Breastfeeding has been ‘a little bit tricky’ for Khloé Kardashian

Even with the best resources, parenting book and supporters, the transition to motherhood comes with a steep learning curve. And while some things like swaddling and diaper changes can be practiced ahead of time, other things like breastfeeding have to be worked through when baby arrives.

Right now, Kris Jenner says all the mechanics of nursing are challenging for Khloe Kardashian. “She is so excited about motherhood, and trying to get the nursing thing down which is a little tricky,” Jenner told Ellen DeGeneres this week. “Well, she is trying, she’s really trying. [Latching] was a little bit tricky when I was there. She’s figuring it out one day at a time and she’s just the best mom already and that baby is so cute. Little True.”

According to a study from the UC David Medical Center published in the journal Pediatrics, 92% of new mothers report trouble breastfeeding within three days of their babies’ births. The most common complaint was trouble with latching, which can be complicated by issues like a tongue and/or lip tie in the infant—or could be due to the fact this is a whole new experience for mother and baby.

The good news is that a strong support system can make all the difference in helping mothers achieve their breastfeeding goals. (With the added benefit of helping to ward off postpartum depression, according to a recent study.) When seeking advice from a lactation consultant, healthcare professional, friend or family member, just be sure you (and they) keep in mind that every person’s breastfeeding experience is different.

“If you are going to seek someone’s help—if that’s a lactation consultant or a doctor or whoever—it’s so important that you’re seeing someone who is listening to you and really taking into consideration your feeling and your insight as well,” International Board Certified Lactation Consultant Meg Nagle previously told Motherly.

Thankfully for Kardashian, she does have supporters in her mother and sisters. “Khloe is amazing, I am so proud of that kid,” Jenner adds. “I get choked up because she is such a good mom and honestly it gets so emotional because I was in Cleveland last week and it was snowing, and she was nestled in and the nursery, and the baby and she is just concentrating on that, just being a mom, her baby and that is what her sisters are doing as well.”

If and when that latch does click for Kardashian and baby True, it’s worth celebrating. In the meantime, Kardashian deserves credit for letting those in her circle know what she needs help with—because those challenges of motherhood are easier to bear with support.

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