As a content creator for learns.edu.vn and a specialist in Education, I’m diving into a deeply personal journey today – my own introduction to breastfeeding. Before becoming a lactation consultant, breastfeeding was a vast unknown for me. Looking back, I definitely learned a lot “the hard way,” and I want to share my story so you don’t have to repeat my mistakes.
Amanda’s Story: From Paramedic to Expectant Mom
My foray into motherhood began twelve years ago with my first son, a delightful surprise! Preparation for motherhood was a self-designed crash course. I vividly recall studying baby sign language books between emergency calls during my paramedic night shifts. Feeding my baby didn’t truly register until late in my pregnancy, leading to frantic Google searches like “when do babies start eating solid food?”.
Breastfeeding, of course, was the obvious choice. Nursing school had drilled in the countless health benefits. However, my workplace, surprisingly, wasn’t a hub of encouragement. One nurse even quipped, “Amanda, do your boobs know you’re pregnant yet?” My baby shower overflowed with bottles. Yet, in my mind, breastfeeding seemed straightforward: baby to breast. Google reinforced this simplicity, suggesting solids weren’t needed until six months. Feeding research, complete. Or so I thought.
The Grueling First Days of Breastfeeding
My first birth was, in a word, traumatic. Sadly, this resonates with many mothers. My son was a robust 10 lbs 2 oz, understandably sleepy, and likely a little traumatized himself from the vacuum-assisted delivery. He was whisked away for “observation,” and I strongly suspect a bottle was introduced in the nursery.
Reunited, he showed little interest in latching. I managed a few attempts independently, but lacked the crucial knowledge of achieving a deep, effective latch. “Just put baby to breast,” was my mantra, echoing my limited research. Well-meaning nurses attempted to “help” by aggressively pushing him towards my breast. One even produced a formula bottle from her pocket, dripping some on his lips “to see if he’s even hungry.” Another nurse, upon learning he’d slept for over two hours, reprimanded me with pursed lips, “Babies need to be fed at least every two hours, you need to wake him!”
A fleeting bright spot was a quick visit from a lactation consultant. She demonstrated the minuscule size of a newborn’s stomach and reassured me that colostrum was perfectly sufficient. She rapidly dispensed key breastfeeding tips and dispelled myths, vanishing as quickly as she appeared. The next morning, my mature milk arrived with a vengeance – severe engorgement. Latching now seemed an insurmountable challenge. We eventually managed, but it was PAINFUL.
I requested the lactation consultant again, but it was a different person from the previous day. My nipples were now cracked and bleeding. She examined them, making a face I’ll never forget – that face. She sighed, suggesting she could ask my doctor for an all-purpose nipple ointment prescription. She inquired if my nipple resembled a “tube of lipstick” after nursing, a question I didn’t understand the significance of (a classic sign of latch issues!). “Hmm,” she murmured, and left to find my doctor for the ointment.
Back home, my son became more alert and seemed to want to nurse CONSTANTLY. I was clueless that this was normal newborn behavior, and no one around me considered it typical either. The pervasive thought crept in: I must not be making enough milk. He was clearly too big for me to sustain. Why was he hungry again so soon? Was he even getting a “full feed”? Another beacon of hope was our pediatrician. I’d chosen him rather randomly from my insurance website… mainly because he shared my son’s name. Fortuitously, he was incredibly supportive of breastfeeding, assuring me my son was thriving and getting ample milk.
Navigating Real Life and Overcoming Misinformation
Leaving the house became the next hurdle. My inaugural outing was to Walmart, stroller in tow. Disaster. He was utterly unhappy. I ended up pushing an empty stroller, a shopping basket precariously balanced on one arm, and a very fussy baby cradled in the other. Hunger struck, leading me to the dreaded Walmart bathroom to nurse. I can still picture that sterile, unwelcoming space, convinced I’d be housebound forever.
Then, my husband returned from work with unsolicited “wisdom” from a coworker: my baby’s frequent nursing was abnormal, and I urgently needed to read “BabyWise.” Unaware of the American Academy of Pediatrics’ warning against this book, I immediately bought and devoured it. I attempted to implement the rigid schedule for a grand total of five minutes. Hearing my baby scream was unbearable. I felt like a failure, utterly isolated, and deeply uncertain if I could continue breastfeeding.
The Turning Point: Finding Support and Knowledge
Serendipitously, I stumbled upon the Dr. Sears website. I discovered information about safe co-sleeping and attachment parenting. Crucially, I learned that my instincts – how my heart was guiding me to care for my son – were valid and right. Life transformed when I invested in a sling. I remember venturing to Target, baby in sling, finally able to move freely without constant worry about impending hunger. I could discreetly latch him, nursing and snuggling as we strolled. The sling offered both privacy and a free arm – revolutionary!
Our breastfeeding journey began rocky, but we persevered, nursing well into toddlerhood. Mom friends who breastfed were scarce, so I leaned heavily on online breastfeeding support groups. Knowing other mothers faced similar struggles was incredibly validating. I became a voracious reader of all things breastfeeding, constantly referencing KellyMom. As I shed the stress and embraced intuitive feeding, my confidence in nourishing and comforting my baby blossomed. My oldest now has three younger siblings, all breastfed with assurance.
Breastfeeding Doesn’t Have to Be “Learning the Hard Way”
Reflecting on my early breastfeeding experience, a clear message emerges: it didn’t have to be so difficult. Yes, breastfeeding can present challenges, but resources and support exist to smooth the path. If I could advise my younger self, I’d urge her to prioritize a prenatal breastfeeding class. Investigating local lactation services beforehand would have been invaluable. Back then, juggling night shifts between the hospital and ambulance felt all-consuming, and I mistakenly believed I lacked time for such classes. Yet, a brief 90-minute class could have dramatically improved my initial weeks. A prenatal consultation with an IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant) would have armed me with knowledge to proactively address postpartum challenges.
Furthermore, hiring a doula to guide me through labor and delivery would have been transformative. A knowledgeable support person can advocate for your birth preferences and provide continuous support to both mom and partner. Having witnessed doulas’ positive impact firsthand during my time as a birth center nurse, I wholeheartedly recommend them to every expectant mother.
Upon returning home and encountering latch issues and nipple pain, I would emphatically tell myself: call an IBCLC immediately! I was completely unaware of lactation home visits. The perceived ordeal of taking a newborn out hampered me from seeking help. Just a couple of home consultations could have revolutionized my experience. I truly learned breastfeeding “the hard way,” a path I wouldn’t wish on any new mother.
Let’s Address Your Breastfeeding Needs – The Easy Way
Are you an expectant mother seeking breastfeeding information? Schedule a prenatal consultation with me, and let’s build your confidence and preparedness before that first latch.
Are you a new mom experiencing nipple pain, concerns about milk supply, or any breastfeeding challenge? I may have learned “the hard way,” but I am dedicated to preventing other mothers from experiencing unnecessary pain and tears. Schedule an appointment with me today.
With fifteen years of nursing experience and twelve years as a mother, very little surprises me anymore. And I promise – you won’t get that face from me!
Lactation consultants serving Baton Rouge, Denham Springs, Walker, Prairieville, Gonzales, Central, and Zachary. Whether you had your baby at Woman’s Hospital, a birth center, home birth, Baton Rouge General, Ochsner, or Lane – we serve you!
Virtual consults are available for all locations.
All information on this website is intended for educational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Magnolia Lactation Consulting encourages all families to have close communication with the medical providers of their choice.
