We've made it!! Breastfeeding for (almost) three months feels like a huge accomplishment. It makes me so sad to think that it's already been 1/4 of a year... Where in the world did the time go? 😭 Everyone's experience with breastfeeding is different because our babies are completely unique. Don't compare yourself to others, formula or breastmilk both feed a baby! I can truly say that I love breastfeeding, even through all the pain and exhaustion.
I was so confident about breastfeeding before the hospital, and I left feeling just as confident thanks to some amazing nurses and lactation consultants. During our stay we hit a few hiccups that caused me to doubt myself. Sawyer had intermediate to high jaundice levels, which there's nothing we could do to prevent. Lots of newborns end up jaundice, but it's not something people warn you about. Because of her jaundice, the doctors had us supplement with donated breastmilk to get her levels low enough to discharge us. This meant introducing a bottle super early, and also giving our baby something other than my breastmilk. All I cared about was getting our baby healthy so that we could take her home, but I was still upset.
Although Sawyer's jaundice levels were still high, the nurse practitioner said they would discharge us if we would be willing to supplement with formula. I absolutely did not want to, but was going to do whatever it took. Just as we were getting ready to pack up and leave the pediatrician stopped by to check in on all the babies being discharged. He asked if we had any questions, and luckily I mentioned the nurse practitioner's decision. He immediately said no way do you need to supplement with formula. He actually threw his nurse practitioner under the bus, and told us how she always pushes formula before its necessary. I really believe his intervention made for successful breastfeeding that first week. I wasn't worried about nipple confusion or the difference in breastmilk and formula. I was more concerned with the ease and convenience that formula offers. I knew that I would love being able to rely on daniel to feed her, and that would make me less likely to continue breastfeeding. I know myself, and I tend to choose the easy way when it's an option.
When we got home from the hospital I started using my brestfriend pillow which helped so much when we were still getting used to positioning! While in the hospital they really push the football hold for nursing, but honestly it sucks and I hate it. Once I had the brestfriend pillow, it made the traditional cradle extremely easy because I didn't have to support her weight. After giving birth I felt so weak. It was honestly difficult to hold her because all my strength had been drained out of me! It's so important to have some sort of support pillow when you first start breastfeeding until you get your strength back. That way all you have to focus on is their latch. The logistics of breastfeeding went really well the first few weeks. I was obviously exhausted, but that's what I signed up for.
While in the hospital they suggest using lanolin, which was totally fine for a little while, but I overused it! Nobody warned me about that. So that caused them to not dry after each feeding. That led to some cracking and discomfort when latching the first week. I got an amazing organic alternative to lanolin from Bamboobies that literally saved me! I use it once a day now, and absolutely love it.
After about three weeks, her latch got really painful on one side. Usually it's uncomfortable for about 30 seconds then feels totally fine, but this was different. The pain persisted through entire feedings, which makes you think you should take a break from feeding on that side! Completely wrong. Luckily I google everything so I typed in my symptoms and pretty quickly realized I had a clogged milk duct and possibly mastitis. Yikes. I was so worried that it would take forever to clear up and I'd just have to deal with the pain.
I called my OB right away, described everything, and her nurse was so helpful. They sent me a prescription for antibiotics that I started using immediately, and she also gave me tons of helpful suggestions. Like soaking in warm epson salts, pumping every hour (which totally boosted my supply woop woop), and massaging the area. After that it only took about two days to completely clear up, although the antibiotics were for a full week. So now I feel like a pro when it comes to dealing with clogged milk ducts/mastitis. 🤣 For a few weeks I dealt with clogged milk ducts constantly, and finally realized it was from wearing too tight of sports bras! Now I try to go braless whenever possible, usually with a nursing tank top that has the built in support.
I have been breastfeeding in public for a few months now! At first I would literally ONLY go out in between nursing so that I wouldn't have to worry, but that's a hard way to live life. I use my Milk Snob cover, but still feel like a rockstar. It's not that I'm uncomfortable breastfeeding, but I'm worried about making others feel awkward. So many people say "well that's their problem", but I don't feel that way at all. I really don't want to make any men, wives, children, or moms feel uncomfortable. I'll always use a cover for that reason, but I also completely support just going for it without a cover if that's your style.
Currently we are doing great, and she's gaining tons of weight. I used to dread breastfeeding the entire first month. Now I look forward to that moment to sit down, relax, and just enjoy holding my baby girl close. I use the time to catch up on my phone, read, or just sit back and watch tv. Other times I just soak up all the cuddles with my baby. I know this season of breastfeeding is so short that I truly want to enjoy it as long as I can.
If you are struggling with breastfeeding, you've got this! Don't give up because of the pain or exhaustion. It will get better, and you will get used to it! If things don't work out then fed is best.
xoxo,
