Let me preface this post by saying that I fully support parents who breastfeed and parents who don’t. Every family has their own circumstances that contribute to their decision/need to exclusively breastfeed (EBF), supplement or use formula.
My mother EBF two of us three girls. She didn’t say too much about it besides confirming what facts I had already come to know through pop culture and brief conversations. I wanted to know more. So, I did what most BrandNewMom’s do these days-I Googled it! Turns out there are so many reasons why it’s beneficial for the entire family to EBF and I mean how hard could it be? Structure –>function…God gave us breasts to… breastfeed! I found a lot of “how to’s” and references to attachment parenting which, I quite liked. We were planning to practice the whole natural, skin to skin, baby-wearing, sensitive parenting, co-sleeping (some call) hippie train.
Additionally, my prenatal yoga chats often included anecdotes from seasoned EBF second timers. They all gleamed about the loving bond and convenience. I was sold! My husband and I even attended a breastfeeding info clinic offered by our region.
All in all, I thought I had done enough research on the topic. EBF seemed to be painted as something absolutely lovely to look forward to. Or were all these mom’s keeping a brave face and concealing their EBF trials to maintain their “supermom” image?
Once my son was born, it didn’t take long for me to realize that perhaps my EBF research wasn’t quite as exhaustive as I thought. I’m here to be perfectly honest with you. For those who decide to brave EBF, you will need a tonne of concealer, a good support system and have the heart to power through some un-pleasantries that accompany EBF. While all of the positive information regarding EBF is holding true, this post highlights some of the realistic discomforts, unexpected emotions and controversial social issues I experienced being an EBF BrandNewMom.
1- The Slurppery Nipple! (No…not to be confused with the alcoholic beverage) My LO refused to latch on properly. He continually sucked slurped my nipple in and out like he was a parched desert baby on a 7 Eleven slurpie! Fast forward to day #3 and I had developed a painful cracked nipple! Envision a 3 mm wide paper cut on your milk maker! Suddenly, I didn’t mind having swollen, double D’s and an icicle pad underwear! I had heard about proper latching being one of the common problems with breastfeeding in general. But I guess nothing can quite prepare you for that tearing sandpaper feeling on your nipples. Thankfully our midwives were amazing and prescribed an ointment that healed it pretty quickly. Soon after, my LO learned a good latch too.
2. Sabre-tooth tiger-The nipple pain came back to “bite me in the boob” at 3 months old when he began teething and still haunts me to this day! Those darn things are soooooooo sharp! If he would only stop laughing at me when I wince from his lethal chomp. But my pain pales in comparison to what my poor LO himself is going through. So grin and bear!
3. Frequent Feeding Miles-Not the points club. No rewards. Sleep deprivation is considered a torture technique for heavens’ sake! EBF meant that baby would require more frequent feedings due to the ease of baby digesting breast milk. I figured working shift work for almost 10 years would be a good precursor to the nightmare of nursing a newborn…Nope! This was/is by far the hardest adjustment to get used to! People tell me I’ll get some sleep eventually…like when I’m dead.
4. Bugging Back Pain-I bet you thought back pain was a pregnancy ailment and would disappear once your LO was born? (I’m sensing a theme here) The feeding positions we learned at the breastfeeding clinic were not possible with a heavier baby. So we used the common breastfeeding pillow. Although most breastfeeding pillows claim to be ergonomic, I often ended up looking like Quasimodo hunched over my LO. Low and behold, I developed a strained lower back, was not able to lift my son for two weeks and required physio and massage therapy. Thankfully my husband is a complete angel and helped me in any way he could. My “go-to” breastfeeding position was the laying down position. I wish I had gotten one of these nursing pillows!!!
5. Twiddle-dee- Now I’m told this is a little more rare but is still equally annoying. Twiddling I guess is a thing! For some reason LO insists on reaching down for my other nipple, pinches and twists while he gnaws on my other one! Why should the fun be only for one, right? Ugh!
In a more serious tone…
6. I never expected to hate breastfeeding 50% of the time! Perhaps it was the culmination of #1-#5 but I couldn’t help but selfishly not enjoy it. Yet I frequently remind myself that it’s not for me, it’s for baby so, I forged on!
