Legend of the Boob: Common Myths and Truths About Breastfeeding

There are A LOT of breastfeeding myths out there. Sometimes they are enough to intimidate us into feeling defeated before we even start. Or, they’re enough to confuse us to the point where we question if we’re “doing it right.” Breastfeeding doesn’t have to be intimidating and confusing. We’re ready to tackle some of these myths and put your mind at ease! Keep reading to find out what WE think is the craziest myth of them all!

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1. Breastfeeding is easy.

WRONG! While it is true that breastfeeding may have its conveniences, it is far from easy. It can come with its own challenges. Breastfeeding requires a lot of time and investment. It is said that on average a woman spends 1,800 hours breastfeeding in a year. It basically rivals a full time job, except with $0 salary. There also tends to also be a bit of a learning curve. It’s not something that comes naturally for everyone and work needs to be put in to foster a healthy breastfeeding relationship.

2. The size of your breast determines how much milk you produce.

NOPE! The size of your breast is determined by the amount of fatty tissue. Glandular tissue is what is responsible for milk storage and production. It includes the lobes that produce the milk and ducts that carry the milk. Small breasts do not equal insufficient glandular tissue. (Note: insufficient glandular tissue is a thing, but it is not characterized by breast size alone. Speak to your physician or a lactation consultant if this is a concern for you.)

3. You can’t eat certain foods.

NEGATIVE! Unless you find your baby has an allergy or intolerance, you do NOT need to change your diet. Just think of all the new foods, flavors, and nutrients you can expose your child to through your milk. You may find your baby gets more irritable with certain foods, but you don’t need to cut things out right from the start. Some exceptions to consider (for everyone really) are fish high in mercury, excessive caffeine, and alcohol.

4. Breastfeeding hurts.

WRONG-O! Yes, it’s true that you may feel some initial discomfort. Your nipples can be tender and your breasts engorged. However, any consistent and persisting pain should be evaluated by a lactation consultant to determine if there is a latch issue or something else underlying.

5. You can’t breastfeed when you’re sick.

FALSE…mostly. While there are certainly contraindications, for the most part, any minor illness you are fighting will produce and transfer antibodies to your baby through your breastmilk. You may have noticed, or will notice, a slight change in color with this milk. If you have concern about contact with baby during your illness, pumped milk will eliminate contact and still transfer antibodies for immunity. And of course, contact your physician with questions regarding specific illness and prescribed medications.

Check out the amazing difference between these two milks- one before a viral infection, and one during. Notice the change in color resembling higher antibody colostrum.

Image found at Parents.com.

6. If you can’t start right away, then you won’t be able to produce milk and breastfeed.

NEGATORY! If your baby is unable to latch right away, there are still things you can do to promote your milk supply! Skin to skin contact plays a key role in increasing hormones needed to produce. Keep your baby close as often as possible. Seeking out assistance from a lactation counselor to come up with an appropriate plan for pumping can also help get you started on the right track.

7. Milk “comes in” by day 3. If it doesn’t, you won’t be able to breastfeed.

FAKE NEWS! When your baby arrives, you are already producing colostrum. While many women report their milk “coming in” by day 3, for others it can take up to 5 days (or more.) The process can be very slow and gradual, and for others they may wake up one day completely engorged. There can be many factors that impact this feeling of fullness, including cesarean, iv fluids, pain medications used, length of labor, stress/birth trauma, blood loss, and retained placenta.

8. You have to wean your baby by age 1 or else they’ll never wean by themselves.

NO! Though sometimes it may feel never-ending, your child won’t go to college still breastfeeding. Promise. The average age of self weaning is between 2.5 and 4. Self weaning up to age 5, or longer, is still within a “normal” range. If self weaning is too much for you, then take on a mother-led, gentle weaning approach. You can read more about gentle weaning in previous blogs: links below.

9. Breastmilk after 1 year is “just for the mother” and has no benefit for the child.

UGH, NOOOOO! Breastmilk has no expiration date. It is constantly changing and adapting to suit your child’s needs. It does not stop being beneficial to your child on their first birthday, or by any date. The composition of breastmilk changes with your growing child, so at one year it has been found to have higher antibodies (think of those newly mobile kids putting everything in their mouths,) higher protein levels, and decreased carbohydrates. Don’t let anyone tell you it stops being beneficial at a certain time.

10. Breastfeeding is private and valuing and honoring your breastfeeding journey is WEIRD.

INCONCEIVABLE! You have spent countless hours along this journey. You’ve shared some incredibly beautiful and probably some incredibly difficult moments. Cherish them, honor them, and be proud of your accomplishments, no matter how smooth or ugly it may have been. Your precious memories preserved could look like this!

Alaina Leimbach, CLC (certified lactation counselor)

Office Administrator at Milk+Honey

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What do you think of these common breastfeeding myths? Have you heard of any of these or have they played a role in your breastfeeding journey?

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As a “thank you” for being an amazing supporter of Milk + Honey and reading to the bottom of this blog, we want to offer you a discount on anything in our collection! Please use code BLOG10 at checkout for 10% your order total.

Katie's Breastfeeding Story

This week’s story comes from Katie. She had a tough beginning and had to work hard with a lactation consultant, but she pushed through to have a sweet experience with her son.

