I posted this photo on Instagram, and talked about how ‘til this day… in 2021, people are still so bothered by mothers breastfeeding in public. Someone commented, “Mind your boobs!” It was so profound!
Why is it that a mother nursing her child in open view is such an issue? Something that should be natural and beautiful is labeled inappropriate in a demoralized world of perverse thoughts of nudity. Is it really inappropriate or is it a lack of maturity?
Some would argue that the easy solution is to simply cover it up. For me, that was typically a preference if I was out and needed to feed my baby. However, two of them are Houston summer babies, and let’s just say, IT WAS TOO HOT FOR ALL THAT! I covered when I felt the need/desire to, and nursed uncovered when I felt like it.
Thankfully, I’ve been fortunate enough to breastfeed all three of my babies. However, this last round, I’ve either received or noticed so many more opinions. Ironically, I also received the most support in my breastfeeding journey, and felt the most educated this last round. I made the decision early on that I wanted to exclusively breastfeed (EBF) my youngest. I thought back to all of the challenges I faced during my journey with the previous two, and created a strategic plan for her. I bought all the things! See them here:
Note: As for bra liners – the fancy fabric ones are cute but didn’t stay in place, and unless your bra is has thick padding, I was often able to see the outline. Save your money on these.
Now, if you’ve ever even attempted to breastfeed, then you know that plan or no plan, it’s hard. Those first moments in the hospital, or home if you chose a home birth, of trying to get your baby to properly latch on are critical. The child that I prepared the most for with breastfeeding was the hardest. It’s not that she wouldn’t latch on, it was just painful. I remember crying at feeding times because my nipples were cracked, bleeding, and sore from what was likely improper latching. When I’d pump, it seemed like I was working hard for mere droplets! I had family/friends to tell me how they tried and gave up early on. Some would also say how they never bothered to try. To each her own, but for those of us who desperately wanted to breastfeed, we don’t want to hear that. To the soon-to-be mamas planning to breastfeed, we got you! There are a ton of resources and lactation support available.
My milk supply always fluctuated, so I was always on the hunt for things that would give me a boost. I remember crying at the thought of having to give my baby formula, but then I had to remember what was best for her development and not my pride. Formula is not poison. If you need a supplement when your supply is low, don’t feel bad about introducing formula. Us mamas gotta do what we gotta do! I would also order supplements to boost my milk supply, but eventually, that got pricey, so I started making my own lactation treats like gooey chocolate oatmeal & pecan lactation cookies and brownies with Brewer’s Yeast. OMG…so good!!! I also drank a TON of water and Gatorade (yes, Gatorade) daily. I may or may not still eat those yummy lactation cookies from Target when I go.
Initially, my goal with my youngest was to breastfeed for one year. With the help of these boosters, and support from my spouse, I was able to go 2yrs and 7months. What went from a struggle to produce turned into a struggle to wean. I’d only traveled away from my baby once, and it was torture for the both of us. She was used to nursing at night for comfort, and I was engorged most of my trip. Towards the end of our journey, I started to feel like nursing was more for habit and less for nurturing. My baby would attempt to nurse anytime anywhere, and honestly, I was over it. I was over nursing bras. I was over nursing friendly clothing. I was over skipping the mimosas. LOL I knew that I would want to travel again soon, so I had to aggressively wean her off. This ended up being a few tearful nights for us both. My tears were both from fatigue and knowing that this was the last child I would get to bond with in this way. I had separation anxiety. However, my decision to end my breastfeeding journey was solely my own. Sure, I had family telling me she was too big to still be nursing, and I was UNBOTHERED every. single. time I heard it. I stopped when WE were ready, and for that reason alone.
When COVID-19 hit the scene, I was thankful that I was still breastfeeding. Breastmilk has so many health benefits, and mentally I felt it was an added immunity boost for my baby. Studies show that breastfeeding is both beneficial for mom and baby whether you go a year, six months, or six weeks.
Not everyone will have a pleasant or even successful breastfeeding journey, but just know that there are resources out there available should you need support outside of your family/circle. To anyone reading, if you are anti-breastfeeding or anti-breastfeeding in public, shush. Keep it to yourself, respectfully.
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