Article: Starting breastfeeding: 10 mistakes to avoid (and our tips for getting off to a good start)

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July 3, 2025

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

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

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.