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My name is Katie and I work in an emergency room on the central coast of California. My son was actually a “whoopsie” baby because I had been told by my Gynecologist that it would be very hard for me to have children naturally due to the fact that I have PCOS. Then, just 2 months before my now husband and I were set to get married, I was at work and realized I was supposed to start my meds the next day that initiated a period. Before I did that, I was told to take a pregnancy test every time. I took one from work, like I always did, and expected it to be negative, like it always was, but not this time. This time, in the middle of a 12 hour shift, there were two lines where there used to be only one! 

Fast forward, and I was in my last trimester of pregnancy and I was beyond uncomfortable. Around 35 weeks, I started to have the worst back pain I had ever encountered and it came in waves. I took to google to find it was mostly likely something called “prodromal labor.” It is the same intensity as regular labor, but does nothing to progress your body along. This went on for almost a week, and on the 5 th day, I had an OB appointment scheduled and I was ready to tell my OB to pull that sucker out! The morning of my OB appointment, I had been up all night due to severe back pain and finally my husband came to me and said we should go to the hospital to, at the very least, be checked. At the time, I was only 36 weeks, and knew I couldn’t be in REAL labor?! I had been told all new moms go past the due date and much more. I was convinced I was not in actual labor and didn’t want to suffer the embarrassment of a “false alarm.” Not to mention my husband had an appointment to get new tires on his car that day before my OB appointment. We timed my contractions and they did not get closer together but the OB office said to go in anyways because my back hurt so badly. The whole ride in the car, I was as uncomfortable as I could possibly be sitting on my behind with my back tensing every few minutes. We got to the hospital around 9:00am and a coworker of mine actually wheeled me back to OB spouting words of encouragement the whole way. I changed into the lovely powder blue labor gown and once again sprawled out on my back so that the nurse could check me and much to my surprise she told us I was 5cm, 90% effaced and that I would be having this baby today at 36w1d.

All I could think was that I was so glad I didn’t have to get back in the car. From there, the real fun began. Since I was so swollen, it took 5 nurses to establish an IV, all while I’m, again, laying on my back in agony. Once that was taken care of, I was fortunate enough to get a tub room and you can believe I was all about that! I went from 5cm to 8cm over the next 2 hours, most of that time I was allowed to labor in the tub. By this time, it’s about 12:30-1:00pm and my OB had come in to check me as well and see how we were doing. At 3:00pm, I was between 9-10cm, but I was also passing out during contractions due to the lack of sleep over the last week and the intense pain from having back labor. My OB made the call for an epidural because I couldn’t be passing out while trying to push. I received the epidural, but only enough to take the edge off the pain. In fact, once Ryker was born, shortly after I was able to get up and walk to the postpartum room. I took a small nap, enough to get some energy and by 3:30 I felt like I needed to “go”. The nurse assured me it was not time to push but when she checked, my son was already crowning! It was then a mad scramble to get my OB back in the room and somehow hold my son in until she got there! After a bit, I wasn’t even pushing anymore and contractions alone were forcing my son out. The nurse actually delivered my baby because my OB was caught in the elevator with another dr. in a rush to get to her laboring patient in time.

My son, Ryker Fredric Alexander, was born April 10th , 2019 at 3:50pm weighing 8lbs1oz and 20inches long. Little did I know, that was all the easy part. Over the next 24 hours, my son had his blood drawn and it was discovered that he had a very high bilirubin, probably from all his bruising due to the intense labor. This was only the start of our breastfeeding journey struggles. When a baby does photo light therapy for high bili levels, they may only be removed for feeding, about 30 minutes at a time. This didn’t allow for that skin to skin contact and since Ryker was born early, he didn’t latch at all. I spent the next 3 days in the hospital endlessly pumping and hand expressing everything I could into spoons and syringes to give to him in an effort to keep up his bowl movements to expel the broken red blood cells from his body. On April 13th , we were discharged home from the hospital with a pump that looked like a 1920’s piece of machinery with a piston weighing more than the baby. Since Ryker could not latch, I exclusively pumped. My typical day was to get up, pump, give pumped milk to the baby in a bottle, pump again, and save that milk for next feeding. Then at the next feeding, give him the previously pumped milk and then pump again for the next feeding. For weeks, day and night, I was constantly hooked up to the pump, constantly trying to get enough milk out to stay ahead of his feeding schedule and keep up with his growing demand. I tried everything from lactation cookies to shakes in order to boost my supply. Week after week, we went to lactation appointments and fought against the endless struggle to get Ryker to latch properly and take a full feeding. We tried all the nursing positions and all the “boob stuffing” techniques I could find, but we kept coming back, and every week that wasn’t THE week, the week we could be done with appointments, my heart sank even further. Emotionally, I was not in a good place, and it got worse every time I was told “it didn’t happen today” and I had to continue to be a slave to the breast pump. However, by week 9 of lactation appointments, Ryker took a full feeding from just nursing and we finally graduated from lactation consulting! Over the next few months, I often struggled with being the only “usable” parent. I was all that soothed him and sustained him nutrient wise, the only one to get up 3-4x a night to nurse him back to sleep. I was the only one he wanted when he was overtired and downright cranky. I was who he needed when he was in a growth spurt and his tummy was rumbling every 15 minutes. I was a pacifier, a means for food, a pillow, a jungle gym, a good place to nap, and so much more. Looking at it now, it would be the greatest accomplishment of my life. Unfortunately, close to 6 months, we received a very difficult diagnosis that our baby boy could have retinoblastoma, this was just before I was meant to return to work as well.

