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My Slightly Chaotic Life

Balancing Life, Children and Chaos

Parenting

The Breastfeeding Struggle

April 25, 2018 Comments : 11

When you have a baby you think the most natural thing you can do is feed them. Women for centuries have been able to nourish their babies by breastfeeding without issues. Surely before the invention of formula babies had to survive somehow. This is what many women hear. It makes them think that breastfeeding will be easy. This is not the case. Breastfeeding is incredibly hard leading many women to have the dreaded breastfeeding struggle.

My Breastfeeding Struggle began with my Son

He didn’t latch well in the beginning, coupled with a postpartum hemorrhage and a delay in milk production we were behind from the get go. I ended up exclusively pumping to provide him with breast milk. This time I thought things would be different. I was older, more patient and already knew that it might be a struggle so I had no expectations. Once again it was a struggle from the start causing frustration, sadness and feelings of self doubt as a mother. It’s been a little over 4 weeks and while things have slightly improved there are still days I just want to give up completely.

Things I learned during my breastfeeding struggle

• Every baby is different.

While your first baby may not latch at all, your second may latch but not properly. Then there are babies that come into this world and breastfeed like little champs. Every baby is completely different and it is hard to judge what each baby will do once they are welcomed into this big, new world.

• Just because your baby perfects the latch it doesn’t necessarily mean they are transferring the milk.

The first time Avery latched properly with no pain, I couldn’t help but do a little happy dance. I would soon learn that although she was latching correctly she wasn’t transferring nearly as much milk as she should be. This was causing her to be hungry more then she should be and lose weight.

• An oversupply can be just as detrimental as an under supply.

I have an oversupply of milk. This leads to problems with directly breast feeding because my let down is so forceful is causes Avery to gag and choke and pull off the breast. Another thing I learned is that having too much milk can lead to an imbalance of fore-milk and hind-milk which can also cause problems in the baby as well. Having an oversupply also causes pain and engorgement more frequently throughout the day.

Facing the breastfeeding struggle with your new baby? Here are some tips and tricks to keep in mind to get your though breastfeeding.  | Breastfeeding | Motherhood | Newborn |

• Pumping sucks.

Like really sucks. Instead of just popping the baby on the boob when she is hungry, I have to feed her pumped milk in a bottle and then spend time pumping as well. Not to mention cleaning all the bottle and pump parts. I’m at least only pumping about 4-5 times a day now but it still is time consuming and makes me feel like I’m a cow being milked on the assembly line.

• Not being able to breast feed does not make you a terrible mother.

Everyone says “breast is best” and while the health benefits of breastfeeding are numerous for both mom and baby, it sets mothers up for feelings of being inadequate if they are unable to. Every time Avery latches properly and transfers well is a small victory but if I have to give her pumped milk her grow then so be it. Either way she is fed and growing.

Facing the breastfeeding struggle with your new baby? Here are some tips and tricks to keep in mind to get your though breastfeeding.  | Breastfeeding | Motherhood | Newborn |

I was able to feed my son with pumped breast milk for a year and hope to do that as well with Avery. There are some days where I put her to the breast to eat and there are some days I don’t even try due to soreness or not having the time. At first I had a hard time accepting that this was going to be a struggle again, that I wasn’t going to have this beautiful, bonding experience with my daughter. I’ve since accepted this will be my journey and I’m okay with that.

So if you are dealing with the breastfeeding struggle, just know that you are not alone and every mom goes through this at some point in their motherhood journey.

 

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Comments

  1. Sally says

    May 7, 2018 at 6:20 pm

    Great post. Good one. Thank.you

    Reply
  2. Lauren Sigmund says

    May 7, 2018 at 8:28 pm

    Ugh! I wanted to last at least six months, but I wasn’t producing enough. The doctor thinks it’s because I got back on birth control because in the beginning I was doing great! It’s so hard, that formula has been a nice break. But you can’t help but to feel defeat and that darn mom guilt. Thank you for sharing! xo

    Reply
    • myslightlychaoticlife says

      May 8, 2018 at 10:34 am

      I have heard that birth control can cause a decrease in your supply and I am concerned about that as well. It is so hard and yes the mommy guilt is real. Your doing a great job mama, remember that!

      Reply
  3. Ellen Vandever says

    May 7, 2018 at 11:15 pm

    I wasn’t able to breast feed and I felt like a total failure. But you’re right- all babies are different! Thanks for the reminder! 🙂

    Reply
    • myslightlychaoticlife says

      May 8, 2018 at 10:35 am

      Yes, they are so different. Your doing a great job!!

      Reply
  4. Jana Goodlife says

    May 8, 2018 at 12:27 am

    Beautifully said! Breastfeeding is so hard! I breastfed my son for a year and had many issues. Thanks for sharing and keep doing what feels right to you mama!

    Reply
    • myslightlychaoticlife says

      May 8, 2018 at 10:36 am

      Awesome that you made it a year!! Good job!

      Reply
  5. Katie pellegrino says

    May 8, 2018 at 12:19 pm

    I can’t imagine pumping for a year. go mama!

