A Real Breastfeeding Journey
As a mother of two previously formula-fed babies, I was determined that with my third child, I would dive headfirst into breastfeeding and have the most magical experience ever. I had heard so many stories of the incredible bond breastfeeding can create, and I was ready to embrace it fully. The overall experience turned out to be inspiring, eye-opening, and rewarding—but not without its challenges.
From the very first latch, everything seemed to be going smoothly. There were no latching issues, no long cries or fussiness; it felt like baby and I were in perfect sync. As we returned home from the hospital, I was optimistic that this smooth sailing would continue.
The first week at home started off just as well, with everything going great. But as the days passed, I began to notice a tingly feeling in my right nipple. I brushed it off, thinking it was just part of the adjustment. However, within a few more days, the tingling turned into aching in both nipples. Despite the increasing discomfort, I was determined not to give up. I wanted to push through and continue breastfeeding, no matter what.
As the feedings became more painful, I started debating whether to give up. The idea of formula crept into my mind, and I felt torn. The pain was becoming unbearable—I was almost in tears during each feeding. I began to dread those moments, knowing the pain that awaited me. Two weeks in, during a late-night feeding around 3 a.m., I reached my breaking point. Desperation led me to call the breastfeeding counselor, hoping for some guidance, but there was no answer. I felt utterly defeated.
I thought to myself, “How do women do this? How can anyone endure this pain for an entire year?” A few hours later, around 6 a.m., I woke up my fiancé and pleaded with him to get a can of formula from Walmart asap. I was convinced that I couldn’t keep going. The emotions that followed were overwhelming—regret, sadness, defeat, and a deep sense of failure. I felt like I was letting my baby down, like I was failing at something that was supposed to be so natural and beautiful.
But then I looked at my baby’s little, teeny tiny face—so cute, so innocent—and I felt a surge of determination. Despite the pain, despite the doubt, I pulled my shirt up and gave her the breast again.
The next two weeks were tough, but with determination and support, we got through it. I reached out to friends and family members to hear about their experiences and to see if I was alone in this struggle. The support I received was much needed, and my loved ones assured me that while the pain was normal for some, it wouldn’t last forever. They explained that nipples need time to “break in,” much like a new pair of shoes. It might hurt in the beginning, but with time, it would ease up.
Tips to help soothe pain
1. Switching Breasts at Least Once During Each Feed
Switching breasts during a feeding session is a helpful practice for both mother and baby. Here’s how to do it and why it’s beneficial:
- How to Switch Breasts: Start feeding your baby on one breast, allowing them to nurse until they naturally slow down or stop. This usually indicates that they’ve finished the initial flow of milk, which is richer in lactose (foremilk). At this point, gently detach your baby from the breast by placing a clean finger in the corner of their mouth to break the suction. Then, offer the other breast to continue feeding.
- Benefits:
- Ensures Balanced Milk Intake: By switching breasts, your baby receives a mix of foremilk and hindmilk (the creamier, more calorie-dense milk that comes later in the feeding), which is important for their nutrition.
- Prevents Engorgement: Switching breasts helps to empty both breasts more evenly, reducing the risk of engorgement, which can be painful and may lead to mastitis.
- Stimulates Milk Production: Frequent switching can help stimulate milk production by ensuring both breasts are emptied regularly, which signals your body to produce more milk.
2. Taking Hot Showers Before Feeding
Taking a hot shower before breastfeeding can be soothing and beneficial in several ways:
- How to Use Hot Showers: Before a feeding session, take a hot shower or use a warm compress on your breasts. Focus on allowing the warm water to flow over your chest, gently massaging your breasts under the water if needed.
- Benefits:
- Relaxes Muscles: The heat from the shower relaxes the muscles around your breasts, making it easier for milk to flow.
- Opens Milk Ducts: Warmth helps to open up the milk ducts, reducing the risk of clogs and making the let-down reflex more effective.
- Eases Pain: If you’re experiencing soreness or engorgement, the heat can help alleviate discomfort, making breastfeeding more comfortable.
3. Massaging the Breasts
Breast massage is a useful technique that can enhance your breastfeeding experience:
- How to Massage: Before or during breastfeeding, use your hands to gently massage your breasts. Start by cupping the breast with both hands and applying light pressure, moving your hands in circular motions around the entire breast, including the armpit area. You can also use a technique called “compression” by gently squeezing the breast while your baby is nursing to encourage milk flow.
