This is one of the most common questions new moms have—and you are not alone! If you’re nursing at the breast, the best indicators are your baby’s output and growth. If your baby is having enough wet and dirty diapers in a 24-hour period and is gaining steadily along their growth curve, that’s a strong sign they’re getting what they need.

You may have heard a friend or well-meaning relative warn you that breastfeeding or pumping is painful and that you just have to “push through.”

The truth? Pain is a giant red flag.

Breastfeeding or pumping should not hurt. Some mild discomfort in the beginning as your body adjusts can be normal, but ongoing pain is not. A quick way to tell the difference: gently tug on the inside of your forearm, then give that same spot a firm pinch. Tugging feels odd but tolerable—pinching feels sharp and uncomfortable. If nursing or pumping feels more like the pinch, it’s time to reach out for support.

It can feel overwhelming when your baby suddenly refuses the breast. Sometimes this “nursing strike” is linked to teething, illness, or another stressor. Try to stay calm and offer plenty of skin-to-skin time. One of my favorite hacks? Take a warm bath together—it can help both of you relax and may encourage baby back to the breast.

If your baby is refusing to nurse and won’t take a bottle, reach out to a lactation consultant and your medical provider right away to ensure your baby stays safe and well-fed.

Few things feel as stressful as returning to work and having your baby refuse a bottle!

I usually recommend introducing a bottle around 2–4 weeks of age and continuing to offer one every few days. Why? Because, just like nursing, bottle feeding is a skill that needs to be learned and practiced.

If your baby hasn’t had a bottle before and is refusing while you’re away, don’t panic—there are strategies that can help. My number one tip? Work with an IBCLC experienced in bottle refusal. Having the right support can make a huge difference for both you and your baby.

Here are a few tips that sometimes help:

• Offer the bottle in a different position (like upright, side-lying, or while walking).

• Try feeding in a calm, dimly lit environment.

• Offer the bottle when baby is drowsy but not fully asleep.

And if these tips don’t work, definitely work with an IBCLC!

Along with concerns about making enough, one of the most common questions I hear is: “How do I boost my supply?”

There are many reasons you might want to increase milk production—maybe you’re preparing for a trip, needing extra for daycare, or just wanting a little more stored milk.

The number one recommendation? Increase milk removals. This means nursing more often or adding pumping sessions. Ideally, aim to remove milk about 8–12 times in a 24-hour period. The more often milk is removed, the more signals your body gets to make more.