Breastfeeding

11 Aug 2022

We wanted to share our thoughts on breastfeeding. You'll read my thoughts as a mama (her perspective) and my husband's thoughts (his perspective).

Her Perspective:

Through various conversations I’ve had with people to posts I’ve seen on Instagram like this one, I’ve been reminded about how rough the first few months of feeding my first born had been. If my husband hadn’t supported me the way he had, I would have given up and missed the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of breastfeeding.

Back in 2016 when I was preparing for my firstborn child to arrive, a friend of mine sent me educational breastfeeding videos. I wasn’t sure what to expect and she felt it would be a helpful resource. It helped me to know what a good latch looks like, what to expect and various ways I could hold the baby. I also researched and chose to receive a free breast pump that was provided through my insurance company. Post-partum, I tried using it, felt absolutely no suction from the device and gave up after the first try. Thankfully, when I returned to work, my employer and co-workers were supportive that I was able to go home and feed my child. There was no designated area for me to pump or to feed (which was required by law in Philadelphia) and since I lived door to door 7 minutes away, I was given the privilege of breastfeeding my child. But that was 6 months into breastfeeding.

When he was first born, I had a few stitches where I had torn and it was challenging to sit up and feed. I didn’t see the need to take any pain meds (I felt I could handle it without drugs) but having to sit up every time and feel the wound was painful and I was in tears wondering why it had to be so hard. I had a lactation consultant come in on the first day to teach us some ways to hold and feed the baby. When we were discharged to go home, my husband was with me encouraging me with his words and with his body. He would support my body with pillows before giving me the baby to feed him. When my wrist began to hurt, he would sit behind me and place his arms under mine so I could still hold our baby as I fed him. He would be up with me for every feeding, encouraging me and championing me. When I was in tears feeling like I couldn’t do it anymore, he’d say “you’re doing a great job.” If he wasn’t beside me, I probably would have given up within days. My flow was strong (I didn’t know milk could shoot out 3 – 4 feet) so my child would end up getting gassy. My husband would take baby once I was done feeding and spend time burping him. Breastfeeding was a team effort. I would feed him and he would burp him. After going through that with the first, second and third have been times to enjoy feeding. Each time, I’m reminded of how challenging it felt the first time and grateful I stuck with it.

Each person’s journey is different and some have different types of challenges. Whether it's lack of supply, inverted/cracked nipples, lack of maternity leave and support of various kinds. No matter what you're encountering in your breastfeeding journey...

Mama, you’re doing a great job. You're amazing. You're not alone. You know what's best for you and baby. We're rootin' for ya!

Here are some resources for breastfeeding that you may find helpful. Some you may already know about, some you may not.

101 Amazing Breastfeeding Tips from experts and Milkbar Community

La Leche League

Haakaa Blog

Kelly Mom Parenting and Breastfeeding Blog

Our blog for 2022 Breastfeeding Picks and Nursing Wear

What are some resources you’ve found helpful in your journey?

His Perspective:

I know breastfeeding is good for the both baby and mother and so I wanted to be supportive and encouraging. I remember with our first born, there were times when things went well and also tough times when for whatever reason it wasn’t working and it was a struggle and frustrating for both mother and our son. During those times that I would try and help with encouraging words and suggestions like try a different position and reminding her that she is doing a wonderful job and it’s not her fault that it wasn’t going smoothly.

Dads, I want to encourage you to be supportive and understanding of your wife and child’s needs. Don’t be overly pushy. It's not our job to tell her how to do it, but be there for her as a support and someone she can lean on for encouragement and for her to know she is doing a fantastic job as a mother and woman. Ask her how you can help and make sure that she is drinking plenty of liquids and eating well. You can also take turns with burping the child after feedings and make eye contact with the child while talking to them.

    Breastfeeding

    11 Aug 2022

    We wanted to share our thoughts on breastfeeding. You'll read my thoughts as a mama (her perspective) and my husband's thoughts (his perspective).

    Her Perspective:

    Through various conversations I’ve had with people to posts I’ve seen on Instagram like this one, I’ve been reminded about how rough the first few months of feeding my first born had been. If my husband hadn’t supported me the way he had, I would have given up and missed the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of breastfeeding.

    Back in 2016 when I was preparing for my firstborn child to arrive, a friend of mine sent me educational breastfeeding videos. I wasn’t sure what to expect and she felt it would be a helpful resource. It helped me to know what a good latch looks like, what to expect and various ways I could hold the baby. I also researched and chose to receive a free breast pump that was provided through my insurance company. Post-partum, I tried using it, felt absolutely no suction from the device and gave up after the first try. Thankfully, when I returned to work, my employer and co-workers were supportive that I was able to go home and feed my child. There was no designated area for me to pump or to feed (which was required by law in Philadelphia) and since I lived door to door 7 minutes away, I was given the privilege of breastfeeding my child. But that was 6 months into breastfeeding.

    When he was first born, I had a few stitches where I had torn and it was challenging to sit up and feed. I didn’t see the need to take any pain meds (I felt I could handle it without drugs) but having to sit up every time and feel the wound was painful and I was in tears wondering why it had to be so hard. I had a lactation consultant come in on the first day to teach us some ways to hold and feed the baby. When we were discharged to go home, my husband was with me encouraging me with his words and with his body. He would support my body with pillows before giving me the baby to feed him. When my wrist began to hurt, he would sit behind me and place his arms under mine so I could still hold our baby as I fed him. He would be up with me for every feeding, encouraging me and championing me. When I was in tears feeling like I couldn’t do it anymore, he’d say “you’re doing a great job.” If he wasn’t beside me, I probably would have given up within days. My flow was strong (I didn’t know milk could shoot out 3 – 4 feet) so my child would end up getting gassy. My husband would take baby once I was done feeding and spend time burping him. Breastfeeding was a team effort. I would feed him and he would burp him. After going through that with the first, second and third have been times to enjoy feeding. Each time, I’m reminded of how challenging it felt the first time and grateful I stuck with it.

    Each person’s journey is different and some have different types of challenges. Whether it's lack of supply, inverted/cracked nipples, lack of maternity leave and support of various kinds. No matter what you're encountering in your breastfeeding journey...

    Mama, you’re doing a great job. You're amazing. You're not alone. You know what's best for you and baby. We're rootin' for ya!

    Here are some resources for breastfeeding that you may find helpful. Some you may already know about, some you may not.

    101 Amazing Breastfeeding Tips from experts and Milkbar Community

    La Leche League

    Haakaa Blog

    Kelly Mom Parenting and Breastfeeding Blog

    Our blog for 2022 Breastfeeding Picks and Nursing Wear

    What are some resources you’ve found helpful in your journey?

    His Perspective:

    I know breastfeeding is good for the both baby and mother and so I wanted to be supportive and encouraging. I remember with our first born, there were times when things went well and also tough times when for whatever reason it wasn’t working and it was a struggle and frustrating for both mother and our son. During those times that I would try and help with encouraging words and suggestions like try a different position and reminding her that she is doing a wonderful job and it’s not her fault that it wasn’t going smoothly.

    Dads, I want to encourage you to be supportive and understanding of your wife and child’s needs. Don’t be overly pushy. It's not our job to tell her how to do it, but be there for her as a support and someone she can lean on for encouragement and for her to know she is doing a fantastic job as a mother and woman. Ask her how you can help and make sure that she is drinking plenty of liquids and eating well. You can also take turns with burping the child after feedings and make eye contact with the child while talking to them.