    Reply
  6. Jenna says

    May 8, 2018 at 12:48 pm

    You’re doing a great job, mama! It’s definitely not always easy. I give you so much credit for being an exclusive pumper. ❤️

    Reply
  7. Rachel says

    May 9, 2018 at 1:37 pm

    Great article! I dealt with a lot of these same issues and ended up exclusively pumping for my twins for 5 months. Breastfeeding is great but fed is best! Whatever works for you and your family!

    Reply
    • myslightlychaoticlife says

      May 12, 2018 at 9:40 pm

      Yes exactly! Twins must have been so hard to breast feed. Good for you mama for lasting that long!

      Reply

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And the more you buy, the more you save so keep that in mind when your looking to update your space! 
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Time really does fly by so fast that it’s hard to keep up and before I know it, a new little one will be joining our small, crowded home. Trying to get as much stuff done before that happens including adding storage options where I am able to. 
Thankful to @nathanjames furniture for helping to add just that while being stylish with this beautiful Kova storage unit. Link in my bio to get one for your home. 

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Maine’s Dunkin’ franchisees have given more than $500,000 to The Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital since 2012, mainly through the annual Dunkin’ Iced Coffee Day campaign fundraiser (taking place on May 25th this year!). On Dunkin’ Iced Coffee Day, $1 from every iced coffee sold at participating Maine Dunkin’ locations will be donated to the Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation to bring joy to kids at BBCH. (Excludes Cold Brew and Nitro Cold Brew.)
The $87k @JoyInChildhood grant will help bring joy through gaming experiences to pediatric patients with the hope of normalizing their stays at hospitals. Children that are living with chronic illness or dealing with a hospitalization are at greater risk than their peers for the impact of stress and anxiety. Distraction is a healthy coping mechanism for kids and teens to disengage with the hospital environment. Gaming provides the perfect escape to play, relax, laugh and experience joy.This grant will have an immediate impact by adding structure and staff support for gaming as part of the hospitals’ Child Life Program. 
Today, a Dunkin’ sampling truck provided free small, iced coffees and Munchkins to more than 1,000 Maine Medical Center employees in Portland and Scarborough. 
 
Dunkin’ is not only supporting the children of Maine, but the healthcare workers too. So, make sure to grab an iced coffee at Dunkin’ on May 25th to help support these wonderful programs as well! 
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I’m exhausted, sick and barely have enough energy to get through the things that I need to do let alone the things that I used to enjoy like working out. The stress of trying to figure out how I’m going to get through the next 18 weeks has been overwhelming to me lately. 
I will still share the joys but I also think it’s more realistic to share the downfalls too so hopefully hearing that not all pregnant women glow 24/7 can give those who are struggling as well someone to relate to. 

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Mother’s Day is fast approaching and I love gett Mother’s Day is fast approaching and I love getting gifts that mean something. 

@picturesongold is exactly the type of gift that I love getting. Custom made lockets with laser engraved pictures inside make this the perfect sentimental gift idea for someone in your life or even for yourself. 
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Anyone else struggle getting enough sleep? I know Anyone else struggle getting enough sleep? I know I do, especially lately.
(ad) @marlowpillow is helping me get better sleep with their cooling, memory foam pillows that are adjustable to the firmness that you like. Making my bed a cozier place to be allows me to get the rest my body is desperate for. Make sure to check out my stories to learn more! 
And the more you buy, the more you save so keep that in mind when your looking to update your space! 
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#mycozyhome #homedecorinspo #bedroominspo #cozybedroom #pregnancylife #bettersleep #bedtimereading #momlifeunfiltered #pregnantmama #motherhoodsimplified #bedroomstyling #sleepytime
A little in my feels this weekend with Mother’s A little in my feels this weekend with Mother’s Day and officially being past the halfway point in this pregnancy. 
Time really does fly by so fast that it’s hard to keep up and before I know it, a new little one will be joining our small, crowded home. Trying to get as much stuff done before that happens including adding storage options where I am able to. 
Thankful to @nathanjames furniture for helping to add just that while being stylish with this beautiful Kova storage unit. Link in my bio to get one for your home. 

How do you organize your small spaces to keep your sanity with kids?! I need all the tips! 
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#cornerofmyhome #homedecorideas #smallspaces #homedecorating #maineliving #newenglandliving #momsofig #momstyle #homestylinginspo #organizedhome #lifewithkids
As a mom, one of the scariest things is to have a As a mom, one of the scariest things is to have a sick child, and as a nurse, I know how disruptive health issues can be on the lives of children and teens. Thankfully The Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital at Maine Medical Center is close by and provides high quality healthcare to the many children of Maine, and today, BBCH became one of the first hospitals in the country to receive the Connecting Joy grant from the @dunkin Joy in Childhood Foundation! #DunkinPartner
 