7. People also have their opinions on when they think YOU should stop EBF. I would hear things like, “He’s too old to be EBF it looks wierd” or “now that he’s a year old it’s time for homo milk”. After finding out who I am as a mom, my answer/ response is, “whenever my LO is ready to wean”.
8-10. Optics-This counts for 2 because it had really effected me. It never occurred to me how uncomfortable OTHER people get when you decide to EBF. Whether it’s in public or at a family gathering, social mores or cultural expectations often dictated where we would end up nursing. At first, when we had home visits, I would leave the room and we would isolate ourselves somewhere until we were done. (Usually 15-30 mins) Then I realized that that wasn’t ideal. So, when I did breastfeed in front of others, I would cover up. Not because I was shy but it was expected of me as the norm for one to do when EBF. I felt conflicted.
At the shopping mall, I used the nursing rooms. They were admittedly quiet, comfortable and really helped my LO focus on feeding. (He was very easily distracted otherwise) But I dually couldn’t help to think that I was hindering the normalization of breastfeeding in public.
I mean you don’t eat your lunch on the toilet or under a cloth. Why should my baby?
I still find it a little uncomfortable nursing around other men. But thankfully I found empowerment through a local breastfeeding support group, ditched the nursing cover and even participated in a Public Breastfeeding Challenge. It also helps to have an amazingly supportive husband!!
I had many preconceptions about parenting and after my son was born, let’s just say, I was enlightened. Like mostly everything else about parenting, EBF isn’t simple. Even though I was ambivalent about EBF throughout his first year, I’m convinced the positives far outweigh the negatives and it was all worth it for him in the end.
Comment below if you had a love-hate relationship with breastfeeding or not?
23 Comments on 10 Things I wish I knew about Breastfeeding!
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Kaylene
January 27, 2015 at 12:34 pm (4 weeks ago)I love breastfeeding. I have definitely had my fair share of issues. My youngest two boys are preemies and couldn’t even attempt to nurse for a few days after birth. I am nursing my almost 17 month old nearly exclusively still (he has special needs and eats purees at most once per day) and the stares eventually get easier. I used nursing covers with my oldest two, but with the baby I have never used one. I learned more about why it is perfectly fine to nurse in public, and he hates things on his head. Great post!
BrandNewMom
January 27, 2015 at 2:40 pm (4 weeks ago)Hi Kaylene! Even though I don’t know you, I think you are an amazing mother especially for the obstacles you have already overcome (I cannot even imagine)! Isn’t it amazing how different all situations are but yet as mothers, we adapt and learn? Thank you for visiting and commenting!
Crystal
January 27, 2015 at 3:33 pm (4 weeks ago)I have always used a cover in public. I think my teenagers would absolutely die of embarrassment if I started not to! #turnituptuesday
BrandNewMom
January 27, 2015 at 5:46 pm (4 weeks ago)It is definitely whatever works for you and your family
I never thought of how it would be with older siblings 
Do you also cover at home too?
Brandyn
January 27, 2015 at 5:53 pm (4 weeks ago)I exclusively breastfed until my little one was about 6 months old. Then we started supplementing with formula here and there and eventually switched to formula only around 8 months. Aside from supply issues (which probably came from supplementing), the main reason I gave up was all the hassle involved in feeding my child when other people were around or we were in public. She hated to be covered and I hated having to hide and not interact with people for however long it took her to eat. Although I remember the cracked nipples and all the other not-so-fun bits, I do miss the bonding and the feeling that I was doing what I was designed to do.
Thank you so much for sharing with us at #MommyMeetupMondays!
BrandNewMom
January 27, 2015 at 6:58 pm (4 weeks ago)It definitely doesn’t feel normal to seclude oneself or to cover when feeding and that’s probably why we and they didn’t like those things. My selfishness for time hates how long it takes to nurse sometimes….like during the night feeds. It seems like forrreeeevvvver! lol But then I look at his face and how satisfied and safe he looks. He just loves it
bestofbabylady
January 28, 2015 at 12:39 am (4 weeks ago)Love this! I’m a huge supporter of breastfeeding. I nurse my son for 2 years and I’m on month 3 of nursing my daughter, so I have a good bit of experience with it. I love it, but it’s one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. Breastfeeding is a sacrifice for sure!