Over the next 24 hours, we drove to Children’s Hospital in LA, we were seen by the head of the children’s ocular oncology department, and he reassured us it was not cancer, however, he was unsure of what it was exactly. The following week we had to go back so that Ryker could be put under anesthesia and have his eye examined more thoroughly. He was not allowed to eat beforehand and ended up going close to 10 hours without nursing. Needless to say, when he was placed in my arms again after the procedure all I wanted to do was nurse him. All I wanted was to comfort my sweet baby boy, to do what I could do to reassure him he was safe once again in my arms. Unfortunately, the stress of the extreme medical possibility, coupled with the struggle of working overnights in an ER, maintaining a supply and a pumping schedule, lead to my supply plummeting and ultimately drying up. Once again I felt as though I had failed him, that I was inadequate. Fortunately, we had taken family pictures a few weeks before and I insisted some of the photos were of Ryker breastfeeding. I remember in those moments feeling so connected to him. I was able to provide for him in a way no one else could and I feel that, ultimately, those feelings are what pulled me from that dark emotional place. I always knew that when he looked up into my eyes and I looked down into his, those moments were ours. Breastfeeding was love beyond words, it was struggle beyond belief, but it was a bond I was determined to share with my son. Even though it was cut short due to unforeseen circumstances, it is something I will truly cherish for the rest of my life.

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What do you think about Katie’s story? We love that Katie didn’t give up, even when it seemed like there wasn’t an end! She did what was best for her baby!

Would you like to share your breastfeeding story our blog? Submit it here!

Courtney's Breastfeeding Journey

Our story this week comes from Courtney, who overcame many obstacles in her breastfeeding journey. From complications in pregnancy to food allergies while nursing, Courtney worked hard to do what was best for her son in every circumstance.

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I wouldn’t say my pregnancy was perfect, but I loved every bit of it. I battled morning sickness for three months, a weird skin sensation that turned into a multitude of tests (by the way, it was just crazy pregnancy hormones), and high blood pressure with upper right rib pain for two months (this led to a few non-stress tests in my third trimester). The rib pain was excruciating. I couldn’t sit comfortably, I couldn’t stand comfortably, I couldn’t drive comfortably – I felt like I was being ripped apart (yet, I still enjoyed being pregnant). My doctor told me my ribs were most likely bruised and the cartilage was pulling away, but Bodhi was growing and healthy. That is all that mattered to me. 

Jump to my 38-week check-up (the ONLY one I didn’t have my husband attend because the previous appointment was uneventful), I found out I’d be medically induced (THAT NIGHT!). My blood pressure was 140/100 and the rib pain was a concern for liver issues. Thank God my mother was there because I was in panic mode. I’m a naturally anxious person and once you throw a curveball into the mix it sends me into overdrive. I was not prepared (a cliché, I know).

Fast forward to the night of August 22nd, 2017 (which was the night after the solar eclipse – it makes me think the universe wanted Bodhi here a couple weeks earlier), I am given medicine and hooked up to an IV to start the induction process. In extreme pain, my stubborn self gives into the epidural to find out a couple hours later I was experiencing a unilateral epidural failure which caused my right side to go completely numb, while my left side felt EVERYTHING. I was miserable. My husband fed me ice chips while my mom rubbed my back for three hours straight. Back labor is no joke. At 3:28pm on August 23rd, 2017, Bodhi was born – a perfectly healthy and beautiful baby boy. The next two hours were pure bliss. I was exhausted, but wide awake. It was completely euphoric, and I’ll never forget our first look and our first latch.

Since conception of my son, I knew I’d breastfeed. I couldn’t imagine not breastfeeding. I didn’t put much thought into it pre-baby because I saw it as a natural act – you conceive your baby, you birth your baby, and you breastfeed your baby (obviously, I’m cutting out all the drama along the way). However, what I didn’t know was how absolutely exhausting, time-consuming, emotionally, mentally, and physically demanding breastfeeding was (and still is). Bodhi latched beautifully. His first feed was about 45 minutes and it was magical. It was like a key fitting into a lock - we just clicked. 

After our hospital stay, I didn’t sleep the entire first week (no exaggeration). I was sleep deprived to the utmost degree, anxious, and trying to prepare for my sister’s wedding a week later. I had twelve weeks of maternity leave and during those weeks I nursed Bodhi on demand every day and every night. It came naturally to us. It wasn’t until about 6 weeks old (halfway through leave) I noticed he was extremely fussy after feeds, his diapers weren’t normal, and his belly was distended. I made a doctor’s appointment and was told he might have a little colic. It didn’t sit well with me because the research I was doing (not counting mother’s intuition) told me he had a dairy intolerance. I scheduled a second appointment with a different doctor and was told my baby was in pain due to a dairy intolerance (cue the hysteria). I’m so grateful for that second opinion and proud of myself for going with my gut. I cut dairy out of my diet for about eighteen months, soy for sixteen, and egg for eight. It was difficult to say the least, but worth it. My baby was happy, healthy, and thriving. 

