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My Breastfeeding Story

Lauren Nicole Jones
Dec 1, 2017
2 min read

Easy. Painless. A Bonding Experience.... those are the words I attributed to breastfeeding before I tried it.Well that was not my story...... initially at least! I️t was so hard not to compare my situation with others, and I’m glad I️ have been able to move past I️t. This is a topic that is very close to my heart, and I️ have stuck with I️t through the many ups and downs! At the hospital I️ wanted to take full advantage of the lactation consultant, because let’s be real I️ had never done this before....I’m glad I️ did.

After weeks of struggling, soreness, and engorgement we are officially doing great, and it feels like second nature. I thought at first I was going to have to only pump into a bottle for my little because he was not latching deep enough and it was downright painful. I pumped like a PHEEN every 2 hours, and boy was my milk supply on FULL blast. I moved from pumping and bottle feeding, to half bottle/ half breast and STILL was pumping too. Then.... engorgement set in. OUCH. Like so painful. My body was making enough for twins. I had to stop pumping cold turkey, and move straight to breastfeeding. It was a good switch, as my little was finally getting the hang of it.. I just had to battle the engorgement every 2 hours.. not fun.

It took about 2 weeks to regulate my supply with baby's needs and we are on a smoother track. Some words of advice.... don't over pump! On the flip side though I have a pretty nice freezer stash!!

Some advice for first time moms from someone who has struggled, and overcome even when giving up could have been the easiest option..

Everything is a “phase” and you can overcome!
I️t will hurt, but not forever. Sore nipples and engorged breasts are hard to deal with but this too shall pass.
Practice a good latch, and don’t compromise. This was a hard one for me. Scott would fight me at the beginning to even get latched (arms flailing, crying, back arching) so when he finally latched I️ would just settle even though I️t was shallow and pinched like crazy. If you let I️t go this way, the baby could get into a bad habit and you will be in pain too.
The first 6 weeks are the hardest. I️ kept reading the first 2, and felt very discouraged. Stay the course.
No matter what you decide...... you are the mom and you are giving your baby the best regardless if it is formula or breastmilk. No mom shaming yourself please. There is enough of that going around.
Be GENTLE with yourself!