A Nursing Adventure
My Story, My Support
When I got pregnant there was no question in my mind that I would at least try nursing. This was not based on the saying “breast is best” or any of the research about breastfeeding. It was mainly based on the fact that “breast is free”. I knew that I would be spending a ridiculous amount of money on clothing, supplies, and diapers (I just didn’t have the time or patience for cloth). Therefore, if possible, I didn’t want to spend more on formula and all the things you need to go along with it.
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I am a strong believer that “fed is best”. Whatever works best for your family. Some women don’t produce enough and some babies don’t latch well, no matter how hard you work at it. A happy fed baby is best, no matter how they are getting that nutrition. However, I also believe in free! So, of course, breast it was for me.
Nursing was probably one of, if not THE hardest thing I’ve done in my life. It is incredibly demanding, especially at the beginning. My son would go on marathon nursing sessions that lasted up to 2 hours! This was usually in an attempt to get my body to start producing more. It was a constant back and forth between my breast becoming swollen from producing too much, to him nursing for these long sessions because he is catching up and surpassing my supply.
Pumping
I also pumped, a lot. From a fairly early age, I started leaving my son with my mother-in-law for short periods of time. This meant having a supply so that she could feed him. It was something my husband insisted on. At first, I was resistant, but now, I’m so grateful that I did that since it kept me a lot more sane in those early months.
Pumping early on was also a great way to build up a freezer supply for when I eventually had to go back to work. This happened when my son was 6 months old and at that point, I had a fairly large supply in the freezer, which was really helpful. I used a double electric pump and a hands-free pumping bra so I could pump while doing other tasks. It was faster, and made it a lot easier. Pumping didn’t feel like a waste of time this way.
You should be able to get a pump through your health insurance, but not all insurances allow you to choose. Make sure to contact your company and find out what is available to you, then you can decide from there what you want.
Nursing and Returning to Work
Returning to work was difficult. I started working nights as a waitress. I wasn’t really missing much time with my son since he went to bed shortly after I left, but I was missing nursing sessions. It is so important to make sure you pump every time that your child would have been nursing. Before work, I had been really good about this. I pumped when he would have normally nursed and for about as long as a typical session lasted.
However, working in a restaurant, I couldn’t just disappear for 20-30 minutes to pump when I needed to. If I had tables, I had to stay available. Plus, there was no office and only one woman’s restroom, with no outlets. So there was no electronic pumping while at work. I had to get a manual pump that I would bring into the restroom with me, sit on the toilet and pump for 5-10 minutes. Then, I’d have to go out, check on my tables, and hopefully go back in to do a little more. Usually, I could only get enough done to relieve the pressure and get more comfortable. This was not only miserable for me, it resulted in a drop in production.
Dealing with a Drop in Production
Luckily, by this time I had introduced solids and my son was really enjoying them. His primary nutrition was still breastmilk though. I had to do something to increase my production. I was on the verge of calling it quits. That’s when I discovered Fenugreek. I started by drinking Mother’s Milk Tea. It really helped a lot! The increase in production was more noticeable when I pumped, but I also noticed that it didn’t take as long nursing before my son was satisfied. This was a game changer and a lifesaver! Without it, I don’t think I would have been able to continue nursing as long as I did.
There are other ways to get this benefit, other than the tea. For some people, you may not like the taste. In that case, there are supplements that you can take to get the same result.
So, after adding this to my routine, I was able to continue nursing until my son decided he was done. Since I worked nights, we dropped that bottle when he turned a year old, but I continued nursing in the mornings. Then, when he was about 14 months old, he just stopped wanting it. I’d offer and he’d have little to no interest. That’s when my nursing adventure ended.
Reflection on Nursing Support
I was so happy that I lasted as long as I did. It was a rollercoaster filled with moments when everything was going really well, to other moments when it wore on me so much that I wanted to quit. Having a partner that supported me was a huge help! Breastfeeding is something that BOTH parents have to work at. When I was pinned down nursing, I needed someone to go get me water. And when my back started to kill me from the positions I sometimes had to be in, I needed someone to massage it. Having this type of support is a blessing that carried me through to the end.
If you are struggling with the decision of whether or not you want to breastfeed, or whether or not you want to continue, I urge you to reach other to others with experience. I am available myself or go to someone you know and trust. Talk about it. I’m not guaranteeing that anyone will be able to solve your problems, but without talking to people, you will never know. Other moms are an amazing resource. We should all be here to support each other and that is my goal.
Please contact me with any nursing questions or comment below! I hope that I can help, or at least relate so you don’t feel alone. Together we are strong, together we can do this!