Fast forward to nineteen months, Bodhi was diagnosed with FPIES (that’s a whole other story) to shellfish after an allergy appointment. We are so thankful he does not have an IgE-mediated allergy to the aforementioned foods. Bodhi was and still is a complete mama’s boy. We are attached – figuratively and literally most of the time. In the beginning of our nursing relationship, I thought something was wrong with my milk supply, his latch, or our positioning. I think most new breastfeeding mothers have concerns. It’s normal to worry. In fact, I think it shows the care and thought put into such a demanding process. The first few months I constantly thought I was doing “it” wrong. Why did my son want to be latched for what seemed like 24/7? Why did my son cry when he wasn’t sleeping with me? Why did my son not want a pacifier or bottle? Is my son getting enough milk? Is my let-down too fast or maybe it’s too slow? My mind raced with these questions until I spoke with a lactation counselor and Bodhi’s doctor. They both guided and encouraged me with their life’s examples and education. Bodhi was gaining weight, wetting enough diapers, and happy once we addressed the food intolerances. 

Bodhi was and is completely normal. On the other hand, I was not okay. I had postpartum anxiety (PPA) and postpartum depression PPD. I cried and worried constantly. The baby blues stuck around a bit longer than normal. I was completely in love with my son but dropping the ball in self-care and duties at home. That was my PPD. I was completely in awe with my son and his developments, but worried about every type of ailment or disease that could take over his life. That was my PPA. At five weeks postpartum, my OB prescribed me anxiety medication (I had taken these pre-Bodhi). I wanted to treat it naturally, but I needed more help. I’m thankful for modern medicine, doctors, and lactation counselors who helped me along my journey. In fact, I started courses to become a Lactation Counselor as I wish to help other moms deal with the many struggles that come with breastfeeding as well as the triumphs. I learned while nursing my son that it is the most demanding work I’ll do, but also the most rewarding.

Jump forward two and a half years, Bodhi and I continue to nurse. I believe in natural-term weaning. If it works for Bodhi and me, we will continue. The healthy attachment we have shows in our everyday lives and I hope it continues as he grows up and is finished nursing. He’s the light of my life and I’m so blessed to be able to continue nourishing him in the physical and emotional sense. 

This is just a glimpse into our 2.5-year nursing relationship. I hope you enjoyed it!

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What do you think about Courtney’s story? We think she’s done an amazing job at providing for Bodhi! Thanks for sharing Courtney!

Would you like to share your breastfeeding story our blog? Submit it here!

A Breastfeeding Story from an Oversupplier

Our story this week comes from Dana. She shares her journey as an oversupplier with breastfeeding. While many moms might be envious of her milk supply, Dana shares first hand about how such a “blessing” can also come with its fair share of troubles.

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Being a first-time mom and a Labor and Delivery nurse, I thought breastfeeding would be easy and come naturally, but little did I know I had a lot to learn. In my profession I have helped many moms start their breastfeeding journey. So, I thought it would be easy for my daughter and I, but from the beginning we have had our ups and downs.

My husband and I couldn’t wait to start our family. So, after many months of trying, it finally happened, and we were ecstatic! Being a nurse in labor and delivery, I am well aware of all the changes that come along with pregnancy, and I was blessed to have a very easy and healthy pregnancy. On April 3rd, at 39 weeks, I began having contractions and after hours of laboring at home we decided it was time to go to the hospital. Once we arrived my blood pressure was in the severe range and I was diagnosed with Preeclampsia, which they had been monitoring for towards the end of my pregnancy. Thankfully my body had begun the laboring process on its own and I didn’t need to be induced, but rather helped along a little.

I have helped countless moms bring their new babies into this world and helped many moms through the pain of contractions, so I thought I knew what to expect. Well let me tell you, I have a whole new perspective on things and have a lot more empathy for my patients! I applaud those mama’s who attempt an all-natural birth, but this labor and delivery nurse is very thankful for pain medication. My daughter entered this world at 4:20 pm on April 4 th 2019, just five days before her due date. Besides my blood pressure being high, my labor and delivery was thankfully uncomplicated, because as a nurse I know nothing ever goes right when we are the patient.

Our breastfeeding journey started in the recovery room. I was so thankful when my daughter latched on and nursed well for the first two hours after she was born, but this is where our breastfeeding struggles began. My daughter nursed well the entire time we were in the hospital and has been great at nursing her whole life. Those first few nights in the hospital were very tiring, as to be expected, with her constant want to cluster feed. I never once thought that I needed to ask for help with breastfeeding. The pain I was feeling I thought was normal and was due to her constant want to nurse. The nurses evaluated her latch for a tongue-tie, and all looked good. They told me she must have initially had a shallow latch causing some nipple trauma which was causing the pain, but that it should get better after a couple days.

We took our precious little girl home two days later. We had some long nights up every one to three hours. Nursing was going well on my right side, but I dreaded feeding her on the left side because her latch was so painful. It was to the point I had constant pain on my left side even when she wasn’t nursing.

I cried even thinking about nursing her on that side. Five days post-partum my milk came in and this was the first time I pumped. We were leaving the house for the first time and I wasn’t comfortable nursing in public yet. The first time I pumped I got three ounces within the first five minutes! I was ecstatic because I know so many moms struggle with low supply. However, I also knew this could be because it was morning and it was my first pump after a three hour stretch of not nursing. Little did I know this was my first sign of being an over producer.

We went to my daughter’s first pediatric appointment and I met with a Lactation Consultant to discuss the painful nursing on my left side. Her latch still looked good, and they evaluated her for a tongue-tie yet again, which they said she wasn’t. I was just told to work on a good latch and to continue nursing. I also consulted a dear friend, co-worker, and neighbor of mine who I owe many, many thanks to for my constant questions. She was always willing to listen and answer my questions and even come over to my house to make sure my daughter had a good latch.

