The Breastfeeding Questions Every New Mom Is Googling (Answered by Moms Who’ve Been There)

If you’re breastfeeding right now — chances are you’ve Googled at least one of these questions at 2 a.m. (probably while holding a baby in one arm and your phone in the other).

And if you’ve wondered “Is this normal?” — let us say this first: you’re not alone.

At Nursing Queen, we’re moms too. We’ve nursed in rocking chairs, pumped in cars, cried over milk supply, and questioned everything. So we gathered the most searched breastfeeding questions and answered them honestly — without judgment, pressure, or fluff.

This mom is wearing a nursing yoga tunic with hidden breastfeeding access. No need for covers to layers! 

How Do I Know If My Baby Is Getting Enough Milk?

This is the most common breastfeeding question — and for good reason.

Signs your baby is getting enough breast milk include:

• Steady weight gain

• Regular wet and dirty diapers

• Swallowing sounds during nursing

• Baby seems relaxed or sleepy after feeds

Breastfeeding doesn’t come with measurement lines like a bottle, so trust your baby’s cues — and your instincts. If you’re ever unsure, a lactation consultant can offer reassurance and guidance.

You an also do a weighted feed. When my first son was a newborn, I stressed so much about him getting enough milk. In the hospital, a lactation consultant told me to use a scale before and after nursing him to check how much milk he was getting. So, I scheduled a meeting with her. She sat with us while I nursed, and then we weighed him before and after. He was 2.5 ounces heavier afterward! Here's more on how to do a weighted feed at home. 

Does Breastfeeding Hurt?

Some tenderness in the early days can be normal — but ongoing pain is not.

Breastfeeding pain often points to:

• A shallow latch

• Poor positioning

• Tongue or lip ties

• Engorgement or clogged ducts

If nursing feels painful, it doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong. A small latch adjustment can make a huge difference. Comfortable breastfeeding is possible — and you deserve support getting there.

When Will My Milk Come In?

In the first few days after birth, your body produces colostrum — a thick, nutrient-rich milk that’s perfectly designed for your newborn.

Mature breast milk typically comes in between days 3–5 postpartum. You may notice:

• Fuller breasts

• Leaking

• Increased pumping output

Frequent nursing or pumping helps signal your body to keep producing milk — even if the amounts seem small at first.

Why Does My Milk Supply Feel Low?

Low milk supply is one of the top concerns among nursing and pumping moms — but true supply issues are less common than you think.

Milk supply is driven by demand:

• Nurse or pump often (every 2–3 hours)

• Avoid skipping feeds when possible

• Make sure your pump flanges fit correctly

• Stay hydrated and nourished

If pumping output looks low, remember: babies are more efficient than pumps.

This mom is wearing a sweatshirt with hidden zipper access for pumping. You can open the sweatshirt as much as you need for your pump parts.

How Often Should I Pump?

Whether you’re pumping exclusively or combining nursing and pumping, consistency matters.

A general pumping guideline:

• Pump every 2–3 hours

• Aim for 8–10 sessions per day early on

• Pump for 15–20 minutes per session

Many moms pump at work, in the car, or while caring for older kids — which is why clothing that makes pumping easy (and discreet) can be a total game-changer.

Real Talk: Breastfeeding Isn’t Always Easy — And That’s Okay

Some days feel empowering. Other days feel exhausting. Both can exist at the same time.

Nursing and pumping are not measures of your worth as a mom. Feeding your baby — however that looks — is what matters most.

You’re doing more than enough, mama!