On Breastfeeding.

I always planned on breastfeeding & though I won't say I researched enough to consider myself a pro, I definitely felt prepared. And lesson number one in motherhood was learned on the day of his birth: not everything goes as planned.

Right after our boy was born, we had the most beautiful moment when he ate for the first time. Then, quickly, things changed. Our boy was struggling to latch & became frustrated easily (as did I). We talked to a lactation consultant & the nurses in the hospital, their advice was the keep trying. After about 12 hours of not eating well, we decided that I would pump & try again later.

When we got home, we continued to struggle through breastfeeding. Between frustrating moments trying to get my boy to latch, & (really) painful, tearful feeding sessions with a nipple shield, I was over it.

Thus began my exclusive pumping experience.

Is it the most wonderful thing in the world? No. Is it what I imagined I'd be doing? Nope. But it works & my boy is being fed. So I will continue with the nighttime pumping sessions listening to that horrible rhythmic "womp, womp" of my pump until I can't do it anymore.

To my breastfeeding mamas, you go! To my pumping mamas, great job! To my formula mamas, you're awesome! In the end, it's all about making the decisions that benefit you & your family. Just remember, all you mamas-to-be, not everything goes as you planned it!