Maine’s Dunkin’ franchisees have given more than $500,000 to The Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital since 2012, mainly through the annual Dunkin’ Iced Coffee Day campaign fundraiser (taking place on May 25th this year!). On Dunkin’ Iced Coffee Day, $1 from every iced coffee sold at participating Maine Dunkin’ locations will be donated to the Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation to bring joy to kids at BBCH. (Excludes Cold Brew and Nitro Cold Brew.)
The $87k @JoyInChildhood grant will help bring joy through gaming experiences to pediatric patients with the hope of normalizing their stays at hospitals. Children that are living with chronic illness or dealing with a hospitalization are at greater risk than their peers for the impact of stress and anxiety. Distraction is a healthy coping mechanism for kids and teens to disengage with the hospital environment. Gaming provides the perfect escape to play, relax, laugh and experience joy.This grant will have an immediate impact by adding structure and staff support for gaming as part of the hospitals’ Child Life Program. 
Today, a Dunkin’ sampling truck provided free small, iced coffees and Munchkins to more than 1,000 Maine Medical Center employees in Portland and Scarborough. 
 
Dunkin’ is not only supporting the children of Maine, but the healthcare workers too. So, make sure to grab an iced coffee at Dunkin’ on May 25th to help support these wonderful programs as well! 
 . 
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.
.
.
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#DunkinMaine #SipIcedBringJoy #BringJoy #mainelife #mainemom #newenglandliving #newenglandstyle #momstyle #workingmomlife #mommyandme #coffeelife #motherhoodinspired
A little over halfway there. Even though hitting A little over halfway there. 
Even though hitting these milestones feels slight reassuring, I know I won’t fully be able to breath until this little one is out and healthy. Even appointments bring about their own set of fears that something may be wrong. For now, I’m just taking it day by day and week by week and having hope that everything will be ok.

Any other moms or moms to be out there forgo the weekly pictures? I just can’t ever get my shit together enough to remember to take them. Tell me I’m not the only one. 
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
#momtobe #pregnantlife #pregnantstyle #pregnancyafterloss #motherhoodjourney #20weekspregnant #momoftwo #baby3 
#honestmommin #mommyandme #honestmom #momsofig #motherhoodthroughinstagram
Sometimes I feel like I am the only one that doesn Sometimes I feel like I am the only one that doesn’t enjoy pregnancy on this platform.
I love the end result and am so grateful to be creating a new life but lately I have had more bad days then good days. 

I’m exhausted, sick and barely have enough energy to get through the things that I need to do let alone the things that I used to enjoy like working out. The stress of trying to figure out how I’m going to get through the next 18 weeks has been overwhelming to me lately. 
I will still share the joys but I also think it’s more realistic to share the downfalls too so hopefully hearing that not all pregnant women glow 24/7 can give those who are struggling as well someone to relate to. 

Follow along for more relatable mom and pregnancy content and share with me your struggles in the comments. 
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
#pregnancylife #pregnantstyle #pregnantmama #thebump #momtruth #pregnancyjourney #momlifeunfiltered #motherhoodunplugged #instamommy #momblogs #targetmom #targetstyle #motherly #teammotherly
Mother’s Day is fast approaching and I love gett Mother’s Day is fast approaching and I love getting gifts that mean something. 

@picturesongold is exactly the type of gift that I love getting. Custom made lockets with laser engraved pictures inside make this the perfect sentimental gift idea for someone in your life or even for yourself. 
If you order now you can get shipping guaranteed by Mother’s Day. Head to the link in my bio to learn more! 
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
#mothersdaygiftideas #mothersdaygift #motherhoodinspired #motherhoodjourney #mombloggers #momsofinsta #giftideasforher #momlifebalance #motherhoodunited
Just a little reminder that @dunkin still has 2 me Just a little reminder that @dunkin still has 2 medium iced coffees for only $5! What better way to reconnect then by grabbing an iced coffee for you and one for a friend?

This fun Dunkin’ pop up Dunkin’ Connections was the perfect spot to grab this cute photo op! Even the kids had fun trying to learn how to use an actual phone! 
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
#dunkinmaine #dunkinpartner #dunkinconnections #mainemama #newenglandblogger #maineliving #motherhoodmoments #momstyle #momsofinsta #coffeedaily #visitmaine 
#easystyle
I’m not sure about you, but I love saving money I’m not sure about you, but I love saving money on everyday items!! #BJsWholesalePartner That’s why I shop at BJ’s Wholesale Club. And now there is one more reason to love shopping @BJsWholesale: BJ’s Fuel Savers Program! Now through the end of April, BJ’s members who spend $100 in-club or on a pickup order, will receive an additional 50 cents off per gallon at the pump. This discount will be reflected when they fill up outside at the pump at BJ’s Gas after making a $100+ purchase in-club. (In-club purchase and gas purchase must be made on the same day in order to receive the additional discount). So, become a BJ’s member today and fill up your pantry, fridge and your gas tank with these amazing deals and savings. 
This special BJ’s Gas offer is valid from now until the end of 
#bjswholesaleclub #BjsSmartSaver 
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
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#momstyle #momblogs #motherhoodalive #newenglandliving #mainemom #moneysavingtips #momswhoblog #momsofig
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