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47 Comments
Glenda Cates
My stepdaughter is nursing and has been having some problems so I can’t wait to share these tips with her as I think they can help Les as she feels so lost and like a bad parent.
Kat
I hope it helps her. There is no reason to feel like a bad parent! Nursing isn’t for everyone and it’s important to do what is best for you and your family. There are so many things she can try to make it work if that’s what she really wants. Biggest thing to know is that she is not alone! A lot of people have this struggle and it by no means reflects on how you are as a parent!
Angela Milnes
Nursing was something that was not super easy. I am glad that you have featured your adventure. Every mama has a different journey and fed is definitely best!
Kat
Thank you. I agree, every journey is different as every baby and every mom is different.
Livi
I also agree with fed is best!
Kat
Absolutely!
Meagan
This sounds exactly like my own story only I have been pumping since 2 weeks because my baby girl just wouldn’t latch correctly no matter what we did. I wanted to breast feed to save on money because formula is so expensive. I have about a 2 months supply in my freezer for when I leave the baby with my husband or my mom. I am a waitress and haven’t gone back to work yet because I am so fearful that I won’t have anytime to pump at all.
I started making lactation bites to help with my supply but I will need to get this tea to help as well. Thank you!
Sarah
Oh my goodness, you are amazing! Working in a restaurant after having a baby… it must have been so busy for you- and I can’t IMAGINE trying to pump in that kind of atmosphere! Thanks for sharing the tips to increase supply… I’ve tried mother’s milk tea and it definitely worked for me as well!
sarahctravels.com
Kat
Thanks. It was definitely crazy. Sometimes you do what you have to!
Rosie
I wish I would have known there was ways to increase your supply. Mine never came in and I would have tried these. I’m glad you have this out there for others to see.
Kat
Thank you. I truly believe the more knowledge we have, the more we need to share with others!
Jenn
I would have loved to have had this opportunity.. My body did not produce enough for any of my babes past the two month mark sadly.. However I was grateful to be able to provide what my body was able to. I have very healthy and happy older girls now.. I like your statement “Fed is best” because it is a very TRUE fact!! Thank you for sharing, and the picture of you and your mini are so beautiful!
Kat
Thank you. I know so many women ate disappointed when they can’t, but I think as long as baby is loved and fed, you are doing a wonderful, perfect job!
Jenn Pohlman
ohmigoodness!!! that photo of you and your little one looking up at you just melts my heart! I can relate to this post in a number of ways – I did NOT have a decent amount of milk in my freezer when I returned to work so even tho I was able to pump regularly from a desk – the change in environment totally took a hit on my production & I panicked because I didn’t have a reserve to fall back on. I employed the tea also and agree – support and encouragement from your family is so important! Great job on doing what it takes!
Kat
Thanks! It’s one of my favorite pictures from those first few days.
Alexis
Congratulations on making it through breast feeding, I love seeing positive journeys. My children weren’t so lucky, I didn’t produce enough so I found it hard but I’m happy to see other women have a better time! You go mama!
Kat
Thank you!
Alexz
Good job, mama!
When I went back to work, I had to install a lock on my office door so that I could pump. I was one of 2 women in the entire building. Male dominated industry. I was close with all of the shop guys, and we picked on each other a lot. But while I was pumping, they would walk by my office and moo at me…like I was a cow. It was so humiliating. I ended up quitting when the baby was 8 months, because I was just defeated. Support is so important! Great post!
Kat
That’s awful! I’m glad you enjoyed the post.
Ariel | www.mamaofkings.com
I love reading about successful nursing journeys. My youngest and I are at 13 1/2 months now! Breastfeeding can be difficult and stressful, but it is SO worth every second.
Kat
I agree. When both baby and mom are enjoying it (or at least being successful at surviving) it is worth it.
Cassie
I can relate to SO much in this post. As a breastfeeding mom (two times now), it impacts so much. I don’t think ppl understand how demanding it is, until they do it themself.
Kat
I agree. I really didn’t know what I was in for when I started!
Toni
Thank you so much for sharing. I am expecting soon and stressing out over feeding and pumping so much. This was a great read.
Kat
Thank you! My best advice is to go with what works for you. If it doesn’t work, don’t stress yourself too much over it. That will only make things worse!
Lisa Wingerter @ https://meandmymomfriends.com
This is such a foreign topic to me. Breastfeeding was never a realistic option for me. I have Lupus SLE and was in real danger of having a flare after my son was born. That meant needed to remain on medication that would pass through the breast milk. No thank you. My poor newborn doesn’t need that exposure. On top of it, milk never came in. But its still interesting to hear different stories. At the end of the day, I am all for breastfeeding if you can do it, but no matter what your situation, fed is best.
