National Breastfeeding Week
It’s National Breastfeeding Week, so it seemed fitting to touch on the topic and share a bit of my story. As I’ve mentioned before, my first child Liam was given a little formula in the hospital due to not being able to regulate his blood sugar, though we went back to breast milk when we got home. In total, I breastfeed for 6 months using both the boob, bottle, and pump. Although we also had to supplement with formula to keep up with his needs and my low production. There were ups and downs to put it mildly!
Something I told myself prior to having Liam was that I would breastfeed for the first year with no formula. Another thing I told myself was that breastfeeding was going to be an incredible bonding experience and bring us closer together. In my case, only the latter statement was true. And the pressure I put on myself to achieve the first statement almost ruined the second statement.
Breastfeeding is one of those topics in motherhood that seems to put a ton of pressure on mothers. And honestly, that can really take away from the experience! We all want to do what’s best for our child, and yes, breast is best. But I believe wholeheartedly that a healthy mama is just as important as (or dare I say more important than) breastfeeding your baby. And shame and guilt around whether you can or can’t will not help anyone.
As a coach, I know this isn’t a one size fits all issue. Everyone’s path to feeding their baby will look different. This time around with my second I’ve been able to change my narrative around breastfeeding in hopes to enjoy the experience even more and let go of the unnecessary pressure I felt. I’ve asked myself a few questions and I would encourage you to do the same thing as you prepare for your breastfeeding journey, don't forget it’s not all about the baby. You count too in this experience.
What are my values around breastfeeding?
To give my baby as much breast milk as I can for as long as I can, while maintaining a healthy mental state and lifestyle.
What does that look like for you?
That means I’m okay with letting Tyler give the baby a bottle once or more during the night or day. I will breastfeed as much as I can, but will be confident about giving her breast milk in a bottle too.
What if you’re unable to produce as much milk as you hoped?
I will speak to my lactation coach, I will use the pump no more than 3 times a day (this way I get to sleep and still have time for myself) I will practice radical acceptance if I have to give her formula and I will not feel bad about it.
How will you know you’re in alignment with your values?
I will check in with myself weekly making sure I’m healthy and happy, I will check in with my baby and paediatrician making sure my baby is getting enough food. I will remind myself I’m doing the best I can for myself and my baby. I will feel in flow, I will be enjoying the experience and I will let go of any expectations.
I want every mama out there who’s going through the breastfeeding journey to know you’re doing an incredible job no matter how you do it.
To any mother who isn’t able to go down this road for whatever reason, you’re doing an incredible job too. Lets celebrate National Breastfeeding Week by cheering each other on and leaving shame, guilt, and judgment out of the conversation!
<3 BJS