I continued my nursing journey and after a week with no improvement, I noticed I had oversupply as well as a fast let-down (my left side produces a lot more than my right side). With my research, I learned about nipple blanching and vasospasm, which stemmed from her initial bad latch (nipple trauma), but also from my daughter clamping down on my nipple while nursing as her way of coping with my fast let-down. She would frequently pull off while nursing on my left side because she was learning how to handle the sudden rush of milk she would get with my heavy and fast let-down. I decided I would solely pump my left side for 48 hours to try to heal the nipple trauma, and to give my nipple a break, and just feed her off my right side. When those 48 hours were up, it was time to nurse her on my left side again. To say I was nervous it was going to be painful again is an understatement, but to my surprise the pain was gone! It didn’t cure my fast let-down or oversupply (nothing will), but my nipple healed enough that when she did latch and clamp her mouth down to try to control my let-down, it was no longer painful! Hallelujah!

One month into our breastfeeding journey is when my first clogged duct appeared, which turned into mastitis. I would never wish this pain upon anyone, and I told my husband multiple times within these three painful days that I would rather have given birth without an epidural a million times, than to go through the pain of a clogged duct and mastitis. Despite all the remedies I tried, it took three days for my clogged duct to finally release and the pain to disappear. I was so afraid of my clogged duct and mastitis returning, that I pumped after every feeding as well as in the middle of the night even when my daughter was now sleeping through the night. Having oversupply already, this increased my supply even more. As the days and weeks went on and I was feeding on demand, I would still have clogged ducts two to three times a week, which were almost always relieved just by frequent nursing and hands on pumping.

Two months into our breastfeeding journey we were faced with yet another hurdle, Milk and Soy Protein Intolerance (MSPI). My daughter would have frequent blow out diapers, which then turned into her stools being green, watery, mucousy with the occasional streak of blood. Which you can imagine would scare any new mom seeing these in your new babies’ diaper! Thankfully after my daughter’s Pediatrician suggested I cut out dairy and soy products from my diet this was resolved. However, living in the dairy state and having to cut out dairy was very difficult, especially when dairy is a big staple of my diet and there is some sort of soy product in almost every food. I was told many times by friends and family to just stop breastfeeding because it would be easier, especially with my frequent clogged ducts and new dietary changes. This new change to my diet was a big lifestyle change for my husband and I, as we would frequently order dinner out on the weekend to have a break from our weeknight cooking. But, also let’s be honest, being new parents is exhausting so who has the energy to cook a healthy meal every night! Not all people were supportive of my desire to continue to breastfeed, but one person who was always there for me and supported my decision to continue was my husband. He understood every aspect of all my challenges and never once pushed me in either direction, but was there to support me through it all. He also understood that breastfeeding was something I cherish and having oversupply I couldn’t just abruptly stop; it would have to be gradual overtime. Three months into our breastfeeding journey and it was time for this new mom to leave her baby for the first time and return to my full-time career helping other mom’s. This was one of the hardest and most emotional days for me, as I’m sure any new working mom would tell you. I pumped religiously every three hours for my baby and would come home with 25-35 ounces (or more) of breastmilk each day. Many moms would envy being able to pump this much for their baby, but being an over producer is a blessing and a curse. I knew my baby would always have breast milk while I was away, but now that I was solely pumping for 12 hours a day, this was causing me to have clogged ducts almost every other day due to my oversupply and my pump not effectively emptying my breasts. To help relieve all my clogged ducts and with fear of them constantly returning I would pump religiously every three hours at work, then every night before bed and at least once if not twice during the night while my daughter was sleeping. I was continually able to freeze 25-40 ounces or more of milk each day, not including what I would send to daycare the next day. I was freezing so much I finally became an approved milk donor so I was able to provide for babies who could benefit from all my hard work, sweat, tears and sleepless nights.

Five months into our breastfeeding I was continuing to pump for my daughter, and I was just diagnosed with my third case of mastitis. I knew at this point something needed to change. Even though I had seen four different Lactation Consultants and IBCLC’s (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant) I needed answers as to why I was continuing to have these issues. I made an appointment with one of the best IBCLC’s and physicians in the area, who started the Donor Milk Bank in my region of the country to hopefully get the answers I was desperately looking for. When the day of my appointment came, I couldn’t have been more excited to get answers as to why I was having recurrent clogged ducts and mastitis. She took the time to do a full evaluation of my history, breasts, my baby, watched my daughter nurse and pump. My daughter was diagnosed with a mild tongue-tie, which we were told she didn’t have, but since it was no longer causing issues, we left it alone. She discovered that all my issues were related to my oversupply, which I was doing more harm than good, with my continual pumping especially during at night. We came up with a plan to decrease my flange size and alter my pumping schedule with a backup plan of medications to try to help decrease my supply.

We are now 11 months into our breastfeeding journey, and I cannot believe my little girl is going to be one soon! From a painful latch, to recurrent mastitis and clogged ducts, making a significant change to my diet to benefit my daughter and to currently have donated 8000 ounces and counting (some to the milk bank and some to babies who have dairy intolerances/allergies). We have had our ups and downs to say the least, but I am so glad that we stuck with it, because I will forever cherish these moments that seem to go by way too fast. The bond and connection I feel with my daughter is something so special to me that I feel was only strengthened throughout our breastfeeding journey.