Kat
Breastfeeding was definitely not in the cards for you. I’m glad you were knowledgeable enough to be ok with that. As long as baby is fed and loved they will thrive!
Lisa | amerytina
More posts like this needs to be shared! Mamas need this support. And I LOVED that you said “fed is best” — I was so sad when I was unable to produce milk and it took such a toll on me I really missed out on the first month of my baby’s life because I was consumed by it. Thank you for this post!
Kat
I think it’s a shame so many women get so upset when they can’t produce. I understand, but I think we put that pressure on ourselves and it’s unnecessary. Sometimes it happens…the important thing is that we feed and love them!
Joelle
Love this. Definately agree about needing spousal support and other moms!! Fb groups and you always being there to answer my questions is a huge asset!
Kat
Thanks! I was hoping you’d like it! Hopefully things are getting easier for you. ❤
Neha Gupta
First i am impressed that you did breastfeed your child even when you started working against all odds…Hats off to you. That’s a beautiful journey of motherhood shared by you 🙂
Kat
Thank you so much for your kind words!
Farmhouse Mama
This is a great post! I could talk about nursing for hours! I actually talk about the challenges I faced on my blog also. It’s hard work!! I agree about the tea and supplements..they are so helpful. I’m so sorry you had to go through that pumping experience at work..that had to be difficult for not only your supply but also just emotionally! I am so emotionally attached to nursing that if I am away from my baby during a feeding session, I majorly miss that bonding time!
Kat
The emotional bond you form is amazing!
Kat Ledder
Oh this is gorgeous, I’m six months into my breastfeeding journey and really dreading her teeth coming through as she’s already nipped me once or twice. I also use the medela breast pump and found it to be amazing – tommee tippee were useless. Thank you so much for sharing, I’m sorry your work place doesn’t support you as much as they should.
Kat
It definitely made it tough not being supported at work. Biting is rough when that happens foe the first time! I found that ending the session for 10-15 minutes helped since he learned if he wanted to keep nursing he couldn’t bite!
Lexi
I love this posts!! I feel like there’s so much about nursing you need to know before hand to help you get through!! I love “breast is free!” That was definitely one of my biggest motivators as well!
Kat
Thanks! I didn’t know much of anything going into it. Only through research and support of other moms did I learn what I needed to know!
Kayla
Girl, I could go on and on about this topic! I actually have a post on my blog as well. Breastfeeding is the most demanding, stressful, and exhausting task in the WORLD. It drains you mentally and physically. It sounds like you did much better than me and that’s awesome!!! I only lasted 3 months. I cried, I hate myself, but eventually I realized that him being fed, no matter in what way, was the important thing. So proud of you for working so hard!! (:
Kat
Thanks. Its not a matter of doing better though. I had a tremendous amount of support. It was still very hard, but the support makes it easier
Sarah (AWomanLessOrdinary.com)
I agree – it is so hard to keep going! I managed to breastfeed exclusively for a year and the first 6 months of that was hell. At least once you’ve over that point it gets easier, particularly if you’ve got a good pump. I also had a Medela and, despite feeling like I was in a dairy, it was amazing!
Fed is best and we need to be supportive of other mothers. It’s not a competition 🙂
Kat
Agreed! We are all here to support each other, not rip each other down. I agree the first 6 months is the worst!
Melissa potter
Love your post. Nothing ever prepares you for the reality of breastfeeding. It was definitely difficult for being a first time mom. My daughter stopped at 15months and so glad we lasted as long as we did.
Kat
Thank you! Any time is an accomplishment!
Jamie
I’m really impressed that you kept on through all that to fourteen months! What an accomplishment especially working in the food industry. I feel like I always wanted to nurse just because everyone I knew nursed. It’s funny because before I became a mother, I never gave a second thought to how women fed their babies. Nursed, formula, a mix of both. But, oh how badly I wanted to with all four of mine. Only one babe nursed past 6 weeks (we made it to 18 months when I got pregnant and dried up and he stopped trying- rather an unexpected ending) but all of my babes are happy and healthy and if I cringed a little when they got the bottle in public. Oh well. Thanks for sharing your journey! It’s nice to know that others feel how challenging breastfeeding really is!
Kat
It is a big challenge. And just because babies aren’t breastfed doesn’t mean they aren’t happy, healthy, smart, and loved! I’m glad I was able to, but I wish people didn’t feel bad when they can’t, or don’t. Fed is fed!