On another note, if you’re interested in linkups, come join me next week at http://www.bestofbabylady.com for the Ladies Collective Linkup – Wednesdays at live 6:00am
ashley
January 28, 2015 at 12:14 pm (4 weeks ago)Love this post! I am breastfeeding for my 2nd time. I love it most days and I can relate to your post! My back hurts all the time from feeding. I have the my breast friend pillow and I love it but i forget to use it a lot! My fav feeding position is laying down too, I can relax my back for a minute lol.
BrandNewMom
January 28, 2015 at 10:40 pm (3 weeks ago)Hi Ashley! Congratulations on your little squish!!! Yes, laying down is a life saver! Do you ever fall asleep?
Jen
January 28, 2015 at 8:39 pm (3 weeks ago)Great post! There are definitely some surprises and many challenges when it comes to breastfeeding but I love it as you know
BrandNewMom
January 28, 2015 at 10:38 pm (3 weeks ago)Thanks Jen! Do you breastfeed in public?
jen
January 29, 2015 at 9:09 am (3 weeks ago)I do but just like you I still feel a little self conscience. I am mostly over it though. It’s my second baby so I have had plenty of experience now
I find most people don’t even notice and while I do not cover us I usually have a light scarf or something around to kind of use around us. My son is over 1 now so he rarely even wants to breastfeed in public these days.
jen
January 29, 2015 at 9:12 am (3 weeks ago)BTW Just wanted to let you know I nominated you for a Sisterhood of the World Bloggers Award! http://breastfeedingneeds.com/i-have-received-a-sisterhood-of-the-world-bloggers-award
Sharon | Her Organized Chaos
February 2, 2015 at 4:06 pm (3 weeks ago)I breast fed all my children and still breastfeeding my 1 year old. I had mastitis with the last baby and woo that was rough. Other than that, it was fairly smooth sailing. My main reasoning was the bonding. Words cannot describe how I loved the bonding time. Pinning and sharing! Thanks for linking this up to Totally Terrific Tuesday last week. I can’t wait to see what you have this week! Party goes live tonight at 9pm CST!
Sharon
herorganizedchaos.com
BrandNewMom
February 3, 2015 at 10:54 am (3 weeks ago)I never head mastitis but I hear it is quite painful! The bonding is so wonderful, I agree! It’s so cute the way they look up at you! See at your blog party!
Nancherrow
February 14, 2015 at 9:47 pm (1 week ago)I definitely dealt with sore nipples and even had mastitis at one point with one of my little ones. I chose not to feed in public because my kids were noisy eaters, grunting and sucking and it was embarrassing in mixed company. But I loved breastfeeding and am very thankful I could do it. Thanks for sharing at Fridays Unfolded!
Alison
Nancherrow
Brandnewmomblog
February 18, 2015 at 2:12 pm (3 days ago)awe that is kind of cute that they were noisy ‘eaters’
Thank you for stopping by!!
Katherines Corner
February 15, 2015 at 8:01 pm (6 days ago)Boy does this post bring back memories for me. 34 years ago I breastfed my daughter ( for 9 months) The bond I felt far outweighed sore nipples, leaks and those soggy breast pads, LOL. Love this post so much.♥ The photos are beautiful too. Thank you for sharing at the Thursday Favorite Things blog hop. xo
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Brandnewmomblog
February 18, 2015 at 2:11 pm (3 days ago)I hope to look back in a few years and forget all the foibles of EBF lol Thanks for reading, and commenting Katherine!! See you next week, friend!
Kristin
February 18, 2015 at 2:52 pm (3 days ago)These are great and so friggin true lol. My son didn’t twidle but he did have to have one hand on my other boob while nursing. I figured he was just making sure no one else came up and got it while he was busy lol.
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Suzanne
February 19, 2015 at 2:31 am (3 days ago)You got it just right – love/hate. It’s safe to say I was a complete flop with my first little angel. She hated it, I hated it. She was weaned by 3 months and I thought I was a complete failure. Baby two was a breeze. I’m not sure if it was him or me, but we lasted for a year and half. There are so many things I wish I’d known with that first.
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