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What do you think about Dana’s story? We love how she selflessly pumped so that she could feed not only her own baby, but other babies - especially those with MSPI. Thanks for sharing Dana!

Would you like to share your breastfeeding story our blog? Submit it here!

Sara's Breastfeeding Journey & Milk Protein Intolerance

Our story this week comes from Sara. Sara discovered that her daughter had a milk protein intolerance and shares how she had to not only make adjustments to her diet, but how it had an impact on her breastfeeding journey.

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I always knew I wanted to provide breastmilk for my baby for all its health and immune benefits, but as she grew bigger and the weeks passed by, the more I wanted to nurse. When our sweet girl, Abigail, was born, within that golden hour we were able to nurse for the very first time. She was a pro, right from the start. “You know most babies don’t do this, right? Nurse so well this early?” My labor and delivery and postpartum nurses were in awe. I felt like I hit the jackpot. I’m a first time mom with (obviously) no experience with nursing so thank goodness my baby was a nursing rockstar! Nursing those first few days and weeks at home were easy.  She had a great latch, an efficient suck and swallow, and was content between feeds. All was well. When my milk came in I dealt with engorgement and forceful letdown, but we battled through with some help; our lactation consultant told me that my little girl and I “made a great team.” I knew I had it easy. Nursing was such a joy, I vowed not to take it for granted.

Around 6-weeks-old, we went on our first family vacation, the annual beach trip. It was crazy, I know that now. Honestly, I can’t believe we travelled when she was that young, let alone doing a 6-hour car ride. It was stressful but all was going okay until the second day we were there. Suddenly, Abigail started screaming when I’d bring her near to nurse. She’d arch her back and push away. What was happening? Why was she acting this way? We had recently started introducing a bottle to help with my transition back to work in the next couple of months, so we decided I would pump and my husband would bottle-feed her. Now mind you, getting this girl to take a bottle was no piece of cake. We tried 4 different bottles, different positions, environments, you name it. This girl did not want a bottle. Yet here we were in this beach condo bedroom and she doesn’t want the breast? She wasn’t taking the bottle that great either, but at least she was eating. Our minds were racing. Was it something I ate? The stress of travel? Is she sick? No fever and she was otherwise acting normally so we powered through with her intermittently nursing and the other times, pumping and bottle-feeding. Once we got home she, thank God, nursed all day like nothing had changed. Phew! A nursing strike. Praise the Lord, it’s over. Except, it wasn’t.

Later that week (I know, we’re insane), we travelled again to visit family. All hell broke loose. She nursed maybe once when we first arrived, but then not one more time during our entire 4 days there. Still screaming at the breast and arching her back, but now also stopping to scream during bottle feeds. She was so fussy, so discontent. We knew something was wrong. Upon arriving home, I saw it: blood in her poopy diaper. A trip to the pediatrician confirmed what I knew she’d tell me -- Abigail has a milk protein intolerance. I eliminated dairy immediately, in all forms. Not just the obvious milk, cheese, butter … but all the “hidden” dairy in everything. I’m already gluten-free due to my own intolerance so going dairy-free too was a challenge, but I was determined. My concern shifted from “why won’t she nurse,” to “please let my baby just be well-nourished and not harmed by my milk.” Thankfully within a few days, Abigail was already eating more comfortably. Over the following weeks, the screaming and arching stopped and her stools returned to normal. My baby girl was healing. She’d had slow weight gain thus far but after a few weeks of being dairy-free, her weight shot up. She was finally absorbing nutrients, praise God!!

Abigail is now 8-months-old. After returning from that second trip, she nursed a handful of times, just a few minutes each, over the following weeks but ultimately refused the breast altogether. So, for the past 6 months I’ve been exclusively pumping. It’s been hard, emotional, and so humbling. I miss nursing her so much. Yet, I know what a blessing it is to still be able to provide nutrition to my baby through my breastmilk. Moreover, I’ve been able to donate my milk to 2 other babies in need, and my husband and family members have been able to share in the connection and tenderness that lies within feeding our baby girl. These things are gifts. For me personally, though, the greatest gift is the work this journey has done in my heart. Before her breast refusal, I held so much of my worth in my success in nursing. I didn’t realize it at the time, but it was an idol to me. Truthfully, even though my breastfeeding journey has not been at all what I hoped or envisioned, I’m so grateful that idol was torn down. It has been painful, but it has taught me to have faith when you don’t understand, and to find peace and rest in the Lord. It has shown me that as a mother, there is so much that is out of your control. It has shown me that sometimes things end before you’re ready for them to, and even though it wasn’t my choice, I can still decide to honor the chooser (in this case, Abigail) and serve them in their choice. It has shown me that I am not alone. Through this journey my husband has been with me every step of the way, supporting and encouraging me, as well as my family, friends, and workplace who always make sure I have a comfortable place to pump and safe food to eat. I have connected with so many moms who are going through their own trials and victories. We’ve shared stories, tricks, and wisdom; the encouragement these women have given me is immeasurable. Lastly, it has shown me that even in my weakness, I am strong in Christ.

Our journey isn’t yet over. I’m still pumping for my baby girl and I still continue to pray that she will return to nursing. But even if she doesn’t, I’m so grateful for it all.  Whatever your journey looks like, however it unfolds and whenever it ends, it is beautiful and it is a blessing.

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What do you think of Sara’s story? We think she did an awesome job at providing for her daughter, even through some non-ideal circumstances. And she allowed those times to teach her some great lessons in life! Thank you for sharing Sara!

