Starting breast feeding or pumping for the first time was INCREDIBLY overwhelming. I didn’t know about flange sizes, how long to pump, what it should feel like. It was a hot mess as you say
Fast forward to now my 4th baby, I know a heck of a lot more.
Each baby I’ve breast fed longer and longer. My first baby didn’t latch until 3/4 weeks old so I exclusively pumped.
The BEST piece of advice I can give anyone is the same advice I gave myself, have no expectations for how your journey will go. If you aim too high, you’re disappointed. I start each breast feeding journey with ZERO expectations. This way if I get a very small pumped amount, I’m not upset. I never expected more so I’m not mad about it!
This truly kept me humble in my journey. I’m hardly a just enougher. I never have extra. All my kids were formula fed. As long as they are getting SOME milk, I’m happy with that. Be happy for yourself for those little wins. don’t expect too much. Be gentle and kind to yourself, moms.
This is such incredible wisdom! That learning curve with the first baby, flange sizes, schedules, and feeling totally overwhelmed, is so real. ‘Have no expectations and be kind to yourself’ is honestly the best mindset for any feeding journey. Thank you for sharing such a grounded and encouraging perspective
That is such good advice to go in with no expectations! Every breastfeeding journey is different, and what’s important is that you do what you gotta do to get your baby fed.
I love this! I can’t help but think we’ll next time will be easier I know what I’m doing, but next baby could be different, recovery might be harder and hormones might be worse - who knows!
I couldn’t agree more with you! My first journey I said I wanted to make it to a year- at 9 months my son was diagnosed completely dairy allergic and I was already struggling to eat as is so cutting out the little bit I was eating was so hard that I decided to stop breastfeeding.
This time around I set 3 month goals. I am aiming for 2yrs but just setting it at 3 months and taking it day by day- pump by pump it has help my mental soo much!
Be gentle and kind to yourself, moms.
