast tips too early (or without indication)

🚫 Error: use silicone tips as soon as the first feeds
✅ Do: use only on medical advice

Breast shields can help in certain cases (flat nipples, severe cracks...), but if used incorrectly, they can hinder the onset of lactation. Always seek advice before using them.

9. Don't ask for help at the first sign of doubt

🚫 Mistake: thinking you have to do it alone
✅ What to do: be accompanied, even for a single feed

A lactation consultant, a midwife, an experienced friend... An outside eye can change everything. Better to adjust early than repair later.

10. Pressure to succeed

🚫 Mistake: believing there's only one right way to breastfeed
✅ Do: give yourself flexibility, time and respect

There's no trophy for "perfect breastfeeding". There are nourished babies, loving mothers, unique stories. If it doesn't work out as planned, you haven't missed anything. You tried, and that's huge.

In short: breastfeeding for the first 3 days is...

✔️ Breastfeeding on demand
✔️ Accepting frequent feedings
✔️ Resting and trusting
✔️ Seeking support
✔️ Avoiding persistent pain

To breastfeed comfortably from day one, discover our nursing wear designed to make every feed easier.

FAQ - Getting started with breastfeeding

Why does breastfeeding hurt at first?
Slight tenderness is normal, but intense pain often indicates a poor latch. Correct it quickly.

What foods are prohibited during breastfeeding?
None, unless specifically contraindicated. Eat a variety of foods and watch your baby.

How to breastfeed well for the first 3 days?
Encourage skin-to-skin contact, let baby feed on demand, rest, moisturize, ask for help.

Browse our collection of nursing tops and Breastfeeding t-shirts to help you feel confident and comfortable.

If you are breastfeeding, here are some of our nursing clothes that may interest you:

T-shirts d'allaitement
T-shirts d'allaitement imprimés
T-shirts d'allaitement personnalisés
T-shirts d’allaitement basiques
Hauts d’allaitement personnalisables
Pulls d'allaitement
Sweat-shirts d'allaitement
Pulls d'allaitement maille
Débardeurs d'allaitement
Robes d'allaitement
Pyjamas d'allaitement
vêtements d'allaitement  
Vêtements de maternité et d'allaitement
Vêtements d'allaitement à ouverture sur le côté
Vêtements d'allaitement grande taille
Vêtements d'allaitement d'été
Vêtements d'allaitement chauds
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Vêtements de grossesse et d'allaitement
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Vêtements d'allaitement pas chers
Vêtements d'allaitement personnalisés
Vêtements d'allaitement en soldes
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Vêtements d'allaitement à zip
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Pyjamas d'allaitement
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Pyjamas d'allaitement en promotion
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Pyjamas d'allaitement leopard
Pyjamas de maternité
Chemises de nuit d'allaitement
Sweat-shirts d'allaitement
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Pulls d'allaitement discret
Robes d’allaitement en maille
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Robes d’allaitement d’hiver
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Robes d’allaitement longues
Robes d’allaitement courtes
Robes d'allaitement festives
Robes d'allaitement d'été
Robes d'allaitement de vacances
Robes d'allaitement en promotion
Robes d'allaitement noires
Robes d'allaitement pas cher
Robes d'allaitement pour mariage
Robes de grossesse
Robes pull allaitement

 

If you are only a pregnant mom, here are our maternity clothes:

Black maternity jeans
Gray maternity jeans
Colored maternity jeans
Blue maternity jeans
Cheap maternity jeans
Comfortable maternity jeans
Maternity jeans
Colored maternity jeans
Black maternity jeans
Gray maternity jeans
Blue maternity jeans
Cheap maternity jeans
Comfortable maternity jeans
Maternity pants
Black maternity pants
Gray maternity pants
Colored maternity pants
Blue maternity pants
Jeans for pregnant women
Gray maternity jeans
Blue maternity jeans
Black jeans for pregnant women
Cheap jeans for pregnant women
Comfortable maternity jeans