To the Breastfeeding Mom Who’s Thinking of Calling It Quits

Breastfeeding is hard – at least, for some moms, at some times. This post is meant to encourage you in your breastfeeding journey and let you know you’re not alone.

Why I’m Writing This Post

I wanted to write a post today to encourage breastfeeding moms out there who are struggling right now. I know breastfeeding can be tough.The sucky truth about breastfeeding is that it can be really, really rough sometimes.

I went into breastfeeding thinking it was natural so it would come naturally, and that just wasn’t the case. I had purchased all the necessary breastfeeding supplies that were recommended to me but not one prepared me for how difficult it would be.

The Struggles I Have Encountered While Breastfeeding

I’ve dealt with plugged ducts, mastitis, over supply, severe engorgement, babies that are awake every 90 minutes throughout the night wanting to nurse, biters, etc..

The first couple of breastfeeding my babies was often pretty miserable for me, due to an extreme oversupply of milk. I was engorged for so long!

My Personal Breastfeeding Experience

Collectively, I have been breastfeeding for more than 9 years between my 7 children. At one point I was even tandem nursing.

I have breastfed all of my babies until at least a year old. Almost all of them have self-weaned just after a year old. They were no longer interested. My son who tandem nursed never took a pacifier and I believe that’s why he nursed longer.

He is the only one I have forced to wean. At the end he was only nursing at bedtime so when he turned 3 I weaned him (his younger brother followed a month or two after.)

Normally around the 6 month mark I introduce solids into my baby’s diet but with some of my babies they just haven’t been interested yet. My son Gideon gagged on almost everything I tried to give him. It didn’t matter if it was pureed or small pieces of food. He gagged on it all until he was 12 months.

I’m thankful that my breasts continue to provide all the nourishment that my babies need.

Why I Have Kept Going – And You Can Too!

Trust me when I tell you there were many nights and days that I just wanted to break down and cry. There have been plenty of times when I wanted to call it quits, but I’ve fought through the trials and, let me tell you, it’s been worth it!

There’s nothing better than to look down into my sweet boy’s eyes while he’s nursing and he breaks his latch to smile back at me, milk spilling out of his mouth in the process.

It’s a bonding time we get to enjoy a few times a day and it’s an immediate comfort for him 24/7.

The BEST Breastfeeding Advice I Ever Received

The BEST piece of breastfeeding advice I have ever been given and want to share with you today is this: If you are within the first 6 weeks of breastfeeding, just hold on.

Take it one day at a time. Trust me, the first 6 weeks are definitely the worst. It will be SO much better after that. Breastfeeding will not always be a struggle.

Get Help If You Need It!

If you’re struggling right now, please know that it will get better AND that there are people out there who will gladly support you and help you in any way they can.

You don’t have to go through this alone! I’m here, you should have a local La Leche League, or you could even join a Facebook support group for breastfeeding moms.

If you’re struggling right now, get some help and just try to take it one day at a time. You can do this mama!