Before I got pregnant with my first child, I had basically zero knowledge about breastfeeding. A few of my friends had breastfed but I wasn’t really around them much when they were nursing or even talking about nursing their babies. I knew that my mom had breastfed me for a year but I had never really thought about how impactful that was or what my future would hold with regard to breastfeeding.
Once pregnant, I was acutely aware that I would need to look more into this new venture. A friend recommended a book called “So that’s what they’re for!: The Definitive Breastfeeding Guide” and it got my wheels turning. I ordered a pump from my insurance company, and added a few breastfeeding-related items to my baby registry. Generally speaking, however, I assumed it would just be a natural thing so I didn’t overly prepare.
Game time!
Fast forward to the birth of my first born in May of 2014. After a tumultuous two days of labor, my sweet babe arrived. I don’t actually remember what the first latch was like but I do recall recognizing that I needed support with lactation because my little guy (although born at 8 lbs, 9 oz) didn’t seem to be “doing much” at the breast.
I remember the lactation consultants coming in a few times and offering suggestions for different positioning - cradle, cross cradle, football, different locations - on the chair, in the hospital bed, and the suggestion to feed him using a bed pillow for support. I was OVERWHELMED to say the least. I remember thinking that my breasts were too big and my baby’s mouth was too small and what could I do about it?? I was obviously experiencing major hormonal ups and downs and was totally exhausted but I also knew my baby needed to eat.
Once home, I remember experiencing a roller coaster of emotions - during one feed, I’d feel like I was making progress, and then in the next, I’d feel like a failure. I had friends and family members visit and I was told at least once “just give him formula, he’ll be fine.” Perhaps I’m stubborn (although I prefer “determined”), but I was dead set on making breastfeeding work.
Reaching out for support
I soon realized that my baby was not gaining weight as expected, and that I needed more help. I knew that there was a “warm line” at my birthing hospital so I called it multiple times (including a frantic call when my milk came in and I thought I had the flu!). The hospital had lactation consultant appointments so I scheduled as many as I could. I also had a lactation consultant come to my house for a few visits. Because of all of this support, my husband and I were able to work out a system of breastfeeding, pumping, syringe feeding, and making sure we both got sleep, all the while ensuring that baby boy was able to grow properly. It was exhausting but we had a plan, so we stuck to it!
Perhaps just as impactful as the individualized support I received were the lactation support groups (my husband lovingly referred to them as “boob class” or “boob group”) offered by my birthing hospital twice per week. I started attending these groups regularly and not only got help with breastfeeding but also connected with many awesome moms who were in the same boat. I’m still friends with a few of these moms today!
Additionally, I made many frantic calls to my non-boob-group friends who had breastfed or who were still breastfeeding. I can distinctly remember one late night calling a friend who walked me through how to turn on and use my electric pump because I was so frazzled and exhausted that I couldn’t figure out how to even begin or what went where.
Back during these insane days and nights, I remember constantly thinking “if I can just get through today” which turned into “I can make it to the end of the week” and then “ooh, I’ve done it for another month!” For me, it took a good 2-3 months with LOTS of professional and peer support to get to where it was finally “easy.” (Mind you, this is just MY story, for others it may be different.)
The big takeaway
Once I got to a place where I could actually relax and enjoy breastfeeding, it occurred to me that the one thing that saved and extended my breastfeeding relationship was SUPPORT. If I hadn’t had contacts for lactation professionals or for my friends who were willing to lend their ears and advice, I would never have made it to that “easy” / enjoyable / rewarding point.
Further, breastfeeding babies two and three, while not as rough as my first experience, also proved to be trying and led me to seek out support. For my second and third births, I switched from a hospital to a birth center which changed many variables, but I needed support from lactation professionals yet again. You name the issue, I probably experienced it. Support helped get me through every single issue so that I could keep on breastfeeding.
Time for certification
While pregnant with baby number three, I couldn’t stop thinking about how I wanted to be a support to other mamas. I wanted to gift other moms with the very thing that kept my breastfeeding relationships alive - support! It was then that I decided to dive into certification as a Certified Lactation Counselor. My due date was January 30 but as per usual, my baby did not arrive by his due date (anyone who knows me well knows that my babies arrive well beyond their “due dates”). I ended up taking the final exam for my certification on February 5th and baby H arrived 4 days later.
I can proudly say that I have been breastfeeding my own children for a total of almost 8.5 years and I have helped them grow while also providing closeness, comfort, and relief when they were experiencing sadness, illness, boo-boos, and more. (See Breastfeeding - What’s the big deal anyway? for further explanation of how beneficial breastfeeding is for baby AND for mom.) It is an absolute joy to be able to offer support to other mamas so they can experience the same rewarding relationship with their babies.
Let Latch On To Language help!
If you are trying to conceive, are pregnant, or are currently breastfeeding, please reach out if I can be of any support to you. My goal is always to meet you where you are and to provide the necessary assistance you need to establish and/or continue developing one of the most miraculous relationships possible.
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