Breastfeeding Reflection
When Vincent was first born, my goal was to breastfeed for 6 months … and here I am reflecting on making it 18.5 months. I have learned so much about something I thought was going to be so simple. In the beginning I was living my life in 2-3 hour increments ((and sometimes 30 minute increments as Vincent loved to cluster feed in those early weeks)).
I learned that breastfeeding was a labor of love. It is crazy how much breastfeeding really consumes your mind and your day. When I wasn’t nursing, I was thinking about it. Thinking about how or when I was going to pump, how much water I was drinking, or when I needed to eat next in order to keep up my supply.
I remember those early days and being so worried about timing my outings just right so I would be able to nurse my little guy whenever I needed to. Looking back on those early days & weeks I felt so chained to breastfeeding. But, like everything else in motherhood, with practice, time, and persistence, things seemed to get easier. I quickly learned what foods I ate had an impact on Vincent ((he couldn’t handle dairy for the first 5 months of his life)). I learned which positions he liked to be nursed in best, which made both mama and him more comfortable. I also learned what nursing mama must-haves I couldn’t live without!
MY NURSING MAMA MUST HAVES
HAAKAA:
I wanted to be able to store some milk so Brian would be able to give Vincent a bottle here or there. I tried pumping in between feedings and it always seemed like Vincent wanted to eat the minute I had finished pumping which would leave me so stressed I wouldn’t have enough milk for him. Once I started using the haakaa, it was a serious game changer. This amazing little thing suctions on to your other breast while nursing and catches the letdown. I seriously was able to collect on average about 4-5oz of milk during each nursing session with this guy! It took all the stress of pumping during the day away!
HANDS FREE PUMPING BRA:
I found my rhythm with pumping and nursing due to the Haaka and mostly only pumped at night before I went to bed. A friend of mine told me to get a hands free pumping bra when we were talking about must haves for a new mom and it really made a big difference. I used the Simple Wishes bra (the xsmall/large size) and it allowed me to scroll through my phone, look at pictures or videos of Vincent, answer text messages or emails, or massage my breasts while pumping which really helps increase flow.
SPECTRA PUMP
When I was searching for a pump, the Spectra came highly recommended to me. I chose to go with the Spectra S1 which has a rechargeable battery and is portable. I loved the idea of being able to take it with me on car rides without having to worry if we would be able to stop and find a place to plug it in. Make sure you check with your insurance as most insurances will cover a breast pump!
NURSING BRAS
It took me a while to find the nursing bras I liked best. Here are links to some of my favorites. Ones I found most comfortable and functional:
Medela Nursing Bra - I slept in this almost nightly
Chantelle Nursing Bra - When my milk came in this bra fit the best, full coverage and really soft material. Natori Nursing Bra - As my breastfeeding journey continued and I wasn’t always engorged and my bra size changed, I found these bras to be the most comfortable.
EARTH MAMA NIPPLE CREAM
I love all of the Earth Mama products, we use the diaper cream and their baby body wash/shampoo. After trying a couple different nipple creams, this one seemed to do the best job soothing cracked nipples.
NURSING PILLOW
Find yourself a comfy nursing pillow! It makes all the difference for both mama & babe. I loved the Boppy Nursing Pillow. I got mine from Pottery Barn and I loved the super soft cover options that they have too :-)
PUMPING BAG W/EXTRA PUMP PARTS
I am sure many working mamas will reiterate this also, but a well stocked pump bag is a life saver! While I wasn’t bringing my pump out of the house on a daily basis or having to pump at work, I learned the hard way ((by constantly forgetting things) what a well stocked bag needed. Here is what I found to be most helpful.
A zipper bag that will only be used for your pump & pump parts. I got mine from Amazon and there are a ton of options out there.
A designated set of pump parts (bottles, flanges, pumping bra) just for your pump bag
Burp cloth, wash cloth, or small towel
Granola Bars or nonperishable snacks
Bottle of Water
Extra t-shirt for mama
Milk bags
Permanent marker or pen
Cooler/lunch box - I used this one
Nipple cream
Breast pads - I found these most comfortable
SNACK STATION
I had two of these diaper caddy’s set up in my house. One upstairs next to my bed and one downstairs in our living room. I stocked it with diapers, wipes, a couple water bottles, granola bars, and a piece of chocolate. I found these things to be the things I wanted/needed most when nursing. It helped to have these stocked and set up daily so I didn’t have to try and walk around getting what I needed before sitting down for a nursing session.
WATER BOTTLE
I was always extremely thirsty while I was nursing. And as you probably know, you need to stay well hydrated while breastfeeding. I bought myself this Bubba water bottle from Target right before Vincent was born and I still drink from it. It is 48oz and I found myself filling it up at least 3 times a day while I was nursing. I still use it daily and it helps me get all the water I need.
BREASTFEEDING CLASS
Brian and I took a couple classes before Vincent was born and we both thought one of the most helpful classes was the breastfeeding class. I always knew I wanted to breastfeed and always hoped I could but this class really set me up for success. The class went through topics such as; how milk is produced, what to expect in the hospital, recognizing signs of success, references for seeking help, hunger cues, life as a nursing mother, what partners & family members need to know, and more! If one is available, I highly recommend looking into a class by you.
SUPPORT
Last but not least one of the most important must-haves I have found is the need for support. Whether that is from your partner, family, trusted friends, or your mama community/village. Breastfeeding brings a million emotions from the first latch to the last latch. It is a rollercoaster. Having the support of those you trust and the encouragement when needed is so vital.
So that’s it. After 18.5 months I am officially done breastfeeding Vincent.
That’s 563 days.
And while I was so worried about how I was going to feel when I was finished breastfeeding, I am beyond honored, blessed, and proud to have been able to breastfeed for so long. It was a journey of hard work, pain, tears, exhaustion coupled with love, joy, bliss, and the most incredible bonding imaginable.
I will miss & cherish those nursing times, but I am loving the super wet kisses, big hugs, and snuggles I get with my almost 20month old sweetheart now.