I wanted to breastfeed my first baby so badly but I ended up with an emergency c section and he was in the NICU with a feeding tube, which was a huge barrier to breast feeding. He had to do a certain number of feeds by mouth and just wasn’t latching properly. My mental health was terrible and I was readmitted to the hospital twice. We ended up sticking to formula with him. When I got pregnant with my second, I was determined to make it happen no matter what. Fortunately my scheduled c section with him was a healing experience. He did not have a great latch at the hospital and the lactation support was not that great either.
Once I got home I started pumping and bottle feeding. He still did not have a great latch so I just became an exclusive pumper. I am a working mom so I would have been primarily pumping anyways. It’s not easy at all but every oz is a reminder that I am doing it all for my son. Support and help from my husband has also been a huge factor. I am now an overproducer with a freezer stash. I am so grateful and it is more than I could have ever hoped for. Here’s to all of you moms, you are amazing no matter how you feed your babies
Welcome to the community! I’m sorry you weren’t able to breastfeed your first! Exclusively pumping is a lot of hard work. Be proud of all the hard work you do! You are amazing!
Welcome to the community mama! I just wanna say you are doing an incredible job. So happy to hear your second experience brought so much healing for you! Hugsss
All the NICU stories hit me so hard! My best friend went through a lot and her breastfeeding journey went completely different than she would have hope for very similar reasons
Just know I see you and know all your hard work you have put in!! It definitely does not go unnoticed and I’m so impressed with how far you have made it
What an incredible journeyYou turned such a difficult first experience into something empowering with your second. Exclusive pumping is no small task, and your dedication is inspiring. Your babies are so lucky to have you
I’m glad you did not give up and your story is very inspiring. I am also an exclusive pumping mom and every ounce does count, especially for the well-being of our children.
You turned such a difficult first experience into something empowering with your second. Exclusive pumping is no small task, and your dedication is inspiring. Your babies are so lucky to have you
