08/05/2024
Happy World Breastfeeding Week!
With my two little ones, I have had vastly different breastfeeding journeys.
💙 My son was fed via a nasogastric tube (NG tube), so I had to pump with him. This was pretty difficult and stressful for me, along with the stress of his diagnosis and being in the NICU. My supply didn't keep up with his needs even though he was fluid restricted, and we ended up supplementing with formula under the direction of a nutritionist. After he got his tracheostomy, we were able to try comfort nursing. After he passed, it was really difficult to continue pumping and gradually stop. I got to a point where I actually just stopped pumping and dealt with the engorgement until I stopped producing. It was hard to deal with the fact that even though my baby was no longer with us and my mind was grieving, my physiological body still needed to be told.
❤️ With my daughter, I've been really blessed to have a great breastfeeding experience. She had no problems with latching at birth, and we've been rocking it ever since. I started harvesting colostrum the last 2-3 weeks of my pregnancy and pumped along with breastfeeding once or twice a day to build up my freezer stash. Now, I have more than I need and donate as I can while maintaining my backup stash. The only negative experience I've had thus far is quite a painful bite once she grew her first teeth! We are now 8 months going strong, and I plan to continue breastfeeding as long as she wants and needs 💪
A reminder as we celebrate this week that, whatever your circumstance, nourishing your baby in a way that works for your body and your family is most important ♥️ whether you wanted to breastfeed but couldn't (I feel you, mamas), knew that formula was the best option for your family, have been breastfeeding exclusively, or any combination in between, you are enough and I am proud of you 👏 If you need lactation support, I've attached a great resource now available through for WA callers. Thank you for supporting this crucial need in our community 🫶
