The amazing photo credit goes to non other but the amazing Jaydene from Cradled Creations. Lady you know how to make me want to have countless babies with your photos.
This week is the World Breastfeeding Week and I thought it was a great time to share a little about my breastfeeding experience and maybe pass on a tip or two.
Writing this post, I understand that everyone’s experience is different. I feel beyond blessed I could breastfeed my babies and I understand that it doesn’t always work out. I am a firm believer that you have to do what’s best for you and your baby, and sometimes that means pumping or formula. I also wanted to add that I often gave my girls a bottle and supplemented with formula many times.
I’ve successfully breastfed my 2 girls. The oldest one I weaned at about 10 months and I am still currently breastfeeding my 10-month-old. I’ve pretty much breastfed for over 2 years with a short 5 month break after I weaned my oldest and before I had my second daughter.
I LOVE breastfeeding. It’s ma jam, it’s my thing. I am NOT one of those people who enjoys pregnancy. I puke for the entire 40 weeks and being 5 foot nothing, I feel stretched out to the MAX. My body is clearly not so good at labor and birth, HELLO most painful 3-day labor and 2 c-sections. I was so fearful that breastfeeding wasn’t going to work out for me for some reason, but I am so THANKFUL that it did.
With all that said, breastfeeding is NOT easy. With my second one I kind of knew what I was doing and what to expect so it was relatively easy but with my first, it was definitely unchartered territory.
No one tells you the pain that is engorgement or sore nipples. No one tells you the HOURS you will spend isolated on the couch, holding in your bodily functions.
And with the second child, the challenge was how to entertain a 17-month-old toddler for 40 minutes on end while you are strapped by the boob to the couch. My toddler always viewed it as a window for all sorts of mischief as she knew I was occupied feeding the baby. I cannot tell you how many times I’ve run around with a newborn attached to the boob trying to get the toddler from climbing on top of the table or prevent her from getting into the fireplace and whatnot.
I am no expert but here are a few things I did that made my life easier:
- Learning to breastfeed lying down was my saving grace. It was a life saver not having to get up and feed at night. That way my husband could just pass me the baby and I didn’t have to get up. I really can’t thank enough the nurse that pretty much MADE me learn how to.
- Get Netflix, yes it will be your BEST friend.
- Get good nipple cream. Bamboobies SAVED my life.
- I figured out all too late that I was very sensitive to some types of disposable pads so I had to switch to the reusable one. If you are feeling a pain/irritation or itchiness consider switching the brands.
- If you have an older child, get a goodie box that only comes out during breastfeeding. That way they have a little treat waiting for them and you know you bought yourself some time.
- Last but not least, try and enjoy it as frustrating as it may be sometimes. I am currently thinking that soon I will be weaning my youngest and it makes me somewhat sad as I LOVE the cuddles. But on the other hand, I can’t wait to have my body back all to myself.
How was your breastfeeding experience? Good? Bad? Would you do it all over again?!
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