13 Moments Only Breastfeeding Moms Understand

Breastfeeding and pumping can be one of the most rewarding things you do for your baby. But it can also be a lot of work!

Whether you breastfeed for a month, a year, or more, you’ll find yourself devoting a big chunk of your time to nourishing this tiny human. And like anything you’ve spent a lot of time doing, you start noticing the little moments and milestones that make it all worth it.

These are just 13 moments that all breastfeeding and pumping moms will understand.

Breastfeeding Milestones

Feeling enormous satisfaction from expressing just a tiny amount of colostrum during those first days. (Photo via @melady315)

And later, feeling on top of the world when you pump an entire five ounces from just one breast. (Photo via @mommysworld1316)

When you’re feeling cranky, but catch a glimpse of that little toothless grin and forget all about it. (Photo via @chrisia.feliz)

The blissful feeling that comes over you when you’re nursing and your baby locks eyes with you. (Photo via @regalbri)

The way your heart melts when you watch your loved ones bottle feeding baby. (Photo via @daniellemcmillen)

The immediate relief when your partner offers to help prep, feed, or clean for you.

That undeniable feeling of pride when you’ve finally built up a big enough stash to head back to work or have to be away from your little one. (Photo via @mrslisao)

When you get excited over all of the different places you’ve nursed – from the beach, to your favorite restaurant, and everything in between. (Photo via @postpartumobsession)

When you start adding “and breastfeeding” after every activity in your daily planner. (Photo via @daveydowe)

When your best friends help you celebrate all of your breastfeeding and pumping milestones.

That moment you realize you’ve joined a true sisterhood. (Photo via @erikasueg)

When breast milk starts getting its own designated real estate in the refrigerator. (Photo via @allisonmalone_)

And when you realize your breast milk is responsible for giving your baby those irresistible chubby cheeks. (Photo via @jramz02)