When I was pregnant with my first, I was super excited to do everything a “good” mom wants to do for her baby. I knew breast milk/breastfeeding was the best choice, so I took the 1 hour class that the OB office offered. The nurse made it sound so easy, just pop the kid on the breast and voila!, you’re doing it! Happy mommy, happy baby…well, you all know that’s not true. But, I was clueless. When he was born, 8 pounds of very hungry baby, I tried to “pop him on”. He wouldn’t latch. He screamed and I cried. My mother said, “Well, you were raised on formula and you turned out ok. I don’t know what you want from me.” My mother-in-law thought breastfeeding was gross and told me in the hospital that “there must be something wrong with my milk if he didn’t want to nurse.” The lactation nurse was of no help at all. She just shrugged her shoulders and said maybe he’ll figure it out on his own. Exhausted and defeated, I turned to formula.

When my second baby was born, I didn’t even try to breastfeed her. I felt like I couldn’t do it with the first, so why try with the second? And I had to go back to work in 6 weeks with a newborn and a toddler. Cue the Similac.

When the third came along, I was determined. I was a NICU nurse after all. I knew all stuff (at least I thought) about the benefits and techniques of breastfeeding. However, while still in the hospital recovering from my 3rd C-section, I would get him to latch, but it hurt so bad I couldn’t continue. The lactation consultant told me its normal for my nipples to hurt badly, and in a week or two, it will get better. What?? A week or two? This kid will starve to death because I had to keep taking him off of my breast because the pain was unbearable. So, with my tail between my legs, I gave him a bottle. I was a three-time breastfeeding loser. Later, I found out he was tongue-tied. That info initially could have changed things.

So why am I baring my soul to you? Because I want you to know that if you’re struggling, I understand. If I had been better informed, better supported, I may have been at least marginally successful. I really wanted to nurse my babies. But I was made to feel like a failure, as a woman and as a mother.

I know better now. I’m not a failure. Though human milk is best, formula is not poison. My kids grew up and continue to thrive. But I never want another mom to feel like I did during those early days. If you want to breastfeed, Mama, I want to help you on the journey that you choose. That’s why I became a certified breastfeeding counselor. I started Milk & Lavender, my breastfeeding and postpartum boutique, to offer support, fun, great products and NO JUDGEMENT no matter how you decide to feed your baby. You are the perfect mom to your baby…and isn’t that all that matters?

Love,

Kelly

milkandlavendershop.com

The post I Was a Breastfeeding Failure appeared first on Milk and Lavender.

Breastfeeding is supposed to be the most natural thing a woman can do…boy, is that statement far from the truth! Breastfeeding is hard, time- consuming, and exhausting, especially in the very beginning. There’s this new little person, whom you just met, demanding everything from you. And it’s not for every woman or family. And that’s ok. I’ll be here with some advice, tips and humor to make whatever journey you are on a memorable one. A healthy mama makes for a healthy baby, and a healthy family is where its all at!

Love,

Kelly

The post Mama…I Got You! appeared first on Milk and Lavender.