Breastfeeding is such a controversial topic. There are arguments everywhere about whether, or not someone should breastfeed. The heated topic usually involves whether formula or breast milk is best for baby. Another hot topic is breastfeeding in public, some say it’s not appropriate and “cover yourself up.”
As a “veteran mom”, I say do what you got to do. Forget what others say, you know what is best for YOU and YOUR BABY.
I have four kids, I breastfed my first 3 and I’m currently breastfeeding my youngest Kennedy she’s almost two months old. Breastfeeding is hard, it’s not always as easy as pulling out your boob.
With my oldest Keera I was constantly frustrated, as a first time mom it was very difficult. She had issues latching, and I felt like I was constantly feeding her. I was the only one waking up, in the middle of the night since she was strictly breastfed.
Every time she cried, people would say it was because she was hungry. Despite the fact, I had just finished feeding her. Pumping and formula wasn’t an option at the time.
I dealt with the glares, when we were out in public and I was feeding. I was as discreet as I could be, but she didn’t like being covered while eating. More times than I can count, I went to the washroom and fed her while sitting on the floor. Ridiculous, I did this so I wouldn’t make others uncomfortable!
I dealt with engorged breasts, leaking (which required me to buy breast-pads), thrush on my nipples numerous times. Then to add-on top of that, I had issues feeding from my left breast. Six months in, I decided to just feed from the right side. This isn’t recommended, you’ll be lopsided but my doctor was okay with it since I had a large supply.
Despite this I ultimately stuck with it till Keera was 13 months old. She had decided to wean herself off, shortly after her first birthday.
I had similar issues with my second born Zaden, who I fed till he was 14 months and even my 3rd child Emilee. With Emilee, I went to a lactation consultant. It wasn’t a helpful experience, it only made me more frustrated.
I sat in a chair, while this older woman (who has never had children) watched me attempt to breastfeed. On display like some zoo animal, I struggled feeding on the left breast. Emilee wasn’t able to latch, even when the consultant re-positioned her.
The consultant thought I didn’t have enough milk supply, so she asked me to massage and express some milk. There was tons of milk, my supply wasn’t the issue I just have a “lazy nipple.” Using a nipple shield didn’t help, nothing worked.
After an hour of failed breastfeeding I was mentally, and physically exhausted from the experience. The only thing the lactation consultant, could offered me was information on renting a breast pump.
I felt defeated again, so once Emilee turned 7 months old I exclusively fed her on my right breast. Emilee breastfed 18 months, until I quit feeding her cold turkey and offered her regular milk in a sippy cup.
When I was pregnant with Kennedy, I didn’t stress about whether or not I was going to breastfeed. I honestly didn’t think about it, until she was born. My doctor asked if I wanted to try breastfeeding, I agreed knowing my past difficulties.
I decided I was going to try feeding Kennedy, on my left side first. Kennedy latched perfectly on our first attempt, I was shocked. Relief overwhelmed me, finally I’d be able to feed without struggle! I continued feeding from both sides, without issues.
Two weeks in, Kennedy was starting to struggle feeding on my left breast. This struggle happened for a week, and I will admit I had high emotions! Kennedy will be two months old, in just a few short days now. She’s breastfeeding, like a champ.
Now my only issue is soreness on my left breast, it’s not from a bad latch I’m just very sore. I’ve been looking into getting some nipple cream, and hopefully that will help. I’m optimistic that I’ll be able to stick to breastfeeding, from both breasts. I would like to breastfeed , at least until Kennedy is a year old.