Would you like to share your breastfeeding story our blog? Submit it here!

Breinne's Story - Finding the "Sterling" Silver Lining

This week’s story comes from Breinne. She shares how her world was turned upside down so quickly, facing unimaginiable circumstances. Be sure to grab a box of tissues.

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Sterling's story begins on a chilly, December night. Stockings were hung, twinkly lights strung, and I had just settled in for the night. After washing and folding tiny baby clothes and blankets, I curled up on the couch next to my husband. I rested my hand on my round belly and quietly requested, "Please don't come tonight, okay?" There were dishes in the sink that I was too tired to wash. I was exhausted from a day of shopping and preparing, all while carrying a 38 week baby in bump and caring for 4 other children. "You can come tomorrow if you'd like."

A little while later, my water broke. I laughed as I jumped to my feet. My husband filled the birth pool, while I called the midwife. 

On December 5th, 2019, at 12:02am, our 5th baby was born. Head full of dark hair, slightly bigger for a newborn, yet small in comparison to the rest of the world, Sterling Wilde had made his way earthside and he certainly had something to say about it. He swept us away with his loud, strong cry. We moved from the pool to the bed. Skin to skin, Sterling began his breast crawl and when he was ready, he latched, thus beginning our breastfeeding relationship. He nursed like a champ. I stared down at my little nursling, blown away by his beauty and his soft, round features. I should've known then he was an angel.

The next morning, grandparents, Auntie and Uncle visited. I dressed him in a little onesie and a beanie and swaddled him in a blanket. Little did I know, in my naive and blissful state, that this would be the only outfit I would ever have the chance of dressing him in. We had one night and one glorious day of normal with our sweet Sterling. Then, our nightmare began.

Later that night, with the other four all tucked in bed, Sterling began having trouble. He would latch on to eat, but quickly unlatch, without suckling a drop. His breathing sounded labored. Little sighs after each breath, eventually turned to grunting noises, as we rushed our 1 day old baby into the emergency room. Terrified of the road ahead, we watched and waited, while frantic doctors and nurses crowded around our brand new son. 

Test after test was run on our son. We anxiously waited as doctors searched for answers, to no avail. Every test came back negative. We had no answers. We knew Sterling couldn't breathe on his own. Then, we watched in horror as his tiny organs started failing. Sterling was revived and kept stable. I pumped tearfully at his bedside, day after day, every 2-3 hours. I prayed for miracles. I prayed and I pumped. The ounces never passed through his lips, but instead, were passed on to the nurse, to add to the freezer. I had hoped that he would one day be well enough to be nourished by this precious liquid.

On December 11th, our hopes and dreams were shattered along with our hearts. Sterling was diagnosed with a rare Urea Cycle Disorder called OTC Deficiency that morning. He had suffered extensive brain damage from high ammonia levels caused by his disorder. Since his brain wasn't functioning, none of his other organs could either. We knew we didn't have much time with him. The hospital staff was kind enough to lift their strict visiting limitations so family could come visit.

The nurses let me hold him for the entire day. I sat in a chair and held him for hours upon hours, as family made their way in and out to say hello, some for the first time. Everyone had the chance to say goodbye, knowing it would most likely be for the last time.

When everyone had gone home, it was just my husband, Randy, and me with our darling baby boy. Randy and I switched places so he could hold him. A few minutes past 10pm, Sterling's heart rate began to drop. We told him he no longer needed to fight, and boy, did he listen to us. He was so ready to go home to heaven. He must have made a sprint toward streets of gold because at 10:12pm, he passed away.

We spent as much time as we could, holding his little 8lb body without the tubes and wires, knowing he was no longer suffering, but dancing and playing in heaven. This brought us comfort and soothed our aching hearts.

On the way home from the hospital that night, I received a phone call from a man asking what I imagine must be a hard question to ask a grieving mother. In a quiet, somber voice, he offered his condolences and asked if we would be willing to donate Sterling's heart tissue to children in need. 

I didn't hesitate, not for one second. Absolutely. Sterling didn't need them anymore and I know he'd be a giver. I know he would want this and be happy to help. We know what it's like to need a miracle, to be so desperate for God to move. We may not have received the miracle we prayed for, but we had the opportunity to pass miracles on to other families, so that's what we did. Two tiny heart valves were successfully recovered and donated to two small children.

The peace and healing that this brought me in return was immense. I started searching for other ways to serve and put my pain to good use. Then I remembered the freezer stash of milk I had acquired. Sterling didn't need it, but maybe there was a baby who did. I pumped what I could for a month and donated it to another mama who needed it for her baby boy, who was born right around the same time as Sterling. 

Sterling's life may have been short, but his impact was enormous. Our little baby became our biggest hero, as we watched him fight for his life and eventually, give hope and life to others after his death.

Sterling's legacy lives on in many ways, one of which is to help others with OTC deficiency. 

There is not much information about it online and unfortunately, most doctors are not trained to identify the symptoms or treat it until it's too late. I hope to reach as many doctors and nurses as possible to put urea cycle disorders on their radar and hopefully save many people along the way.  I also hope to reach moms and families, so the next mother in my shoes might know what testing to ask for when mystery symptoms arise. A simple ammonia level blood test would've given us the answer to why Sterling was having trouble breathing, but no one knew to test for it. With OTC deficiency and other Urea Cycle disorders, its important to get treatment fast. Ammonia is highly toxic to the brain and causes damage if left untreated for too long. It is my hope that OTC deficiency is added to the routine prenatal genetic screening test, to help other OTC families detect the disorder as soon as possible to learn their options and prepare the best they can. 

