Absolutely! You can have a successful journey if you prepare for breastfeeding.
Breastfeeding may be instinctual but it doesn’t mean it comes naturally.
You wouldn’t run a marathon without preparing right?
Breastfeeding is no different! I think there’s a common misconception that because breastfeeding is natural, it’s easy.
Breastfeeding isn’t always easy. It can be really tough in the beginning. Mostly because mothers aren’t prepared and don’t have helpful resources.
I was this mother with my firstborn! I prepared for everything else. I prepared his nursery, made sure I had every baby gadget I needed and prepared for birth. But, I did not prepare for breastfeeding.
Why? Because I just thought it’d come naturally to us.
And guess what? I was so wrong.
The lactation counselor met with us while we were in the hospital. She gave me a few quick tips and was on her way.
It was an entirely different experience when we got home. My son wanted to breastfeed ALL the time. But I thought this was normal. I didn’t know any better.
He nursed for so long each session. It was all throughout the night. I was SO exhausted. My nipples were so sore for weeks.
A few days later we went to his check-up. And to my surprise, he barely gained any weight. It didn’t make sense. How could he not have gained weight when all he did was nurse?
As soon as we got into the car after the appointment, I just cried. I felt so defeated. I felt like I let my baby down. I felt absolutely terrible that he wasn’t getting enough breast milk.
His pediatrician suggested formula if he wasn’t gaining weight. This made me feel even worse that I wasn’t able to provide enough milk for my baby.
I was determined to figure out why he wasn’t gaining weight so I scheduled an appointment with a lactation counselor. She was honestly such a blessing.
She figured out he had a tongue tie. She also suggested I power pump and supplement with my breast milk instead of formula.
If I had prepared for breastfeeding, I would’ve known there were some red flags.
My son started to gain weight and breastfeeding got better. We ended up breastfeeding until he was almost 3!
But most mothers aren’t told to prepare for breastfeeding.
You can’t know something if you never learned it, right?
Preparation for breastfeeding is the key to SUCCESSFUL breastfeeding.
Knowledge is so powerful!
If you want a successful breastfeeding journey, you need the skills and knowledge.
It’s important to know what feeding cues are or what red flags to look for. It’s important to know how often you should breastfeed and HOW to breastfeed.
There are so many things that go into breastfeeding like positions and how to achieve a deep latch.
Mothers need resources and guidance! And the biggest thing mothers need is support!
Breastfeeding can be tough. But support and guidance can truly make a difference!
I took my horrible experience and turned it into something good. I became a Certified Lactation Counselor to help other mommas! I don’t ever want a mother to feel the way I felt when I heard the doctor say my son wasn’t gaining weight.
I want to educate, empower, & encourage you! Because that is what you deserve!
I created an online breastfeeding course that provides tons of valuable information to prepare you for your breastfeeding journey.
This course is perfect for all mothers. Pregnant, new mommas, or mommas who are having a tough time with breastfeeding. I guide you from beginning to end.
You can check it out here!
Breastfeeding is such a beautiful time in you and your baby’s life. Being prepared can prevent stressful situations. You deserve to be stress free momma!
I also offer email lactation consultations so you can get your questions or concerns answered quickly without having to drive to an appointment!
