Fear & Doubt in Breastfeeding

This is the first in what I hope to be many posts about things that I am currently experiencing as a wife and mother…or tips to help you in your journey to motherhood or wedding planning. I have learned a lot through the years and by no means am I an expert, but I would love to be able to share what I have gathered and been available for questions. I am blessed to have a client who is now a friend that feels free to text me with breastfeeding questions…it was from this conversation that I thought I would start the discussion…I am sincere when I say that I love to be a resource for others!! So, please, call, text, email, comment, etc. I am happy to help or to point you in the right direction!

Why I care…

Today, I want to talk about breastfeeding. I am a huge advocate for breastfeeding and I have personally breastfed 2 babies for the first 12 months of their little lives (and I am currently breastfeeding my 3rd). To say that I love it is an understatement. I really cannot imagine feeding my infant any other way.

Now, I realize there are many women who have struggled to be able to breastfeed. Some have done it because they wanted to give their baby the best start but didn’t really enjoy it…some tried desperately, but for various reasons, it just didn’t work out for them due to issues beyond their control. My heart truly goes out to those Mamas! In no way, is this post to be condemning if breastfeeding was not the option for you…or if you tried and feel like you failed…but, it is a post to share something that I have experienced in my own journey (and I anticipate I will again) and also something I have seen in just about every new Mom that I have ever had the privilege to share in their breastfeeding journey.

How Fear & Doubt Get You…

What I have found is that two of the biggest obstacles that every new Mom must get over at some point during their first few months of breastfeeding are Fear and Doubt. So often, between a mother’s hormone changes, and lots of sleepless nights, and babies growth spurts and unique feeding habits…these two things creep in and begin to wreak havoc on the new Mom.

The fear that my baby is not getting enough milk, my milk is making them sick because they spit up a lot…and breastfed babies are not supposed to spit up, my doctor said that I need to supplement, or I can’t get much out when I am pumping. Fear is an enemy to the breastfeeding Mom!

Sometimes it is doubt. Doubting whether you can get up again and feed when you are sooooo exhausted or doubting that this is really worth it…maybe the doubt is whether they are even satisfied with it because they want to eat every hour. All of these things are so very normal in the breastfeeding journey!

God’s Design is Perfect!

You see, breastfeeding is part of the perfect design. We (with, I guess, the rest of the mammals of the world), were given the ability to nourish our babies from our very own bodies. Not only were we created to carry and birth a precious, perfect gift from God, but to feed that little gift until they are ready to start eating on their own.

Today, I want to say that whatever thoughts are raging in your head…whether you are on day 1 of nursing your very first infant, or you are nursing your 8th baby…at some point you will have questions and condemnation that will come through your mind trying to discourage you! Reach out to someone for help! There are tons of local resources where you live through your hospital lactation consultants and La Leche League, friends, and (hopefully) your pediatrician’s office. Just make sure they are pro-breastfeeding. Anyone who is not an advocate will often suggest you resort to other measures first…you want encouragement in your goal to breastfeed…not alternatives!

The main thing is, Don’t Give Up! Keep pressing…there are lots of things that can cause issues with breastfeeding. Most are very easy to remedy! Feel free to email me if you have any questions or just need someone to talk to that will support your breast feeding journey!

Some of My Favorite Must-Have’s

Now, I want to share a few things for new Moms that may be looking for what they really need when it comes to breastfeeding…so, here are some products I love to make nursing easier! (buying from these gives our ministry a small commission, but doesn’t cost you extra!) These are affiliate links which means, at no cost to you, I will make a small commission if you buy. Full Disclosure Here.

It’s nice to have something to use for nursing wherever you are! I often nurse at my desk, dining table, bed, etc…with as many kids as I have, you just have to make it work wherever you are!
My Breast Friend Original Nursing Pillow

I prefer disposables while I need pads…I feel like I have enough laundry without adding breast pads into the mix!
Lansinoh Ultra Soft Disposable Nursing Pads

I am the type that pumps from day one…each person has to figure out what works best for them! I can’t stand being miserably engorged and I love to start on my milk stockpile!
Medela Pump In Style Breast Pump

It never fails that when I am out nursing, people talk about my cover…they love it and I always rave about these! I know there are other brands who have copied this design, but these are the best! So many pretty patterns too!
Bebe au Lait Muslin Nursing Cover

Links I Love

Ok…so, now that I have shared some of my favorite things to make nursing easier, here are some posts that I love!

Baby Explains normal Newborn Behavior

What Does Baby Weight Loss Mean – Common Misconceptions

The First Month of Breastfeeding

Whole First Year Breastfeeding Guide

Finally, if you have questions or topics that interest you, please let me know. Again…I am happy to help one-on-one too!