- Benefits:
- Stimulates Milk Flow: Massage helps stimulate the milk ejection reflex, encouraging a better milk flow during feeding.
- Prevents Clogged Ducts: Regular massage can help prevent and relieve clogged milk ducts, which can lead to mastitis if left untreated.
- Reduces Discomfort: For mothers experiencing engorgement, massage can help to soften the breasts and relieve pressure.
4. Avoiding Nursing Through Sleep
Nursing through sleep, or letting your baby nurse while they sleep, is something to approach with caution:
- How to Avoid Nursing Through Sleep: Try to keep your baby awake during feedings, especially during the early months. If your baby starts to doze off while nursing, gently stimulate them by rubbing their back, tickling their feet, or talking to them softly. If your baby is still sleepy, consider switching breasts or changing their diaper to wake them up slightly.
- Benefits:
- Ensures Effective Feeding: Babies often don’t nurse as effectively when they’re half-asleep, which can result in incomplete feedings and insufficient milk intake.
- Prevents Soreness: Nursing a sleepy baby can lead to improper latching, which can cause nipple soreness and damage over time.
- Encourages Regular Sleep Patterns: By avoiding nursing through sleep, you help your baby establish clearer sleep and wake cycles, which is beneficial for their overall sleep habits.
5. Patience, Patience, Patience
Patience is perhaps the most crucial element of a successful breastfeeding journey:
- How to Practice Patience:
- Give Yourself Time: Understand that both you and your baby are learning. It’s okay if things don’t go perfectly right away. It takes time for both of you to adjust and get into a rhythm.
- Take Breaks if Needed: If you’re feeling overwhelmed, it’s okay to take a short break, breathe deeply, and try again. Reach out for support when needed—whether from a lactation consultant, a friend, or a family member.
- Celebrate Small Wins: Recognize and celebrate the small victories along the way, like a good latch or a pain-free feeding session. This positive reinforcement can help you stay motivated.
- Benefits:
- Builds Confidence: Patience helps you build confidence in your ability to breastfeed successfully. As you navigate challenges, you’ll grow more comfortable and skilled.
- Strengthens Bonding: Staying patient and calm during breastfeeding fosters a deeper bond between you and your baby, making the experience more enjoyable for both of you.
- Reduces Stress: Patience can reduce the stress and anxiety that sometimes accompany breastfeeding challenges, leading to a more positive overall experience.
By incorporating these techniques into your breastfeeding routine, you can enhance your experience and build a successful, rewarding journey for both you and your baby.
Giving up is harder than not giving up
Although we had a rocky start, the journey became much smoother after those initial two weeks. Staying focused on my baby’s health and trusting that things would get better turned out to be the best decision. I’m incredibly proud of myself for persevering through the challenges. It was all worth it when I saw my baby thriving and knew that she was happy and healthy.
The can of formula that I was so close to using? It sat untouched in the cabinet for months. Now, when I look at my baby’s face during feedings, I’m filled with love and my heart melts away. We share beautiful bonding moments and soft touches that I will cherish forever.
In the end, my breastfeeding journey taught me the power of perseverance, the importance of support, and the incredible bond that can be formed through determination and love. It wasn’t always easy, but it was a journey worth taking. Of course, just when I thought we had everything figured out, the first two teeth appeared—but that’s a story for another day.
Now I look at her little face during feedings and just fall in love all over again and my heart melts away. We share beautiful bonding moments and soft touches until… the first two teeth.
Breast Feeding with Teeth Preview…
As I look back, I realize my breastfeeding journey was like trying to tame a wild beast—a beast with the power to make you cry at 3 a.m., question your life choices, and plead for mercy from your partner. There were moments I thought I’d never survive, moments when I was convinced that my nipples had declared war on me. But somehow, I emerged on the other side, battle-worn but victorious.
It wasn’t all tears and desperation, though. I discovered the magical powers of hot showers and massage, which became my secret weapons. And let’s not forget the endless amounts of patience I had to muster, which I’m pretty sure could qualify me for sainthood. I even managed to keep that can of formula on the shelf, untouched, like a trophy reminding me of my resilience—or stubbornness, whichever you prefer.
Now, as I gaze down at my little one during feedings, all the pain and struggle seem like a distant memory. I fall in love with her all over again, my heart melting with each soft touch… until, of course, those first two teeth make their grand entrance. And just like that, the wild beast is back!
Great read and beautiful pictures.