First 2 weeks of breastfeeding – Most Common MISTAKES Working Moms Make…

The first two weeks of breastfeeding are critical for setting up your milk supply and ensuring a smooth journey for you and your baby. But so many new moms make avoidable mistakes during this time—mistakes that can impact breastfeeding success down the line.

As a coach for working moms and a breast pump expert, I’ve helped thousands of women navigate breastfeeding and pumping over the years. I’ve seen the same mistakes happen over and over, but the good news is that they’re completely avoidable once you know what to look out for.

If you’re a working mom (or soon to be one) and you’re planning to combine breastfeeding with pumping when you return to work, this is especially for you. These early weeks lay the foundation for your milk supply, and getting it right now will make pumping and feeding so much easier later on.

Let’s walk through the most common breastfeeding mistakes in those first two weeks—and how to avoid them.

(This post was originally a video. Check it out, here!)

Pumping Too Early

This might seem surprising coming from a breast pump expert, but many moms think pumping right away will help boost their supply. Actually, it can create oversupply issues and even lead to engorgement.

If you’re pumping too much too early, your body might produce more milk than your baby needs. Engorgement can make it harder for your baby to latch properly and may lead to clogged ducts or mastitis.

What to do instead:

• Focus on direct breastfeeding in the early days to establish a natural supply and demand balance.
  
• If your baby isn’t removing milk efficiently, hand express or gently massage the breast during feeding.
  
• If you think you need to start pumping early due to latch issues or low output, consult an IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant) for guidance.

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Skipping Feedings (Especially at Night)

In those first two weeks, newborns typically nurse every 2 to 3 hours—even overnight. Skipping feedings, either because your baby is sleeping or because you just need a break (which is completely understandable!), can signal to your body to produce less milk.

Milk supply is built on a supply and demand system. If your body thinks the demand isn’t there, it will start producing less milk.

What to do instead:

• Nurse your baby every 2 to 3 hours, even at night.
  
• If your baby sleeps too long, gently wake them for a feeding in those early weeks.
  
• If your partner wants to help, have them assist with diaper changes or settling the baby after feeding rather than skipping a feeding.

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Ignoring Latch Pain

A good latch is the foundation of successful breastfeeding. If breastfeeding is painful, something is off. Signs of a poor latch include clicking sounds, shallow nipple placement, or persistent nipple pain.

Ignoring latch issues can lead to inefficient milk removal and even a drop in supply.

What to do instead:

• If breastfeeding is painful, reposition the baby and try again.
  
• Check for tongue ties or other latch issues with a lactation consultant.
  
• Hand express or use a pump to soften the breast if it’s too full and difficult for the baby to latch.

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Not Getting Help Early Enough

Many moms assume breastfeeding should come naturally—and when it doesn’t, they feel like they’re failing. But breastfeeding is a learned skill, and there’s no shame in needing help.

Waiting too long to seek help can turn small latch or supply issues into bigger problems.

What to do instead:

• If breastfeeding is painful, your baby isn’t gaining weight, or you feel like you don’t have enough milk, get help sooner rather than later.
  
• Reach out to a lactation consultant or breastfeeding support group.
  
• Don’t assume low supply—perceived low supply is far more common than true low supply.

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Cutting Out Night Feeds Too Soon

Prolactin, the hormone that drives milk production, is highest at night. If you start cutting out night feedings too early, your body may think milk isn’t needed and reduce production.

It’s tempting to let your partner take over night feedings so you can sleep—but this can backfire if your supply isn’t yet well established.

What to do instead:

• Continue night feedings in the early weeks to maintain supply.
  
• If your baby is sleeping longer stretches, consider a dream feed or a quick pumping session to keep supply stable.

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Introducing a Schedule Too Soon

If you’re a working mom used to structure and efficiency, you might be tempted to create a breastfeeding and sleeping schedule early on. But in the first two weeks, strict schedules can disrupt milk supply.

Babies cluster feed frequently, and trying to stick to a rigid schedule too soon can interfere with the natural supply and demand cycle.

What to do instead:

• Feed on demand for the first few weeks.
  
• Wait until breastfeeding is well established (usually around 4 to 8 weeks) before introducing a structured schedule.

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Not Taking Care of Yourself

Hydration, nutrition, and rest play a huge role in milk production. But let’s be real—taking care of yourself with a newborn is easier said than done.

I once had a mom come to my office struggling with low supply. After ruling out every physical issue, my mentor asked her what she had eaten that day. It was 2:00 p.m.—and she hadn’t eaten anything. We gave her a yogurt, some cookies, and tea, and within a couple of weeks, her supply improved just from eating and hydrating better.

What to do instead:

• Eat anything—don’t worry about perfect meals. Just keep food and water coming in.
  
• Say yes to help. Let someone bring you a meal or hold the baby while you nap.
  
• Remember, you don’t get a gold star for doing it all alone.

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Waiting Too Long to Start Pumping (If Needed)

While pumping too early can cause issues, waiting too long to introduce a pump can also create problems—especially if you’re planning to return to work.

If your baby isn’t effectively removing milk, you may need to start pumping earlier to avoid supply dips.

What to do instead:

• Start introducing the pump gradually after the first couple of weeks if you plan to return to work.
  
• Work with a lactation consultant to figure out the right timing for you.
  
• Focus on building a freezer stash once your supply is stable.

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You’ve Got This—And I Can Help

The first two weeks of breastfeeding are intense, but they lay the foundation for long-term success. Getting things right now will make things so much easier when you start combining breastfeeding and pumping.

If you want more personalized support, my coaching program is designed specifically for working moms who are serious about meeting their breastfeeding and pumping goals. We focus on creating a streamlined, sustainable plan so you can maintain your supply without losing your mind.

If that sounds like what you need, you can schedule a free call with my team—we’ll see if it’s a good fit for you.

You’ve got this. And if you need help, I’m here for you.

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Happy feeding!