Aagh! I can’t believe my baby is almost one and a half! It really does go by too fast. I know this is something parents say all the time, but it’s the truth.
Breastfeeding hasn’t always been easy, but I am so proud of me and my little one that we’ve made it this far.
I haven’t done a full post on our early breastfeeding months (I plan to write about this soon!), but here is a quick recap at some of issues I experienced in the beginning:
- Low glucose and needing to supplement
- Proper latching issues
- Tongue tie
- Refusing all the bottles (I tried every brand and every nipple, he would accept nothing less than the breast)
- Leaky boobs
- Bad nursing bras
- Sore nipples (so so ouch!)
- Mastitis
As you can see, even for a third time mom breastfeeding can be a challenge! If you’ve had these problems, too just know that it does get easier. There is light at the end of the tunnel!
Here are a few my favorite tips that helped me when I felt like giving up:
#1: I remind myself how magically healthy breastmilk is!
This may seem like a small thing, but sometimes a simple reminder of all the healthy things my baby is getting from breastfeeding is all I need to keep going.
There is a reason breastmilk is also know as “liquid gold.” It is full of the perfect amount of protein, vitamins, minerals, and all the other nutrients for your baby. Breastmilk is also full of immune system boosters. Babies who are breastfeed are less likely to have allergies or asthma, and they’re less likely to get sick.
#2: Take a nap (or other self-care)
Ninety-five per cent of the time that I’ve felt like giving up, it’s because I was running on empty. Being a mom is not easy. We are constantly on the move taking care of everyone and everything else that we often overlook our own needs.
I know this is way easier said than done, but as a mom you have to make time for yourself or you’ll burnout. It’s okay to leave the dishes and the messes, and sleep when baby sleeps – or take a shower, or do your nails, read a book, or whatever else will fill you up. It’s also more than okay to…
#3: Ask for help
I struggled with this a new mom, and honestly I still struggle with this. For some reason, I have always been super driven to do things by myself and without help. Also, it’s easy to feel like as a stay at home mom you HAVE to do it all. But reality is you don’t, and it’s just not possible – unless you’re some sort of Mary Poppins.
I’ve learned that since I’m not an 8-armed octopus, and I’m not great at multi-tasking, sometimes I need help. And that’s okay.
#4: Kelly Mom
This is such a great breastfeeding and parenting resource. If you have a breastfeeding problem, Kelly Mom has an answer. This has been my go-to source (besides my doc) if I have an issue. All the articles are well researched, and there’s a lot of great suggestions for working through different breastfeeding issues.
#5: They’re only little for a little while
I’ve said this before, but I’m saying it again because it is so true. This time when they’re little goes by so freakin’ fast. I know it’s hard to enjoy every exhausting moment, but knowing that there will come a day that they will no longer want to nurse, or rock, or even snuggle is a good reason to soak up as much of their littleness as we can.
So…Besides these 5 tips here’s a quick update on month 16-17:
He is busy, busy, busy. Running, climbing, and still trying to nurse upside down. Also, he has all the his teeth – I think 16ish? – and it seems like he may be cutting his 2-year molars, but I am proud to report that biting has not been an issue. However, it apparently is very entertaining to see how far my nipple will stretch 😳.
We are still nursing on demand, but mostly in the routine of before and after sleeping, which translates to around 4 times a day. Nighttime still varies from 2 to 22 times🤷♀️.
Well, I’m going to end this here. Feel free to say hi and leave a comment if this is useful or relatable to you, or if it’s not 😉.
Hope you’re having a beautiful day!
