Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving! Today I wanted to share my breastfeeding story. It’s incredible how different one child can be from the next, and how much easier it can be the second time around. Of course, we’ve got a long way to go. But all the experiences I’ve had with Aden as a baby have definitely taught me so much, making things like breastfeeding much more enjoyable with Ariah.
With Aden, breastfeeding was hard. It didn’t come as naturally as we’re meant to believe. Aden wasn’t latching properly, which meant I experienced soreness, my nipples were callused and I was in pain for about 8 weeks. I was having a hard time keeping up my supply of milk and it was taking a major emotional toll on me. All this in the midst of things I had to learn and research as a new mom – it was important to know, for example that I needed to eat right while breastfeeding to give my baby what he needed. (What we eat can even contribute to whether or not the baby gets colic.) There was just so much to learn, and so much I wanted to be able to do. I wanted so desperately to breastfeed that when it didn’t seem like a viable option, I broke down. But I was determined not to give up.
I know I’m not the only woman to have felt this way. In fact, I didn’t have it as bad as some women do. Breastfeeding can come easy and it can be nearly impossible. There are a ton of reasons for this, but the one that affected me was Aden’s latch. It took some time, but I finally learned how to get the right latch, and then breastfeeding was much easier. Let me tell you you, if breastfeeding is important to you, do not leave the hospital unless you’ve had the right latch with your baby!
When it came time to breastfeed Ariah, I have to admit I was a little worried. I wanted to be sure that I could give her my antibodies, feed her nutrients and give her enough of my milk to help prevent her from getting sick. Thankfully my worries were unwarranted. I took everything I learned from my experience with Aden and Ariah had the perfect latch from day one. The nurses even commented that they wished Ariah could teach the other babies there! Lol.
Where breastfeeding with Aden was challenging, with Ariah it’s been unbelievable. I can’t fully express how it actually feels, but the bond it’s building between us is amazing. I cherish every second I can sit down and feed her. It’s our private time together, and I really find it so relaxing. It makes me feel good to know that I can give her everything that her body needs, and I plan to do so until she’s one year. And women must do what’s right for their baby–which can include bottle feeding of course. In that case, I’ve discovered that Gentle Gerber formula is best!
I’ve learned to trust my baby.
I hope hearing my story will help any new mommas out there! Share your experiences with me in the comments.
Xx,
Tamera
With Aden, breastfeeding was hard. It didn’t come as naturally as we’re meant to believe. Aden wasn’t latching properly, which meant I experienced soreness, my nipples were callused and I was in pain for about 8 weeks. I was having a hard time keeping up my supply of milk and it was taking a major emotional toll on me. All this in the midst of things I had to learn and research as a new mom – it was important to know, for example that I needed to eat right while breastfeeding to give my baby what he needed. (What we eat can even contribute to whether or not the baby gets colic.) There was just so much to learn, and so much I wanted to be able to do. I wanted so desperately to breastfeed that when it didn’t seem like a viable option, I broke down. But I was determined not to give up.
I know I’m not the only woman to have felt this way. In fact, I didn’t have it as bad as some women do. Breastfeeding can come easy and it can be nearly impossible. There are a ton of reasons for this, but the one that affected me was Aden’s latch. It took some time, but I finally learned how to get the right latch, and then breastfeeding was much easier. Let me tell you you, if breastfeeding is important to you, do not leave the hospital unless you’ve had the right latch with your baby!
When it came time to breastfeed Ariah, I have to admit I was a little worried. I wanted to be sure that I could give her my antibodies, feed her nutrients and give her enough of my milk to help prevent her from getting sick. Thankfully my worries were unwarranted. I took everything I learned from my experience with Aden and Ariah had the perfect latch from day one. The nurses even commented that they wished Ariah could teach the other babies there! Lol.
Where breastfeeding with Aden was challenging, with Ariah it’s been unbelievable. I can’t fully express how it actually feels, but the bond it’s building between us is amazing. I cherish every second I can sit down and feed her. It’s our private time together, and I really find it so relaxing. It makes me feel good to know that I can give her everything that her body needs, and I plan to do so until she’s one year. And women must do what’s right for their baby–which can include bottle feeding of course. In that case, I’ve discovered that Gentle Gerber formula is best!
I’ve learned to trust my baby.
I hope hearing my story will help any new mommas out there! Share your experiences with me in the comments.
Xx,
Tamera
68 Responses
Thank you Tamera for sharing your story.. I breastfeed all three my children.. I have two boys and I recently have my baby girl in September. You are so correct each child nurse differently my first child I breastfed and use formula.. My second don’t take a bottle for 6 month.. So that was very stress and also they where 18 month apart. So I had a lot of up and down moment.. With my daughter it was easy the only thing I stress about is at three month I have to go back to work… I didn’t have to work with my sons so it go be very stressful for me but I’m very determine to breastfeed my beautiful baby.
With my first son. He would latch on either. almost went into post partum but i was able to pump for 5 month. Then when my second son came he was 10lbs 5oz and I thought I was awesome because I didn’t have to give him formula and he was drinking with no problem. Then I found out that he was allergic to very things and I had to ween him. It can take you through a lot of different emotions. So great job to all moms how choose to breastfeed.
I had the same problem when I stared breastfeeding my son that you had with Aden, but it got better after a month. But that first month was so frustrating because I wanted to breastfeed and have that bond. And I am so glad that I stuck with it and it eventually got better and I think that is why now me and my son are very close.
Thanks for sharing. This is my first and I’m having to do both formula and breast milk. Right before it was time to go back to work I ended up in congestive heart failure and the meds from the fluid pills is drying me out. So when I pump I only get an once or two ounces. Compared to six oz. I’m not ready to give up so I nurse in the evenings pump at work and nurse on the weekends. I eat oatmeal and drink the Powerade but it’s not really helping. But I’m trying not to get discouraged.
I do admit the location nurses were awesome in both hospitals and I loved the nip shield bc my son didn’t latch until almost 2mtbs
Tamera
I’m trying to buy Milky and cannot find it in any store in Northern California. Can you please help me to find some Milky?
OXOX
Christina
Honey you don’t need milky or anything but your baby to increase your supply. Keep baby to breast and make sure you’re breastfeeding on demand. If you’re a working mama make sure you’re pumping. Stay hydrated and eat well. Best of luck☺
I do not breastfeed that much I mainly pump.
Hi Christina,
Lisa (below) is right that it’s important to stay hydrated, eat well, and offer breast (and/or pump) as much as possible to keep your supply up. However, if you would like to find Milky (which is seems that you do), you might find it easiest to order from Amazon. Also Google other galactagogues like fenugreek (my baby and I didn’t like it, but other mommies do), if you want. Lastly, reach out to your local LLL (La Leche League) chapter…they are a wealth of knowledge. No mom’s journey is the same as anyone elses. Do you.
Good Luck and Happy Milking!