My Favorite Breastfeeding Products:
As many of you know breastfeeding, for me, has been a journey.
This post is called “My Truth” about breastfeeding, because I know my experience isn’t the norm. It obviously isn’t everyone else’s experience. But like many of my motherhood posts, if it helps one woman feel better, or if it makes someone feel more normal, or if it makes one person’s struggle less hard… then that, to me, makes it worth it.
That being said, the one thing I would tell new moms about breastfeeding is this…
It can be REALLY effing hard.
When I had William (my oldest), we never got into a healthy breastfeeding routine. I didn’t know what I was doing, I had a HUGE over supply, and from the very beginning he struggled to feed. By the time William was 2 months old I was exclusively pumping, and by the time he was 5 months old my supply had dried up entirely.
This time around, I wanted to do things differently. I did want to breastfeed again – but I wanted to prepare myself differently. This time around… I did my research, I bought all the right supplies, and I enlisted the help of a lactation consultant. Thankfully, because of all these things, breastfeeding with David has been a dream compared to my experience with William. This time around, we got the latch right, my supply was more regular, and I truly felt much more prepared.
However, I am going to be brutally honest with you here. Even though this time around has been better, breastfeeding, as a whole, has been more difficult, more exhausting, and more time consuming than anyone ever told me. I think if you’re going to breastfeed you should know that for some people – breastfeeding is not a walk in the park. If you’re like me – it will be more like a grueling marathon.
So why am I telling you all this?
Well… It’s not to scare you. And it’s not because I hate breastfeeding. Actually… it’s quite the opposite. I love breastfeeding. I’m telling you this because it’s what no one told me. I’m telling you this because I want you to know that you can still love breastfeeding even if you struggle with it. I wish I had known this going in. I think SO many women paint breastfeeding as this glorious, beautiful, natural thing. And I’m sure for some women, it is.
But if you’re like me – it might not be. If you’re like me, it might be something that you have to work at every single day. If you’re like me, that whole breastfeeding in public thing might never come easily. If you’re like me, breastfeeding might be something that causes you heartache, headache and some discomfort. And you know what? That’s OK. Because if you’re like me, breastfeeding – for any amount of time – will also bring you a great deal of happiness, gratification, and love.
If you’re like me, you will never regret the time you spent working at it. Breastfeeding, both my boys, although trying, has given me some of the most rewarding moments of my life in motherhood. There is no better feeling in my world than knowing I am feeding both my babies and comforting them too. Despite the hard times, I wouldn’t change this experience for the world… I might trade it for a little more sleep… but what momma wouldn’t? 🙂
I also wanted to share with you 5 tips for breastfeeding success. I hope this helps any of you mommas to be, or any mommas that might be struggling like I have.
My Top Five Tips Breastfeeding Success:
1.) Get a lactation consultant
For me, the lactation consultants at the hospital didn’t cut it. In my experience, they spend 5 minutes with you, and they leave. It’s not their fault – it just is what it is. So in addition, I had one come to my home so she could see where I would be feeding, and what the problem was. For me, it made a world of a difference. If you live near me her contact info is >>> here.
2.) Invest in the Earth Mama Angel Baby Milk-To-Go Pumping Companion Kit:
I first was introduced to this brand in a baby bundle that my girlfriend, Rachel sent me when I was pregnant with William. I love that all their products are ALL natural and organic – making them safe for mama and baby. And what’s more – their products really work.
With William, I tried every nipple balm under the sun to calm my cracked and sore nipples. It wasn’t until I tried Earth Mama Angel Baby’s Nipple Balm, that my breasts actually healed. Buy it. It will be the best thing you do. Bring it to the hospital with you – and apply it after every feeding. Trust me, you will thank me later. This stuff is magic.
Back to the kit, it includes the balm, booby tubes – which are these amazing pads that you can heat for a let down, or freeze for sore nipples. Then there is a breast wash – to ensure you’re keeping everything clean. And lastly there is a box of their Milkmaid Tea – to help with milk production. I have used all of these products are they truly are THE best.
That being said, if you are expecting, or know someone who is – do yourself a favor and buy them an Earth Mama Angel Baby -Milk-To-Go Pumping Companion kit. It will be the best gift they receive, and I know they will be endlessly grateful. Also – because they are SO amazing, Earth Mama Angel Baby has offered Two Peas readers 30% off their whole site!!! Use the code TwoPeas for 30% off all your gifts for yourself or your expecting friends!
3.) Pump when you need to pump.
People will tell you not to pump for the first month – but I think that’s a load of crap. Get a good pump, and use it when you have to. I use this one.
4.) Invest in some euro shams.
They help support your back and neck during feedings, and I use mine every singe day (and night).
5.) Take it easy on yourself, and remember – fed – is best.
Every woman is different. Just remember – fed is best – it doesn’t matter how you get there. And above all else – take care of yourself. Be kind to yourself. I know how much pressure society puts on breastfeeding – and in turn how much pressure we, as mommas, put on ourselves. I think it is important to always remember that a healthy and happy baby and momma is the ultimate goal, no matter how you get there.
Lots of love to all you Mommas out there. 🙂
