How long were you in labor? Did you have to have a C section? Are you exclusively breastfeeding?? Wait what?! People really ask personal questions about my body and my capabilities to feed and birth my child?
Having a newborn baby was the most incredible and life changing event of my life. I was overjoyed to share my babies measurements and delivery story until the very next question was “Are you breastfeeding?”
Are You Breastfeeding?
Like most new mothers I hoped I could exclusively breastfeed to ensure optimal health for my child. After trying to breastfeed for the first 3 weeks, I realized I wasn’t producing enough milk, and my baby was losing weight. Heartbroken, I went to a lactation consultant who gave me pills and tea to help with milk production. These helped, but I had to still supplement with formula until my 7th week when I stopped producing milk entirely.
I knew at that point I would be a target for criticism and snide comments suggesting I took the easy way out and did not care enough to give my baby the beneficial breast milk.
After the initial guilt faded, I realized I wasn’t alone. There are many women who, like me, cannot breastfeed. I realized it’s not the end of the world, and nothing can take away from the miracle of life and the joy of being a new mother.
In no way do I feel like less of a mother, in fact, knowing my daughter wasn’t getting enough milk made me more confident in my mother’s intuition. I would strongly suggest any new mother that questions how much milk they are producing to buy or rent a breast pump. Without this I would have never known how much milk I was producing and wouldn’t have been able to take steps to make sure my baby was getting enough nutrition.
Stacie — Mom of Audrey
Hello there! Do you use Twitter? I’d like to follow you if that would be okay.
I’m absolutely enjoying your blog and look forward to new posts.
I’m so proud of you, Stacie! I went through the exact same thing with my kids and it was a horrible way to start off. As a mom for the first time there are so many things you worry about, mostly keeping him/her alive, but no one prepares you for the judgement and embarrassment that comes with your body failing to provide for your baby. I hope more moms read your article and become as confident as you. You are such an amazing mom to you perfect baby girl and I am so proud to be your friend! Love you, girl!
Aw thanks Steph!!!! Love you!!! Xo
My partner and I stumbled over here coming from a different page and thought I might
as well check things out. I like what I see so i am just following you.
Look forward to exploring your web page yet again.
Thank you so much for checking out our website! Hope you enjoy it! Xo
First off I want to say fantastic blog! I had a quick question that I’d
like to ask if you don’t mind. I was curious to know how you center
yourself and clear your thoughts before writing.
I have had a difficult time clearing my mind in getting my
ideas out there. I do enjoy writing however it just seems like the first
10 to 15 minutes tend to be lost just trying to figure out how to begin. Any suggestions
or tips? Thanks!
Just start writing! I find it best to just write down something and edit later! Xo
It’s hard to find knowledgeable people in this particular subject, however, you sound like you know what you’re talking about!
Thanks
Thank you! So glad you enjoyed the article! Xo
Thank you! So happy you’re enjoying our website! Xo