03/29/2021
Long Post:
Breastfeeding. It's easily the hardest thing I've ever done. It's an unspoken rollercoaster journey with very little information out there for expecting parents, but some wonderful support groups once you've found yourself drowning in the newborn aftermath.
We got lucky. We had an "easy" baby. He didn't have any allergies. He wasn't colicky. No problems! Except a lip tie that went unnoticed. Post c-section, I was exhausted and didn't get around to reading the massive folder of information provided by the hospital until about a week post partum. In that time frame, a lot of blood, sweat, and tears were shed. Not only from me and my son, but my husband, who desperately wanted to help, but had no way. Until Day 5. I sat up crying at 4am because I just couldn't handle it. I'd ruined pillows, shirts, you name it, it had blood on it. We had to use a shield because that's what was suggested at the hospital. We were told not to pump for at least 6 weeks, the exact amount of time I would be home with my little one. That night, my husband made a suggestion that I will forever be thankful for. He asked me "You plan to pump when you go back to work, why don't we just do that full time and see how it goes? It can't be any different for him, can it?" I instantly loved my husband more than I ever had. I was so engorged that I pumped 5 ounces in my first session. A few days later my supply was nicely established and we fell into a routine and I finally read the papers from the hospital.
My. Baby. Had. Starved. STARVED. Because I didn't know the signs and I was so pressured by mom culture to feed him directly from the breast. It took a long time to give myself some grace over that. He bounced back wonderfully and got rid of his jaundice immediately when we started pumping. I wish more moms knew Exclusive Pumping was an option. I still went through the constant thirst and hunger that comes with making breast milk. I went through some unique challenges with trying to figure out how to pump on the move and how to make it more comfortable. I spent many nights sitting upright passed out during my last pump of the night while my husband put the baby to bed.
When we bought a house and moved, I got less strict about my schedule and weaned earlier than planned. So we supplemented with formula, but he had milk until he turned a year old. Whether you breastfed 0 days, 3 days, 3 months, or 3 years, your efforts as a mom do NOT go unnoticed!
My story is one of millions. None are alike. All are very special and specific to you and your little one. Each baby is different. Let us help you memorialize each of your special moments. Each of those hard earned drops. We have donor milk available if you weren't able to save any or if you make just enough or you still need to supplement for your baby.
You deserve to feel special. You deserve a trophy. You shouldn't have to spend a fortune to get it. Message us today for your custom piece at a price you can afford.