World Breastfeeding Week: One Mom Shares Her Story

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breastfeeding miami moms blog world breastfeeding weekDuring my first pregnancy I had planned to take on breastfeeding. Like a lot of women going through their first pregnancy, I thought I would be able to just figure out.

Because breastfeeding is totally natural, right?

Well, I soon found out I was totally unprepared for how difficult breastfeeding was and how little support I would have from the hospital staff once my baby was born. Yes, I had taken a breastfeeding class but all that went out the window when I couldn’t get my baby to latch, and formula was offered because she was hungry and I “wasn’t providing enough for my baby.”

My experience was less than ideal, and my baby ended up being formula fed her whole first year of life. Even though the outcome wasn’t what I wanted for her; I had a beautiful, healthy and happy baby with a full belly every day.

However, I knew that for my next baby I was going to educate myself, seek help, and do everything I could to breastfeed. I knew that with my first baby there hadn’t been any medical reason for my inability to breastfeed. It had been purely lack of knowledge, experience, and help.

So throughout my second pregnancy:

  • I educated myself
  • I joined a nursing moms facebook group
  • I watched medical breastfeeding videos
  • I got recommendations for local lactation consultants

Through my research I learned that I had what is called flat nipples, which makes it initially difficult for babies to latch. So in my hospital bag, I packed a nipple shield in case I was to need it.

When my son was born even with all of my research and education I couldn’t get him to latch right. My nipples were bruised and I even thought about giving up and asking for formula just for one night. Thankfully, my nurse on call was so supportive and taught me to pump and feed my baby through a spoon, to give my body and my baby a rest, and she promised to call in the lactation consultant the next morning.

She kept her word, and to this day I acknowledge my success to her for not letting me give up that night. The lactation consultant confirmed my diagnosis for flat nipples and taught me to use my nipple shield correctly. With her help, my son started feeding right away and the next day my milk came in and his weight continued to increase.

Even with my success at the hospital the challenges continued at home.

I got hit with mastitis three times, and I didn’t know if I would ever be able to wean out of the nipple shield. However, I stayed at it, kept researching, and continued to ask questions. I scheduled some time with my local lactation consultant. With time, 3 months in to be exact, I was able to wean from the nipple shield completely and my breastfeeding journey became much more enjoyable.

I was able to breastfeed my son exclusively for six months. Though our breastfeeding journey is coming to an end, I am so happy I didn’t give up!

If you are a first time expecting mama, I want to encourage you to seek help and do your research. Also I want to encourage you to know that if you are not able to do it, your baby is going to be ok.

You are going to be ok.

I can tell you that my bond is just as strong with my first child as it is with my second. I love them both so much and I’m just so glad I get to be their mama!

 

August 1-7, 2018 is World Breastfeeding Week. Read more here