Let me begin by saying “Fed is Best”

Now I know there are many factors that play a part in being able to breastfeed and by no means do I wish for this post to play a part in making anyone feel guilty but rather my experiences of the breastfeeding journey with my boys!

When we first found out “we” were pregnant, breastfeeding was not on my priority list nor was it something that as a newbie, was on my top list of things I wanted to accomplish in being a mom.  With that being said, I have been fortunate to be able to breastfeed both my boys for their first year of life – (well still going 10 months strong with my second).

Looking back – I do not think I would have made it this far and be able to be the main source of nutrition for both of them if it wasn’t for one of the NICU nurses who spent hours with me during the first couple of nights after my first born was delivered. She was such a Rockstar and pretty much guided me through all my questions, worries and gave me tips along the way.

I managed to exclusively breastfeed my oldest, “B” until the age of 9 months when we started to introduce formula as he had literally “sucked” everything out of me and I was skin and bones. We still couldn’t break the attachment until well after he was one, giving me enough time to recover and get ready for his little brother. “R” and his chubby self. Now he is different – he will not take formula at all. We have tried different brands, powder, liquid and he just loves his milk too much == every 3-4 hours still!

Here is my list of “ingredients” that have helped me be able to produce and sustain being the sole source of nutrition to my boys:

• Pump or Feed on Schedule

In the beginning, this is one of the things that probably is the hardest. Sleep deprivation is hardcore and unfortunately with breastfeeding, you are the one that wakes up to feed the baby and/or pump to ensure that you are instructing your body the supply and demand.  Regardless of baby’s needs, you need to wake up and make sure that you are pumping or feeding as engorgement is no joke and no matter how much you need that sleep – you just simply can’t with your “friends” ready to explode.

Now as a work from home mommy, I have also had to work around our feeding schedule with a couple of things. Whether taking care of emails, or on conference calls, these are some of the things I could not and have not been able to do without:

Breast Pump: I got the Medela FreeStyle Breast Pump, which worked well throughout my journey of breast feeding. Cleaning and replacing parts of the pump are essential for the long term efficiency and performance. These are easy to find and make the world of difference. 

Boppy Pillow: I have a total of three Boppy Pillows in my house. Not only are they great for breast feeding and allowing your hands to be free but they are super comfortable and used by us all in the house including Daddy!

Medela Hands Free Bustier: It took me a couple of weeks to get this, but how I wished I had it from the very beginning. Pumping was so time consuming especially when the baby was sleeping and I was able to get on with some work. Having this bustier made me feel like a “super woman” – being able to pump, work and watch my baby dreaming was like I was on a derelict beach somewhere in paradise. Talk about having a productive day!

Moby Wrap Baby Carrier: Not only is this wrap a must when having a baby – period – but the wrap came in so handy when breastfeeding on the go. There have been so many times, whether running errands, or at the park with the toddler and had the baby in the wrap wanting to be fed. Not that breastfeeding should be done “hiding” – it was great to be able to feed the baby without worrying about getting those looks because nobody even knew the baby was attached to me! 

• Water

One of the most important parts of breastfeeding was and is the importance of staying hydrated. Even now, when I feel that I am not satisfying the baby’s needs, I chug bottles of water. Sometimes, I feel like I am pregnant again having to wake up in the night to use the bathroom, but then again, I am up most the night breastfeeding anyway, so I guess this works hand in hand.

Do not get me wrong, I do need my coffee and with that being said I will usually drink my cup after feeding followed by at least two bottles of water.

• Rest

Now we all know this is easier said than done and with having to wake up to feed throughout the night, how can we possibly get rest. Even if you can lay down when feeding during the day or taking a nap when the baby does – this most definitely makes a world of a difference. If you get a chance to close those eyes – be sure to do just that!

• Eat

Again, it is so easy to forget about ourselves and finding time to eat and eat healthy, but this is so important not only for yourself but also that tiny human being you are feeding. Do not get me wrong, I obviously did not think it was so important and part of the reason why my first born took every ounce of fat from me. Now I acknowledge the importance of this!  I work around feeding my baby and myself at the same time, whether I grab a snack or make myself a salad for lunch I make sure to do this before I sit down and feed the baby.

• Relax

Now with all this being said, being a mom is not easy, being the sole source of nutrition for your baby is definitely not easy (especially with a toddler needing your attention too) but with all the giggles, laughter, love and kisses it most definitely makes it all worth it!

Now you are doing a great job mama however you take care of your little ones. They will always look for you in times of need whether for milk, love or one day guidance – you will ALWAYS be their mama so keep on with “YOUR” recipe of being mama!

Love Clarissa

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