One Year of Breastfeeding

If you’re a mom or a pregnant mom-to-be, I’m sure you have heard the phrase “breast is best.” This common phrase causes some hard feelings for those who are unable to breastfeed, but it also puts a lot of pressure on those who can’t continue to, even if that’s what they want. Breastfeeding is often romanticized as this beautiful bonding time with your baby that is invaluable for you and them. Well, I can tell you that I have bite marks that say otherwise.

Establishing your milk supply

The early days of breastfeeding are tough. There’s no sugar coating it. Latch issues, tongue-ties, bleeding nipples, engorgement, and so on are just some of the lovely hurdles that come your way at the start of the journey. At the 9-month mark I battled a brutal stomach bug we caught from M, who likely picked it up at the petri dish called daycare. After being dehydrated for two days, it’s not surprising my milk supply took a hit. I produced only half of my normal amount of milk. Rather than continuing to dip into my stash, I decided to pack formula into M’s bottle. Well, that went over about as well as a pregnant pole vaulter. She immediately rejected the formula and was skeptical of the next bottle she received. This kid is too smart already.

Once I realized formula was a no-go, I went whole hog into re-establishing my milk supply. I chugged water, ate a ton of food and made sure to offer my boob and/or pump as often as possible. It worked. I skipped the cookies and teas that claim to work since all the medical professionals I’ve talked to have said they don’t work.

Let’s talk nipples

Nipple care is critical while breastfeeding. You will cry more than your newborn baby if you don’t make sure to care for your nips, especially at the start. What helped me was using gel pads, lanolin, nipple shields and icepacks. My daughter had a latch issue at the start; she would curl her upper lip in, so her latch caused pain for me. She had trouble latching to my bare nipple and that’s where the shields came in. While helpful, they are a pain in the butt to use. You have to wash them between each feeding which just adds more work when all you want is rest. I was able to wean my daughter off the nipple shields after a month and it made my life much easier; but I am grateful they helped in the beginning of my breastfeeding journey.

My take on non-essentials

Nursing Pillow:

Not all nursing pillows are created equal. If you’re going to buy one, you should purchase “My Breast Friend” (MBF) instead of the boppy. The boppy is good as a support pillow while your baby is laying on the floor, but it leaves a lot to be desired as a nursing pillow. The MBF pillow stays close to your body because it’s clipped around your waist. Your baby won’t awkwardly roll into the gap between you and the pillow, like with the boppy. Also, because there’s an adjustable belt, it will fit virtually anyone. The boppy didn’t fit me well with my 40″ hips.

Haaka

Honestly, I didn’t love this tool. It was nice to catch letdown, especially in the early days when milk is scarce; however, if you fit it on like the women on YouTube suggest, it actually reduces the flow of milk for your babe making them work harder to get the milk. My lactation consultant advised not to attach it snugly, it’s best to just hold it to catch what falls. Also, your baby might kick it off your boob while feeding on the other side. It happened to me several times.

Nursing teas, cookies, and supplements

Beyond continuing the recommended vitamins, I didn’t bother with the extras, except for the Body Armour and that was mainly to get my liquid intake in a tastier way. I’m not convinced it actually affected my milk supply.

Alcohol, judgement and ever-changing guidance

Let me start with alcohol. I have had drinks throughout my breastfeeding journey- I just timed it so it wouldn’t affect my baby. I did not use the test strips, I thought they were unnecessary. Generally, your body processes one alcoholic drink in an hour. Once you finish a drink, just wait an hour before feeding your baby. Simple as that. I’m not a doctor, so please talk it over with yours. I’m not liable if you have a heavy-handed pour and say bUt ThAt wAs OnE dRiNk!

Judgement is the curse of motherhood. Anything you do is subject to judgement. “Breast is best” is a mean saying in my opinion. FED is best. As a mama whose pediatrician said my baby was “starving” while I was 4 days postpartum waiting for my milk to come in… having a fed baby is what is important. Do your best mama, but if you need formula, give your babe formula.

The latest guidance now recommends breastfeeding for two years. I will not be meeting those guidelines. I’m not sure if it’s to combat the stigma of breastfeeding your walking, talking toddler or if it’s genuinely needed, but breastfeeding is a full-time job. Personally, I would love to continue until my daughter naturally weans, which seems to be happening. But I have a medical condition that requires me to take medication that will dry up my supply pretty quickly. I’ve been off that medication since I found out I was pregnant and it’s now a question of risk versus reward of continuing my breastfeeding journey. It no longer makes sense with my daughter eating more and more solids. My plan moving forward is to offer her a bottle from my stash nightly for as long as possible.

Tips for increasing your milk supply

1. Increase your water intake.
2. Increase your calories consumed.
3. Try “power pumping” after a feeding session.
4. Do NOT missing a feeding/pumping session.

Do what is best for YOU in your breastfeeding journey

Motherhood is hard enough without all these societal and self-imposed expectations surrounding how we feed our babies. Even reading my one-year breastfeeding journey should not pressure you to continue long if you’re struggling. Perfection does not exist in parenthood. Giving your child a loving home will be remembered by them. They won’t remember if they were breastfed or formula fed. Just love your babes and remember that a happy childhood lasts forever.