Everything I’ve Learned About Breastfeeding as a Mom of Seven

Breastfeeding — it’s one of those things that, as a woman, I thought would be so simple, easy, and natural. For as long as I can remember, I knew I would try to breastfeed my babies.

I can still remember seeing my mom breastfeeding my baby sister when I was 5 years old, so it was normal and natural to me. What I didn’t really realize is that there was a lot more to it than just latching them on there!

Breastfeeding is natural but it doesn’t come naturally to everyone. If this is your first time breastfeeding and you’re struggling, just now you are not alone!

Breastfeeding has always presented challenges to me. Yes, I’ve talked to moms who found it easy from the get-go, but in my experience, it’s pretty common to run into an issue or two at some point while breastfeeding your baby.

For me, it started out as extremely sore nipples and a painful letdown with my first baby. A friend gave me probably the best advice I’ve ever been given when it comes to breastfeeding — she told me to give it six weeks.

She said the first six weeks can be really rough and make you want to quit, but if you can stick it out, things get so much better after that. You know what – she was right!

I’ve still faced issues beyond the initial first six weeks, but if you can tough it out through that period, it gets SO much better! I’ve struggled through plugged ducts, milk blebs I had to pierce with a needle, mastitis, severe engorgement and oversupply, losing my stockpile of milk (months worth!) but it’s all been okay!

Being able to breastfeed my babies has been worth it!

Beyond remembering that word of advice above, one of my best tips of advice for you if you’ve just started to breastfeed or you’re currently pregnant and planning to breastfeed is to find another mom who’s been there, done that, and talk to her about any questions or concerns you might have.

It’s been my experience that most moms are open to helping out other moms in this area! If you don’t know someone personally, than ask your midwife or obstetrician for recommendations on a lactation consultant, or join a local La Leche League group.

I’d also recommend that you read the book The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding. It is a great book for all nursing moms to own with SO much information!

To me, it’s right up there with a breast pump and breast pads when it comes to baby gear you should have if you’re planning to breastfeed. If you don’t have the extra money to purchase it, you can probably find it at your local library.

Even with my 4th baby, I found myself pulling it back out to research questions I had.

Over the years (I’ve been breastfeeding collectively for over 10 years now!) I’ve written a number of posts on my site about breastfeeding. I’d tamden nursed, I’ve breastfed one child until the age of 3 (the others gave it up long before then of their own decision), and I’ve experienced many good and bad things from breastfeeding.

I wanted to organize them in one easy-to-find place, so here you go! I hope you find these helpful and informative!

General Breastfeeding Posts

• Encouragement for the Struggling Breastfeeding Mama
• The Sucky Truth About Breastfeeding – Struggles you might go through and the things I wish someone had told me about breastfeeding before I started.
• How to Deal with Severe Breast Engorgement 
• How to Check the Nutritional Content of Your Breastmilk

Breastfeeding Supplies

• Must-Have Breastfeeding Supplies
• Lansinoh Smart Pump Double Electric Breast Pump Review
• Lansinoh SignaturePro Double Electric Breast Pump Review
• DIY Easy Breast Milk Storage System
• Breastfeeding Cover Hack

Increasing Milk Supply

• 5 Ways to Increase Milk Supply
• Oatmeal Chocolate Lovers Lactation Cookie Recipe
• Chocolate Chip Lactation Cookies Recipe
• Milky! Breastfeeding Supplement Review

As always, feel free to comment with any questions you might have relating to nursing your baby and I’m happy to help if I’m able. And, if you need a good laugh, make sure you check out these breastfeeding memes I compiled!