I decided that I would do a breastfeeding check in post. Not only to motivate others but honestly for me too! Lol! It’s week two and it’s already getting better! While I was in the hospital I almost gave up because I found out Ryann’s blood sugar was low. I had to supplement Similac with my breast milk for us to leave the hospital.
My lactation consultant was trying to tell me that my baby was tongue tied and that is why the initial latch hurt so much. (The initial latch hurts because that ish hurts. PERIODT.) I was devastated for so many reasons. I just felt like it was too much going on! Of course, I was freaking out because of her low blood sugar and then I cried as soon as the nurse said we HAD to supplement. My first thought was she’s going to like the Similac better than my breastmilk and I’ll never be able to breastfeed again. (That was absolutely false! Lol) AND ON TOP OF THAT… We found this out after getting dressed and packing up to go home. BLAH! So, we ended up having to stay an extra day. We were going crazy! They had to poke my baby every 2 hours before a feeding. (I was pissed and sad at the same time) Once we got 3 consistent counts of her blood sugar being where it needed to be, we were finally able to go home
Oddly, the minute we walked into the house everything got better! The latch. My milk production. My energy. Everything! Ryann seemed happier, so I was beyond happy!
Week 2 update: I’m 6 days away from making it to 21 days! (My hubby reminded me because I guess he is just as hype as me lol) Only 1 out of 4 moms make it past the first 21 days. (I’m hanging in there – can’t stop, won’t stop lol) The initial latch still hurts like a B! But it gets better once she’s on there for a little bit. I started getting clogged milk ducts but *knocks on wood* they haven’t been deadly YET. I even started to pump. (Now I know they say to wait about 4 to 6 weeks butttt, you gotta do what you gotta do!) I honestly was a little disappointed when I decided to pump because I didn’t want her on a bottle so soon. But to be completely honestly, I rarely pump and that one hour every other day when daddy can give her the bottle, saves my life! I’m getting a little more rest. She’s eating so often that my boobs are filling up quickly. Our bond is crazy already! I can honestly say, I am started to love this breastfeeding thing. (Until I see a glass of wine that I can’t drink yet lol)
Here’s a few breastfeeding facts for motivational purposes:
- Money money money moneyyyy: Formula can get pretty expensive because just like us, babies love to eat! Breastfeeding can save over $1000 a year. I’m not sure how long I’ll breastfeed but any coin saved, works for me!
- The SnapBack is real: Apparently breastfeeding helps with losing calories daily. (I don’t know about you, but if I can lose this baby weight without HAVING to go to the gym very often, I am 100% here for! Lol)
- We all want to avoid sick babies right? Breastfeeding lowers risks of childhood illnesses for babies. An additional fact: It also lower risks for breastfeeding moms with developing different diseases! (Ovarian cancer, breast cancer, heart diseases, and more!)
- Postpartum healing process: Breastfeeding also helps mamas’ uterus to heal faster during postpartum.
- A sleepy and calm baby? Heck yes! Human milk contains substances that promotes calmness and sleep in babies. Additionally, it calms mamas’ body down too and allows her to bond with her baby.
There are so many other facts about breastfeeding and they can be found right on Google.com! Lol! However, before I go, I would like to talk a little about Black Breastfeeding moms. (Because it matters and it’s extremely important!) I just want to point out a a few facts about why our (black moms) breastfeeding rate is lower than white moms.
- A lot of black moms tend to return to work earlier and work in an environment that do not support breastfeeding. PUMP! STORE MILK! There are options! DO NOT LET THIS BE YOUR REASON IF BREASTFEEDING IS SOMETHING YOU WANT TO DO!
- Black mother’s healthcare settings provide supplemental feeding and separate moms and babies during their hospital stay. EVEN IF YOU HAVE TO SUPPLEMENT TEMPORARY (I did for a day), YOU CAN ALWAYS GET BACK TO BREASTFEEDING IF THAT’S SOMETHING YOU WANT TO DO! Also, note in your birth plan that you do not want your baby taken away! Everything that MUST be done (obviously unless it’s something like a surgery) can be done in the room you are in.
- Lack of knowledge about the benefits of breastfeeding. Although people like to count us out, there is more information out there for us than ever before honestly. Once again, Google.comcan teach you some things! You just have to do the work! (Which is not that hard!)
There are a ton of other information about black breastfeeding and breastfeeding in general. Breastfeeding has been difficult but absolutely rewarding so far!
PLEASE NOTE: Although I am enjoying my breastfeeding experience and would love for other mothers (especially black mothers) to share this experience, I am aware that not all moms can/choose to do so. AND THAT IS OKAY! Parenting is individual and there is no “right” or “wrong” way to parent. You do what works for YOU! This is why I add “if this is something you want/can do”.
Anywho, I hope the little information I provided helps and that you all take advantage of other facts out there about breastfeeding!
As always, like, share, comment, contact me with any questions or concerns!