The struggle of nursing is real, but so is the joy!

Today I was thinking, how AMAZING is breastfeeding. I absolutely love being able to nourish my babe and have that bonding experience. But breastfeeding was not always easy, so I wanted to give some advice to any new mama's who have a desire to nurse but might be struggling! After my first week of nursing, I was convinced NO amount of warning could prepare me for the experience (hint- it was painful)!

If you are a mom and breastfeeding came easy for you, that’s awesome! I hope it does come easy for any mom. But if you are in the trenches of the first few months, and it seems impossible – don’t give up! I was told a million times, it does get easier.

​I ended up supplementing with formula for a few weeks, no shame! Then, with some encouragement from my tribe, jumped back in. Despite the pain. Despite the exhaustion. Despite everything – I jumped back in. If you can make it two months, you’ve got it! So hang in there.
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Here are a few tips I learned:

• If you get tore up, you NEED these nipple covers. They were a life saver in keeping fabric and clothes off! You definitely don’t wanting anything rubbing on you or sticking to you, that’s for sure. Don't go overboard though, just wear them as needed!

• It's totally normal for a newborn baby to feed ALL. THE. TIME. It does not necessarily mean that you are not producing enough! I thought something was wrong because my baby was hungry every hour the first month. Take advantage of any lactation services you have near you. I did and it gave affirmation that 1) I was producing enough and 2) that there were no issues with the feeding, my girl just has a super strong suction. Ha!

She's hungry... again!?

• When I did supplement, my baby was fine with the Enfamil Gentlease. Similac did not work for her at all. She also loved the MAM bottles. Other bottle nipples she would not take. Every babe is different so you have to find what works for them!
• Lanolin comes highly recommended, but it did not work for me - in fact it made things worse because everything was kept moist all the time. That's where the Shields came in and really helped me heal faster. However every body is different and that may not be the case for you.

And last – just keep going! You must push through knowing that it does get easier the more that you do it. Talk to your Doc. And once you get through to the other side, it’s a very special and amazing experience waiting for you! All the love to you, mama!