My name is Niesha and I have four children: Naima – 10, Braxton – 6, Nuri – 5 and Bryson 14 months old. I have breastfed 3 out of 4 of my children successfully.
With my first baby, I had no clue about breastfeeding
I tried breastfeeding my first born but that was a failed mission on my end due to lack of knowledge on breastfeeding. I gave birth three weeks early due to carrying small and doctors worried she was too small. She came out weighing 5 pounds and four ounces. By the time we left the hospital she weighed five pounds. I remember having the resources but not knowing the proper way to access them for assistance.
My breastfeeding journey ended very quickly after exclusively pumping, experiencing low milk supply, poor diet and not knowing what to do. I quickly resorted to Women, Infant and Children (WIC) and getting vouchers for milk. She used Gerber Good Start – Gentle all the way up until one years old.
This last experience breastfeeding has been the easiest by far.
My second, third and fourth child all weighed from 6 pounds on up and came out instantly wanting to breastfeed. Each of them wasted no time to feed on my breast that the nurses and doctors were surprised each time. As a mother it always felt good to know that I could nourish my children right from my body. Below is a picture of my youngest baby boy after being born and wanting to latch immediately.
Baby no. 4 has been the easiest journey so far
This last experience breastfeeding has been the easiest by far. I mean sometimes by this time I’ve experienced a drop in supply temporarily but I haven’t experienced that this time. If I’m being honest it’s like I’m always full. I don’t pump in the day time anymore. I only pump if I’m traveling for an extended time away from him.
Baby boy started childcare in August and he refused my milk at school. He wouldn’t take it in a bottle nor a cup. Surprisingly enough he didn’t make a fuss at school. His teachers were so surprised. Presently, he’s on solid foods and taking regular milk at school in a cup but at home it’s my breast milk and water. He eats the meals we eat for dinner. At this time he is growing amazing and still thriving on the amazing benefits from breastfeeding.
My tips for starting to breastfeed
Tips for moms looking to start breastfeeding:
1) drink water (lots of it!!)
2) feed yourself
3) be gentle with yourself
4) use the nipple cream
5) pay attention to baby’s feeding cues
I may sound cliche saying this but breastfeeding does get easier as time goes by.
I may sound cliche saying this but breastfeeding does get easier as time goes by. Whether you breastfeed your baby 2 weeks, 3 months etc that doesn’t make you a failure. It takes a strong person to stick with it and we are all capable of doing so.
Mamas love yourself through the process. It’s not always pretty or glamorous. You can make it happen despite the challenges you may face.
Repeat after me:
I am capable of feeding my baby from my boobs!!
I am enough to see this through!!
I am a power woman!!
My body is a powerhouse!!
Mamas let me know how you’re feeling after reading this. You got this!!
