Please tell us about your decision to breastfeed.
When I found out I was pregnant with my daughter, I knew I wanted to breastfeed. The friends I have were already moms at the time, and several of them breastfed while only a couple of them used formula. Also, I had been doing a lot of research on how beneficial breastfeeding is for babies as well as toddlers. My daughter was born on 4.9.2022 and even through the hospital she was born in kept trying to push formula on me, I was determined to breastfeed. I was so happy and thankful that my milk supply did come in and she latched almost instantly. She did spend nine days in the NICU where I was able to stay with her at all times and do skin-on-skin as well as pump when she was sleeping. I chose to breastfeed on demand instead of every two or three hours like they recommended, and it ended up being what worked for us!
What is/was your breastfeeding goal?
When she was born, my first breastfeeding goal was to exclusively breastfeed until her first birthday. We were able to make it to that goal, it was hard at some points but so worth it! Once we made it to that goal, I made it my new goal to make it to her second birthday at least. We made it to that goal this past April, and so I decided to allow her to self-wean. However, I started Esthetician school in May, shortly after her second birthday and so we cut our feedings down to before I leave for school in the morning, pumped milk my mom gives her at nap time, and then nursing to bed still before I leave her room for the night.
Did you take any steps to prepare to breastfeed before you had your child?
I collected colostrum and also had seen a licensed lactation consultant before giving birth to my daughter. My best friend was loads of help as she is a doula and very knowledgeable on breastfeeding as well. She was there for my daughter’s birth and was extremely helpful with my daughter’s latch.
What has been the hardest part about breastfeeding and how did/do you manage it?
There have been a few times where it was extremely difficult, and I felt like giving up. However, I was determined to not have to use formula unless I had no other option. The hardest time was when my daughter got her first four teeth at three months old. She had begun to start biting and no matter what I did, I couldn’t get her to stop. During this time, my supply had started to drop a little, so I decided to go back to a lactation specialist who then pointed me in the direction of a pediatric dentist as she was concerned my daughter had oral ties, causing her to try to bite to remove milk. I did end up finding out from the pediatric dentist that my daughter had a tongue tie, as well as buccal (cheek ties) that when her teeth had come in, were causing her latch to not be as strong so she opted for biting to remove milk. We decided to have them released after learning how it could help her latch, and my milk supply go back up. Thankfully, the procedure went great, and we did the exercises she needed to allow her mouth to heal. About a week after the procedure, I noticed my milk supply had not only come back but had actually increased from what it had been! All because she had proper latch. She also never bit me again! She is now two with all her teeth and we have had no other issues with biting or milk supply, thankfully!
Has your partner or family helped you with breastfeeding? If so, how?
Yes, my partner has been so supportive during this whole journey! I’m so thankful for him and how he would stand up for me if he heard someone say something about me feeding, in public especially. He also washed bottles or pump parts when I was pumping in the beginning.
How has it been pumping while you are away from your child?
So, I did the pump at the beginning of my daughter’s life as she was in the NICU for nine days. I was lucky enough to be able to stay with her in her room in the NICU the whole time, so we did mostly skin-to-skin and breastfeeding. However, when she was sleeping and at night I was still pumping and was able to create a little stash as well as have some available for nurses to feed her if I was completely exhausted. Recently, in April of 2024, I made the decision to go back to Esthetician School and knew that I would not be home during her nap time when she would typically nurse. So, I began to pump again and would do so on my lunch breaks at school and even during one of my theory classes if I needed to. Just to ensure that my mom, her Grammie, would have a cup of milk for her before her nap. I’ll be honest, it was definitely more challenging this time around, but I was so thankful to be able to do so. In the last couple of weeks, however, we have transitioned to lactose free whole milk during her nap as pumping was hurting due to being pregnant and extra sensitive. Also, I would love to mention that WIC was so amazing and helped me with borrowing a pump as mine had broken a few months prior and I could not afford to purchase a new one at the time.
Do you have any advice for another woman who wants to continue breastfeeding, but needs to go back to work or school?
My biggest advice would be to do what you really want to do. Whatever is going to be the best for your overall mental health! Don’t give up if it’s what you’re wanting to do. There are great pumping schedule examples for moms going back to work or school. A lot of it depends on the age of your baby/toddler and how much milk you are needing for them. I would also say make sure you have the correct flange size as that can be detrimental to milk production with pumping. I’ve had several moms I know, as well as seeing in support groups online, thinking they are not collecting enough milk or that something is wrong because they aren’t getting the amount out that the oversupply moms show they are getting. Don’t let that discourage you! The percentage of women who actually have a low milk supply is extremely low! Most of those moms really do make enough for their babies; they just haven’t had the proper support or knowledge needed to know that. All this to say if you’re really wanting to pump just make sure you have support. If you’re struggling, reach out to a lactation consultant, even WIC as they can help you with the correct flange size for you to remove the most amount of milk, or give you other options if you’re struggling as well.
Is there anything else you would like to share with other breastfeeding or expecting parents?
First of all, you as a mother or expectant mother are amazing. You are the perfect mother for your child/children no matter how you decide to feed your baby. You know what is best for you and for them. Don’t let anyone else’s opinions discourage you. For the expectant mothers if you’re giving birth in a hospital make sure you’re clear on what you want for your feeding journey before delivery. Unfortunately, a lot of hospitals nowadays are pushing formulas so hard on moms without offering any support for breastfeeding. If you want to breastfeed, make it very clear from the beginning and stand firm on it with all nurses and doctors. Obviously, there are some that may need to supplement but speak to a lactation consultant first! Not just the nurses and doctors as they aren’t trained in that area! The lactation consultants can help with latching, knowing about oral ties, and so much more etc. If you cannot afford a private one, WIC offers amazing lactation support, and they can also point you in the direction of other consultants too. I absolutely love breastfeeding. It has been such a beautiful, hard, imperfect yet perfect experience. One I hope more mothers are able to experience and are able to have the support needed for a beautiful and successful journey. No matter how long you breastfeed, whether it’s three days, three weeks, three months, or three or more years, YOU ARE INCREDIBLE! If you’re unsure where to start and don’t have family support, really consider seeing a lactation consultant, joining some online or in person support groups where you can ask questions in a judgment free environment. If it’s something you’re really passionate about doing then don’t give up because there will be times where you may want to, and then when you get through those times you feel so empowered. However, also trust yourself in knowing what is best for you and your mental health. Lastly, remember it’s your legal right to feed your baby/toddler wherever and whenever needed. NO ONE should make you feel like you need to hide in a bathroom or the car to nourish your child. Advocate for yourself and your little one, you won’t regret it I promise.
