Alright, mamas, it’s March, so let’s talk about the real pot of liquid gold at the end of the rainbow—breast milk. Yep, we’re diving into the wild, leaky, and slightly painful adventure of breastfeeding.

As a first-time mom, I thought I had done all the things to prepare—read the books, consulted the experts, quizzed every mom I knew—but when the moment came? I still had no clue what I was doing. Classic. At first, I wasn’t even sure I wanted to breastfeed because of the challenges of my career. But then my baby came out highly motivated (seriously, she latched like she had been training for this moment), and I couldn’t say no. Huge relief because, honestly, I was winging it.

And let me tell you, the beginning was rough. My nipples were so cracked I couldn’t wear a shirt (not that I wanted to, anyway—postpartum life = full-time pajama mode). My milk took six long days to show up, and in the meantime, my baby was cluster feeding like she was trying to summon it through sheer determination. Oh, and the hunger. Nobody warns you that breastfeeding turns you into a bottomless pit. I would have eaten my own arm if it had protein and a side of fries.

Since my milk was fashionably late, my baby started losing weight. Cue the panic. I was told to supplement with formula in a bottle, but I was terrified of messing up breastfeeding before I even got started. Enter: the supplemental nursing system (SNS), aka the most complicated way to feed a baby. It required two people, four hands, and probably a minor in engineering. My husband was an absolute saint through it all.

So, how did my milk finally come in? Honestly… no clue. Maybe it was the brewer’s yeast supplements a friend suggested (worth a shot, right?). Or maybe it was the fact that one night, my sister and a friend were visiting with their babies, and when all three babies started crying at once, boom—milk. Motherhood is weird like that.

And through all the exhaustion, sore nipples, and sleepless nights, I have never felt more deeply, overwhelmingly happy. This tiny human—my little miracle—made every struggle, every late-night feed, every moment of doubt completely worth it. There is nothing like the feeling of holding your baby close, watching their little eyes flutter as they drift off to sleep, completely safe and content in your arms. It is the most beautiful kind of love—one that fills you up in a way you never knew was possible.

Now, I could ramble about my breastfeeding journey for hours (because let’s be real, once you start, you never shut up about it), but let’s get to the part you really need—how to survive the cluster feeding phase:

How to Survive the Cluster Feeding Phase:

• Silverettes + nipple cream = the holy grail. Never leave home without them. Actually, never take them off.

• Cooling Hydrogel Nipple Pads for when you feel like your nipples might straight-up fall off.

• Ugly pajamas because nobody’s got time for real clothes, and you will get milk stains on everything.

• Water, water, and more water. Plus electrolytes. You are basically an athlete now—an exhausted, milk-leaking, human pacifier of an athlete.

• Nourish your body. Your baby is eating 24/7, and guess what? So should you. Stock up on easy, nutrient-dense snacks because cooking a full meal while cluster feeding is a joke. Bonus points for one-handed snacks because the other hand? Occupied. Always.

• Enlist help & rest whenever possible. Yes, you’re a supermom, but even superheroes need a nap. Hand the baby off when you can, even if it’s just to shower and feel like a person again.

• Get comfortable & experiment with nursing positions. I personally wasn’t a fan of the one nursing pillow I tried (or could afford), but some friends swear by them. Try different positions until you find what works for you—because a comfy mama is a happy mama.

• Your needs matter too. You are more than just a milk machine, and taking care of yourself is not selfish. Eat, rest, breathe, and don’t forget to do something just for you when you can.

• Be patient & embrace the moment. I know, I know—when you’re running on zero sleep and feel like all you do is nurse, patience sounds impossible. But this is a beautiful bonding phase, and the key word here? Phase. It will pass. And one day, you might even miss it. (Or at least look back at it with a weird nostalgic fondness. I know I do.)

Breastfeeding isn’t easy, but it is incredible. The connection, the closeness, the sheer magic of knowing that you are your baby’s comfort and nourishment—there’s nothing else like it. So hang in there, mama. You got this. And remember—if today all you did was feed your baby and survive? That’s enough.

Oh, and one thing I wish I had done? Read The Breast Book Ever by Mackenzie Brown while I was still pregnant. It’s a quick, no-nonsense guide by a certified nurse and midwife that would have saved me so much stress in those early days. If you’re expecting or just starting out, do yourself a favor and check it out!

Disclaimer: I’m not a medical professional—just a mom sharing my personal experiences. What works for me may not work for you, so always consult with a healthcare provider for advice that’s right for your situation.