Breastfeeding: What Women Do Not Get Told Enough

Breastfeeding is like trying to juggle flaming torches while riding a unicycle—it's HARD! It's not just about getting the milk flowing, but also the time and dedication it takes to keep the milk train on schedule. And the emotional rollercoaster? Oh boy! What if you’re not producing enough? Sometimes, the milk factory just shuts down for maintenance. Supplements, lactation cookies, lactation specialists, and all the fancy doodads for latch issues—still, the milk might not flow like Niagara Falls. Repeat after me: This is okay. No one told me that as a rookie mom, but I also didn’t chat about it much. I was flying solo in this struggle, feeling like a flop and a bad mom for months. Latch issues had me pumping...and pumping…and pumping. Since my milk supply was more like a trickle, I had to add formula to make one bottle. I started dreading each pumping session like it was a root canal.

If I hear the phrase “liquid gold” one more time, I might just scream like a banshee!

I returned to work after 18 weeks of maternity "vacation." I kept pumping for another 2 months until my baby hit the 6-month mark, and I just couldn’t do it anymore. It felt like a dark cloud was tailing me every time it was pump o'clock, and I knew, for my sanity, I needed to switch to full formula. Breaking up with that pump was pure bliss. I had more time to enjoy the baby. I had more time to rediscover my non-zombie self.

Fast forward almost 4 years, and baby No. 2 crash-landed into our little circus. I psyched myself up to give breastfeeding another whirl. This time my boobs grew two sizes, so I thought maybe they’d be more cooperative. Still had latch issues, even after a zillion visits with the lactation guru. I lasted 2 months before I threw in the towel. The mechanical pump was a no-go this time. I switched to a hand pump. It worked better, but I was once again tethered to the pump and its relentless schedule. And still didn’t produce enough. So, formula to the rescue again.

With a 4-year-old and a new baby, the daily schedule got crazy. Baby No. 2 thought sleep was for the weak, waking up every two hours and using any spare moment to practice their opera skills. Switching to formula was like discovering a magical spell for sanity.

After delivering Baby No. 2, I preemptively informed the pediatrician at the hospital, before she could give me the classic spiel, that I was already in the "breast is best" camp. She was a real gem, responding with, "we think FED is best" for babies. That was my lightbulb moment—breastfeeding is fantastic... when it cooperates. Both my little ones are as healthy as horses, sprouting like weeds, and have an insatiable curiosity. Formula hasn't put the brakes on them at all.

To the brand-new mom about to embark on this wild and wonderful ride—good luck and remember to cut yourself some slack! Enjoy every moment and forgive yourself if some parts of motherhood aren't your cup of tea. Baby No. 2 was a projectile vomiting champion... and I did not enjoy any part of that.

Remember to take care of yourself. Your kids should get the best version of you.

 --Amber