I wish more than anything that I would have known about OTC deficiency before Sterling was born. I would give anything to have him here with us. But I am so grateful for the Sterling silver linings he's left behind. And I will continue to share his life and legacy with whoever will listen.

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Thank you so much for sharing your story with us Breinne! We are thankful you have such a caring heart and our hearts are with you and your family. <3

Would you like to share your breastfeeding story our blog? Submit it here!

Emotions, Boobs and Magic. A Breastfeeding Story.

This week’s story comes from Ashley. Ashley’s journey is one that is common to many breastfeeding moms with some ups and downs, funny moments, and lots of sweet memories!

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A beautiful picture was perfectly painted and stored in my brain of exactly how breastfeeding would go. Thanks to my extensive research, ok, I Googled a lot, I knew what I was doing. February 3, 2014, my husband coached me through labor like a champ that led to a natural delivery with no complications. Unfortunately, the first feeling of defeat came soon after when my little one would not latch. I was only a couple of hours into this whole mom gig and I was failing. Clearly, I did not Google enough. I stuck to my gut and asked the staff not to give formula. “This is new for her too, she will eat when she is hungry.” Those words from my nurse took a lot of pressure away but the fight was still there. Hours went by and still no food. I became frustrated and worried as time passed. The next attempt included the nurse holding my entire sugar water covered boob, in her hand and positioning the baby different ways to latch. Holy unicorns, it worked! I can still remember my husband laughing, saying “I cannot believe you let her do that.” Clearly, he was shocked I let a woman touch and squeeze me while fully exposed and dripping in sugar. I can guarantee you that the scene was not as steamy as it sounds. On that note, welcome to motherhood, breastfeeding edition.

After the hospital hiccup, breastfeeding was mostly a breeze. By breeze, I mean emotional breakdowns, smiles, isolation and euphoria. Does that make sense?? No? Exactly. I absolutely loved breastfeeding. I even ignored the fact that I smelled HORRIBLE. Apparently, the combination of the hormone shift, breast milk and skipping a shower or two is enough to create a body odor out of this world. My days consisted of holding and feeding. I even learned to cook and sweep with one hand. In fact, I still sweep that way, minus the kid cradled to my boob. We had zero routine, so feedings seemed to increase but I never minded it. I started to pay for those constant feedings when it was time to visit friends or family. Euphoria turned into loneliness. I often found myself going into a spare room, locking the door and plopping down on the bed to feed. Feelings of bitterness and jealousy came over me as I would hear the laughter from the next room. I taught myself to overcome the feelings while I lost myself in baby girl’s eyes. The euphoria would return, the sweet suckling sounds put me at ease and my husband would appear to make sure we were ok. The emotional rollercoaster is real, and it taught me the importance of mental and physical wellness.

Now that we were both experts on breastfeeding we started to venture out to restaurants and on vacations. I learned quickly, neither were as fun as they used to be. Most of my dining experience was spent in a bathroom stall. I would rather not have people stare while wrestling my tiny gymnast infant under a scarf. Bathroom stall for 2? Yes, please! Unless you are in Mexico. I vividly remember having to take a feeding break while in town. I went into a bright yellow, concrete building and found a roomy stall. Have you ever breastfed an already sweaty baby, in Mexico’s summer heat? We smelled and it was slippery! One of my favorite memories took place in NY on a family stroll. Baby girl wanted nothing to do with the nursing scarf; I was forced to remove it unless I wanted a screaming baby in the middle of NY. To my surprise, no one batted an eye. I mean, NO ONE. For the first time in 11 months, I fed freely in public without judgement. Later that day, I sat on a bench in Central Park and simply breastfed. I asked my husband to take a picture so I could remember that empowering moment. Fast forward to when we rode a crowded trolley in TN after being at an outdoor concert for hours with our almost 2 yr old tired and cranky comfort feeder. Moments into the ride, my child was saying, “Boob, mommy, I want boob, please boob.” Unlike the NY experience, I received LOTS of looks. The repetition continued. I, in turn responded with, “Book, yes honey, we will read your book.” At least that helped with the stares. The first year was the happiest and easiest. Somehow the universe aligned for us and I was able to stay home for 13 months and I am still thankful for it. Rainbows and sparkles do not last forever though. The greatest challenge was when I started my new job on the evening shift. I pumped each night in an exam room but was not producing much. I tried Fenugreek, lactation cookies [editor side note: you can find our recipe here!], and probably attempted witchcraft a time or two. I would return home at almost midnight to a crying baby almost every time. All she wanted to do was nurse. This lasted about 6 months until day shift finally opened; our routine eventually smoothed out and we found our norm. My journey lasted 2 years. One year too many if you ask my husband. I would have never made it through some of the emotional ups and downs without such a supportive partner; I am forever grateful for him. We need to remember to take care of ourselves not only physically but mentally during the challenging times that breastfeeding, and motherhood alone brings. Enjoy every second mommas, because they grow and so do we.

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What do you think about Ashley’s story? We think Ashley did awesome handling the ups and downs that come with this journey in motherhood!

Would you like to share your breastfeeding story our blog? Submit it here!