The Journey continues
through
The Milky Way 🤱🏿
Whenever I thought about being a mom and feeding a baby, my mind automatically went to breastfeeding because that was all I was surrounded by. My Mom has five children and she breastfed all of us so I was always familiar with the process of breastfeeding or nursing.
I had my first breastfeeding experience in 2010 with my first child for 12 months, second child for 18 months and my third child... we're at 13 months and counting!
11 days into the journey
Having a new born can be difficult but with the right support system it gets easier
No matter how many times you've breastfed in the past, with every new baby 🤱🏾 it will always be a new experience. I was so blessed and grateful that I chose such a thoughtful man to have children with. He allowed me time to sleep 😴 and he got up through the night with our boys; he just needed me to feed them. That helped me so much with not feeling as overwhelmed because I did not have to do it all alone.
Pumping breast milk
Our bodies will naturally supply the milk with what the baby needs but we have to eat right and take vitamins to replenish ourselves. During my feeding/pumping times I always drank lots of water and a hot cup of tea 🍵 before to get a good flow going.
I started pumping at 3 months postpartum because I had to return to work and Luca was going to start at the nursery. My pumping sessions were rocky at first but once I got a solid routine going, it became easier and I produced more each session. In some sessions I could pump 18 ounces of milk, sometimes I got 12 ounces and at other times I'd get 2 ounces. If I was tired, sleepy or not in a good mood, I realized that my supply wasn't as good as when I was in a good mood, well rested and comfortable.
I pumped in the library at my work and sometimes in my car because that’s where I was most comfortable. Then I stored it in the refrigerator until it was time to go home. The manual Lansinoh pump worked better for me becuase it was easier to carry as opposed to an electric pump. It definitely worked me more with all of the fist pumping but it worked. Between this manual pump and the silicone pump by Haakaa, I was well on my way into pumping milk. I stopped pumping his milk for nuresery at 10 months and used up what was already stored.
Me at 4 weeks postpartum. It was said that it was the breastfeeding that helped with the tightening of my tummy.
I exclusively fed all of my babies until they turned six (6) months old then I gradually introduced various foods like pureed vegetables, baby cereal and mashed potatoes. I purchased this feeder, from Amazon, to help make that transition smoother on both of us. At first I froze breastmilk for him and it helped during the teething phase as he rubbed his gums on the silicone handle and the ice soothed his swollen gums. It is now used to introduce foods like strawberries and other fruits. He now has a strong appetite and enjoys a plethora of different foods.
Co-sleeping
Giirrl...do what works for you and yours! In my case, this was best. I had cesarean sections with my babies and that made it harder and more painful for me to move around so often. That is what led to us always co-sleeping. As my baby got older and more comfortable, our feeding and sleeping positions were all over the bed lol 😂 This drawing could've easily been us, we've fallen asleep like this so many times.
Artwork: @amandaoleander/
Breast feeding Advice
Moms milk was made for baby but it doesn't always work out that way and that is quite okay. If you are able to breastfeed, do it for as long as you are able to and enjoy the bonding time before they become toddlers and want to feed from the table top or standing up.
Breastfeeding journey 😅Via: IG @juliascribble
Now that he is walking, this is where we're at lmbo he just comes when he needs to fill up and goes back to playing with his brother. The weaning process will probably be started soon. He is at nursery all day without milk and he is quite fine without it. He only gets milk in the evenings and night now or after a crying spell for comfort.
"Breastfeeding is not only about the milk; it's about the love, the connection, and the bond between mother and child. 🤱🏾💗"
Beautiful breastfeeding artwork by @daizydoodles
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