Why Breastfeeding Is the Final Stretch of the Motherhood Triathlon— How to Prepare for It

Pregnancy is the marathon. Childbirth is the climb. But breastfeeding? That’s the open-water swim. The Last Leg Is Often the Hardest—And the Least Prepared For. If becoming a parent were a triathlon, it might look like this: 

• Pregnancy is the marathon—a long, steady effort. You know the course ahead, and your body is built to go the distance (even if you walk it). 

• Childbirth is the uphill climb—sudden, intense, and unpredictable. You don’t know the terrain until the day of, and even with training, it pushes you to the edge. 

• Breastfeeding is the open-water swim—it happens after the adrenaline fades, when you’re tired and disoriented, unsure where you’re going or what’s under the surface. 

Yet, most parents prepare for the first two and barely think about the third. 

We read books, take childbirth classes, and write detailed birth plans—but when it comes to breastfeeding, we often assume it will just come naturally. 

But like swimming in open water, breastfeeding is a learned skill—for both mother and baby—and it deserves just as much preparation. 

In this article, we’ll help you: 

• Understand why so many parents struggle with breastfeeding 

• Learn how to prepare before your baby arrives 

• Create a postpartum plan that supports both your milk supply and your sanity 

I. What the Guidelines Say—And What Real Life Looks Like 

Breast milk is an ideal source of nutrition. It contains everything your baby needs and adapts as they grow and fight off illness. 

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends: 

• Exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months 

• Continued breastfeeding up to two years (or longer) alongside solid foods 

But for many modern mothers—especially in active Western societies—this is often unrealistic. 

They may have jobs to return to, other children or aging parents to care for (hello, sandwich generation), and lives that require support and flexibility. Unfortunately, these recommendations are often presented as the gold standard without context. 

When external pressure from family, friends, or healthcare providers is layered on top, new mothers can feel immense guilt or shame if they don’t breastfeed—or stop earlier than planned. 

📊 According to the CDC's 2021 Breastfeeding Report Card: 

• 84.1% of babies received some breast milk at birth 

• Only 59.8% were still receiving any breast milk at six months 

And a 2013 study found that about 60% of mothers who stopped breastfeeding did so earlier than they wanted to. 

Rates of any and exclusive breastfeeding by age among children born in 2021, National Immunization Survey-Child, United States. 

Exclusive breastfeeding is defined as ONLY breast milk—NO solids, water, or other liquids. 

Before we talk about why so many struggle, one reminder: → Any amount of breast milk is beneficial. 

Even colostrum—the first milk produced during pregnancy and the early days after birth—is incredibly rich in antibodies and nutrients. It's often called liquid gold, and even small amounts can be hand-expressed after delivery with support. 

So if you struggle, decide not to continue, or stop after a few days or weeks—your baby has already benefited. 

And know this: infant formula is a healthy alternative. It even contains certain nutrients that breastfed babies often need through supplements. Formula-fed babies thrive, too. 

II. Why Do So Many Mothers Struggle to Breastfeed? 

Most new mothers intend to breastfeed—but few fully understand what it requires. 

There’s a common assumption: “I’ll just put the baby to the breast, and they’ll know what to do.” 

Let’s go back to the swimming analogy: 
Your baby has been floating in amniotic fluid for nine months—but you wouldn’t toss them into a lake and expect them to swim. 

Here’s what the early days of breastfeeding often look like: 

• It takes practice. Finding a comfortable position and getting a good latch requires trial and error. 

• It’s time-consuming. Newborns feed 8–12 times a day, sometimes for long stretches. Cluster feeding (especially on days 2–3) can make you doubt your supply or feel like something is wrong. 

• It can be painful. Pain isn’t normal, but it is common—usually due to latch issues. Quick access to help can make a huge difference. 

• It’s all on you. Exclusive breastfeeding means you’re the sole source of food. No breaks, no backup. It can feel like a lot—especially when you’re healing. 

Without preparation, many new parents feel confused, overwhelmed, and alone. And when that happens, even the most motivated mothers may supplement or stop altogether—not because they failed, but because they weren’t supported. 

Most people take a childbirth class. Few take a breastfeeding class. 

Yet many of the biggest hurdles—pain, low supply, latch struggles—can be anticipated or avoided with some basic knowledge: 

• What a good latch looks like 

• How to support milk supply 

• How to know if baby is getting enough 

• Breastfeeding positions after a C-section or vaginal tear 

• What cluster feeding is and how to handle it 

Preparation doesn’t guarantee a smooth ride—just like a birth plan doesn’t guarantee an uncomplicated labor—but it can make you feel more confident and capable. 

New mothers are especially vulnerable in the first days and weeks postpartum.

Unrealistic expectations + low support = a perfect storm for guilt, shame, and Postpartum Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs). 

III. How to Prepare Before Baby Arrives 

1. Learn the Basics 

• Ask your OB-GYN or midwife for trusted resources 

• If you have a birth doula, tap into their knowledge 

• Consider meeting with an IBCLC (lactation consultant) before birth. They can explain what to expect and offer in-home visits if needed. Check your insurance for coverage. 

2. Set Up a Postpartum Plan to Support Breastfeeding 

• Hydration and nutrition are critical for healing and milk production. Stock your freezer or line up a meal service so you’re not stressing over food. 
  Note: You’ll be bombarded with ads for lactation cookies and supplements. Some may help—but no cookie or tea replaces nutrition, rest, and support. 

• Delegate housework. Your job is to rest, recover, and bond. Let others do the laundry, dishes, errands, and pet care. 

• Schedule rest. Even if you’re the sole feeder, build in daily rest periods where someone else cares for baby. You need it—and deserve it. 

If you plan to be your baby’s only food source, that decision needs to be honored and protected by your support system. The family dynamic must adapt to make this sustainable. 

3. Ask Yourself: Is Breastfeeding Right for Me? 

• Do you have parental leave? For how long? 

• Will your job support pumping when you return? 

• Do you have people who can support you emotionally and practically in the early weeks? 

Remember: Breast milk is amazing—but so is a healthy, emotionally stable, well-rested mother. 

If breastfeeding threatens your mental or physical health—or causes strain on your family—there are wonderful formula options available. 

You’re not failing if you pivot. You’re just choosing to swim your own way. 

You’ve completed the marathon of pregnancy. You’ve conquered the uphill climb of childbirth. Now comes the final stretch of the motherhood triathlon: breastfeeding. 

Think of it as an Ironman—you wouldn’t show up without training. 

Understand what breastfeeding actually involves. Decide if it’s right for you. And if it is, give yourself the best shot with education and support. 

Bonjour Parenthood is here to help: 

• Learn the basics with our Golden Month handbook 

• Book your 2-hour Postpartum Prep Call to map out a breastfeeding-friendly recovery 

• For NYC families, we offer in-home postpartum support with doulas trained in lactation—and referrals to IBCLCs if needed. 

Explore our offerings or get in touch: contact@bonjourparenthood.com