amypaffrath ᗷᖇEᗩᔕT ᖴᖇIEᑎᗪᔕ
I never saw myself as a woman who would breastfeed a toddler, yet here I am.
I didn't grow up around breastfeeding mothers. I had no idea how to do it. It was confusing and awkward for me at first. I was self conscious and unsure of myself.
A lactation consultant slapped a nipple shield on me in the hospital and I never learned why but my day old baby was eating and that's all that mattered to me.
The same consultant told me to pump after every feeding to get my supply up. It worked and I was producing so much milk it was as if my body was feeding triplets.
I set small goals for breastfeeding.
6 weeks to start.
Even with engorged breast and that silly piece of silicone that Ember insisted on using, I persisted because I knew this was the most perfect food I could give my baby and, well, it's free.
By 6 months we found our groove. I stopped beating myself up for requiring a very useful tool.
Now, 12 + months into our breastfeeding journey, I am comfortable doing it anytime, anywhere. Even on a walk around the block while carrying Ember in a sling.
Moms, please talk about breastfeeding more. Do it in public. Be an example to young women that it's nothing to be ashamed of. Let's normalize the most natural way to feed our babies. It's not always instinctive and many mamas give up due to lack of support.
I had lot of help and here is a list of tools and resources should you need them:
@noonisapparel night nursing bra for leaking mamas like me
Breast shells to collect excess milk.
@larken_shop pumping bra - so comfy!
@lanisnohusa nipple shields: Ember used this for every feeding until she was 9 months old.
@lalecheleagueusa for support groups. So helpful!
@pumpstation lactation consultants are incredible
I don't know when our breastfeeding relationship will come to an end. I'm following Ember's lead and taking cues from her. For now, I'm enjoying the close bond we have and sharing my body with her a little while longer.
#worldbreastfeedingweek #normalizebreastfeeding #apparenting #breastfeedingmama #1yearold