Breastfeeding is the source of much controversy: although it offers many benefits for both mom and baby, some women choose bottle over breast for different reasons. If you’ve decided to go the breast route after weighing your options, there may still be a few surprises ahead: we’ve got five things you didn’t know about breastfeeding.

 

Trouble getting baby to latch on. Although breastfeeding is natural, some babies are better at it than others. Your baby may have a bit of trouble latching on at first, but practice makes perfect, and she’ll soon get the hang of it. Tip: if your breast is very full and the nipple is flatter, squeeze out a bit of milk to make it easier for your baby to get a hold on it.

Really big boobs. Feel like you’ve got a pair of huge watermelons in your bra? It’s only normal! Get some good nursing bras, and make sure to feed your baby, or at least pump, regularly to ensure you continue to produce milk and reduce engorgement (swollen, tender breasts filled with milk). Also, make sure to feed your baby from both breasts every time, to prevent engorgement in only one breast.

Milk squirting out. This one can be a real surprise, even causing slightly embarrassing situations that make for a good laugh afterwards.But yes, breasts do squirt out milk, especially if your baby is feeding and suddenly decides to turn her head away. Consider yourself warned!

Feelings of shyness and vulnerability. Breastfeeding is a very physically-intimate experience that you may not feel instinctively comfortable with at first. The reasons may be psychological, or feelings of shyness and vulnerability may simply come from being exposed when breastfeeding in public. Taking the time to really stop and have some quality time with your baby during breastfeeding can help alleviate these feelings, as well as finding a place to do it in private, at least for the first few times.

People telling you how to do it. If you’ve got a lot of people to support you through your experience as a parent, that’s great! But your mother, sister, aunt, best friend, even mother-in-law will all have something different to say about your breastfeeding technique. Take some and leave some: in the end, the important thing is to do what feels right and comfortable for you and your baby!