This blog post is for all of my new mommy's and mommy's to be. 💓
Have you thought about what you're going to feed your baby? It's a big decision; and there are so many options!
For me, I always knew that I wanted to breastfeed all of my baby's. I know and understand that not all mom's feel this way, and that it isn't possible for every mom to breastfeed. But I want to share my opinion and my experience.
*Disclaimer: I am not saying those moms who choose to feed their baby formula are wrong. I am only blogging on what worked for me and my family. Formula is great for many families!
So here it is:
Fast forward a few hours after labor and delivery. You're holding your precious new bundle and are in complete awe! (Best feeling!!) The nurse comes in and tell you that it's time to try feeding your little one. (At this point, you have already told them your preference between breast milk and formula).
The nurse comes in and talks you through it. So basically you whip our your breast for everyone in the room to see and the nurse or lactation consultant coaches you through it. For me, it was just Justin, Kate, the nurse and myself.
Initial thought -- "This is weird! But a good kind of weird."
Second thought -- "This is not as easy as the movies make it seem"
*Disclaimer- this is all my opinion, my experience. Each mommy/baby is different.
Kate did not latch initially. We spent a little while trying different positions and alternating sides. (side note: there are a ton of different strategies to get your child to breastfeed. More that I knew about.)
Still, she wasn't latching. The nurse told me not to worry, she didn't have to eat right away and we could try later. I remember looking at Justin and telling him I felt like I was failing already. I was frustrated because this is what I wanted to do- it was in my plan.
So a couple hours later the nurse came back in and we tried again. She latched a little but we still weren't overly successful. Again I was feeling frustrated. So the nurse told me that she had an idea.
She came back to the room with a little package. A contact nipple shield. Let me tell you, this little piece of silicone made all the difference! Kate latched right on and breastfeeding began. I finally felt successful. And I was able to get that bond between Kate and I that I had longed for.
I was blessed- once we fixed the latch problem, Kate became a successful breastfeeding baby. I was also blessed that we didn't have any issues after that.
I'm a planner. I like to know what can happen, and have an idea of what I expect. So here were/are my current goals:
My first goal was to breastfeed my entire maternity leave. (check)
My second goal was to breastfeed until she turned 6 months old. (check)
My current goal is to breastfeed until she turns 1 year old. (working on it)
Breastfeeding has been great for Kate and I. I love that I know what she is getting. I love the special bond between us. I love that I am giving her something great. And I love that I get to spend so much quality time with her.
Now breastfeeding goes beyond baby and mommy. You make a new friend, your breast pump. My friends name is Medela 😂
Starting when Kate was 4 weeks old, I started pumping. I wanted to be sure to have plenty of stored milk for her while I was at work. That way she could continue to have breast milk instead of formula.
The truth about pumping -- it's boring. There is nothing difficult about it. But if you pump bilaterally at the same time, you can't really do anything; unless you have one of those hands free bras. Also, dragging your pump supplies everywhere is annoying. Every day I work I have to be sure I have my pump, accessories, milk bags, cooler tote all packed. Or if you go on vacation. Or a long car ride. And it sucks when you leave a piece at home. Trust me, I've been there.
But pumping milk also gives you some freedom. Want to leave baby with a sitter for a few hours? You pump milk so baby can eat. Want to go on a date? You pump milk so baby can eat. Want to eat something that baby can't have? You pump milk so baby can eat.
All in all, for me and for Kate, breastfeeding has been great! I was thrilled that I was able to do it. It is something that I hope to do with any future children we have.
I love getting to talk with other moms about breastfeeding (and all the other parenting adventures) so please email me, call me, text me, whatever if you want to chat.
And just for some humor, check out this link:
Things that go through your mind while pumping
