Pre-baby, we expected breastfeeding would go how we saw it in public—whip out a boob, pop the baby on, move on. Bim bam boom, easy.
Hahahahahahahahaha.
Little did we know those babies were probably 6 months or older—post-graduate-level breastfeeders with tenured expert mom profs.
Breastfeeding takes a lot of practice, and can be really challenging. For us, it was full of more bumps, bites, and bruises than we ever expected. In this episode, we’ll talk all about our experiences learning to breastfeed. (Stay tuned for next week, when we talk about all the breastfeeding side quests—trials, tribulations, and other adventures we’ve had so far along the way.)
And—of course!—these are just our experiences. Fed is best! Do whatever works for your family, and what feels good for you and your baby.
In this episode, we talk about:
Intentions for feeding baby vs. reality
The societal picture of breastfeeding (cue Beyonce with bouquet picture)
The pressure to feed baby a certain way
Yikes! This doesn’t feel right!
Worth and accomplishment around feeding baby and baby gaining weight
Lactation consultants and other resources
Relief for painful nipples (when they feel like road rash)
Tongue ties and hard decisions
Tracking feeds, diapers and naps *oh my
In this episode, we reference:
How the US used military planes (not the military act!) to bring in formula during the recent shortage
Clogged ducts/mastitis
IBCLCs (international board certified lactation consultants)