If I had to describe my breastfeeding experience I would say that it was wonderful. It didn’t start out that way, but I eventually grew to love it. In the hospital I had a hard time breastfeeding after my c-section, but thanks to a wonderful Irish lactation consultant I received a lot of assistance. Most of all I loved hearing her accent!
I, like all the other mamas out there, did the best I could, but it was so easy to get discouraged. Something I thought would come so easily to me after the birth of my child just wasn’t going as planned. I’ll just throw this out there as well… in my “new mommy” mind I thought I had to feed my child a gallon of milk each day. We took the breastfeeding class at the hospital, so I knew what to expect, but I had to be reminded that a newborn’s stomach is only the size of a dime. They don’t need a TON of volume in the beginning! I had to drill that into my mind.
We finally made it home and the first few days were rough. Eventually my milk did start to pour in, but it seemed to take a long while. I made the personal decision to strictly pump and not breastfeed, as I still wanted my baby to receive all the benefits of breast milk. My husband was my main support during this whole ordeal – when Connor woke up Terence would feed him with a bottle and I would pump at the same time. We worked together as a team and then put Connor back to sleep. By the time I was ready to go back to work in a couple of months I had enough milk stored up to feed 4 babies! It was awesome. Again, this is the method that worked best for us. I knew I was going back to work and needed to store and build my supply.
My sister-in-law had a daughter who was born 22 hours before Connor – we like to call them the “twin” cousins. Shortly after she had Ellie she lost her milk supply – she was devastated. When she asked if she could have any breast milk I could spare I have to be honest – my first reaction was that it seemed a bit strange. Then I started thinking people do this ALL THE TIME in other countries when women can’t feed their own babies and formula and other alternatives are not readily available. I was able to give her the blessing of breast milk. It blessed her life and my niece, but it also tremendously blessed my life as well. If you are able to help another mother in need please do so -DONATE! There is nothing to be ashamed of if you can’t breastfeed. To give the gift or breast milk can help another family more than many of us know.
Today Connor and Ellie are thriving 3 year olds and best friends. I am so happy I was able to breastfeed my child and bless another child in the process.
As a side note: Breastfeeding as a working mama is crazy and takes discipline! Most days I would pump in my car at work. I had a car adaptor (best investment ever) along with a GOOD pumping bra. Those two items I would highly recommend for the mom who goes back to work or needs to pump often. Be prepared and stay organized. I would even pump while driving, which I wouldn’t recommend….but I had a hooter hider on, so I was keeping it PG rated! With all the support I received, I was able to continue this process for 14 months. I’m so glad I was able to stick with it. Although I didn’t technically “breastfeed” I am thrilled that I was able to bless two babies with the benefits of breast milk.
If you want to hear more, I chronicled my story HERE.
Becky, we must have had the same Lactation Consultant. Janis at Baylor was a lifesaver for us too! I hope she reads this to see what a great impact she has made 🙂
This gave me chills, Becky! So SO cool!!
Janis was my LC also. The woman is truly gifted.