I am still in awe that I’m a mommy! It’s a truly incredible feeling to know that I created this Sweet Baby girl. Being a first time mommy, there’s plenty of firsts for me. Changing her first diaper, bathing her for the first time, and then there’s breastfeeding for the first time.
I always thought breastfeeding would come naturally. That is so not the case. Some people are extremely lucky where they have a baby who latches perfectly from day one. Then there’s people like me who need help or time to achieve that perfect latch for baby. Whether it’s mommy or baby causing the poor latch it definitely needs to be addressed if you want to breastfeed your baby successfully.
So this is my introduction, my journey of ups and downs, and my dedication and passion to breastfeed my daughter. I just simply won’t take no for an answer. I hope you enjoy reading my journey, and I hope that something that has helped me along the way may help you. Starting October there will be regular updates and I will be sharing how far we’ve come, and what I’ve learned.
Anonymous
I became a first time mommy Aug 22. Breastfeeding is hard! We’re just now figuring it out and it’s worth hanging in there!
-Katrina
Courtney
Katrina, Congratulations on being a mommy! So glad nursing is getting better for you. Wishing you the best!
Kathleen Richardson
Dear Courtney ~ What a lucky baby, having a mother committed to breastfeeding. I don’t know what your specific challenges are, but maybe this will help… http://www.helium.com/items/1290278-correctly-position-a-breastfeeding-baby
Looking forward to seeing what else you have to say about breastfeeding and your baby!
PS ~ just found you on foodblogs.com
Kathleen
Courtney
Kathleen, thank you for sharing! I’m always looking to learn and that is exactly what I’ve been doing since she’s been born. Instead of being at the beginning I’m starting to think we’re half way there! 🙂 Thanks for stopping by!
andreameier
My son is 10 1/2 months. He never got the hang of nursing, and I tried til he was 6 months. His screams tore me up. I have pumped 4-6 times a day since he was born (4 times on work days cause thats all I can fit in), and supplemented w/ formula. I was only going to nurse, but it didnt work out as I had hoped. Praying if we have another baby that I am able to actually nurse. I still feel guilty for not being able to nurse, but I did everything, and I mean everything to try to make it happen, and did what I had to for him when it didn’t happen
Courtney
No matter how you get your breastmilk to your baby it is considered breastfeeding! You are going to be so driven with your next that I’m sure all will go fine!
Kathleen Richardson
andreameier, I felt your pain when I read this. That’s pretty much what happened to me. My first screamed and ended up on the bottle, plus he was colicky. When I got pregnant 12 years later, my sister-in-law gave me a copy of the Womanly Art of Breastfeeding and i started attending La Leche League meetings even before my little girl was born. Smartest move I ever made and we had a great nursing relationship for several years. Please, please try to give up the guilt. You did nothing wrong and taking blame won’t serve any good purpose. Hugs! ~ Kathleen
Nichol
Breastfeeding is not easy! Luckily, both of my children took to it however I was completely heartbroken when I had to stop with Gavyn. I’m sure your updates are going to be beneficial to many!
Courtney
Thank you, Nichol! I really hope my experience does help someone, even if it’s a little 🙂
Stefani @ MommyEnterprises.com
I tried breastfeeding with all my children. I didn’t do it that long, but I did try and did get in a couple months with each child.
Beth
Breastfeeding is hard work but worth every moment you put into it! I have three … in a row. It was the hardest thing I did as a mom but the memories I have of the time we had bonding is worth it (even the one I had to exlusively pump for due to latch issues!) I hope you have a wonderful, long journey with few bumps in the road. If you encounter bumps, I hope you look for support because there is so much support available if you look!
Courtney
Thank you for the comment Beth! I won’t be giving up and I am chuck full of knowledge now 🙂
Kelly
Good luck Courtney. I didn’t have issues with my guy latching but instead deal with supply issues at first.
Tricia Nightowlmama
We struggled the first few months and thankfully after that it was natural. It just takes a bit of getting used to and a lot of sacrifices but the rewards are HUGE. Hang in there mommy any questions I’d be happy to answer just email I breastfeed 2 of my boys.
1 for 6months and the other for 3 yrs
Kathleen
I breastfed my boys and the one thing I wish they would tell young mothers is that it is not easy. Nothing about it is usually easy unless you are one of the few lucky ones. It does take dedication and determination in the beginning. You are doing great!
Jennifer (Double Duty Mommy)
breastfeeding IS hard. I always thought it would just… happen but that wasn’t the case with us. neither of my daughter’s would latch so I ended up using a pump for them and that was really hard to go through. It’s great that you are dedicated though and wanting to stick with it
Courtney
I’m definitely determined! 🙂
Rachel
It is very hard for most of us — but it is so rewarding . I really miss it.
Notorious Spinks
Congrats on working to finding your breastfeeding way. It is truly what’s best for you and baby.
HilLesha
I tried with both children, but not lucky like some people. I simply don’t produce enough milk. 🙁
Toni
I loved breastfeeding and miss it all the time. We will all be here to support you 🙂
Lolo @ Crazy About My Baybah
One of the hardest yet most rewarding things I have ever done. After the first month, we were pros.
Elaina (A Time Out for Mommy)
I’m working on a similar series too! I think it is important that moms have a place to go where they can get helpful advice to address their specific challenge. For me, it was also the bad latch with my first one, and with my second it wa issues due to her being so small and her mouth wouldn’t latch on properly. I’m glad you wrote that breastfeeding is NOT a natural process and does take time. Writing about your experience will help others!
April Decheine
I breast fed my second for three months, that was such an awesome experience!
trisha (mom blogger)
Good luck sweetie! I was just not good at it but I look forward to your journey.
trisha
Stefanie
Good luck! I only lasted 6 weeks.
Tammy
I wasn’t able to breastfeed much with my first. My son had breathing problems. With my second, I had problems and had to stop after a week.
Anne - Mommy Has to Work
I was lucky to have breastfeeding come naturally! I still miss it.
Momstart
It’s such a sweet thing to do, first time I went until 12 months passed second time I went only 1 week
The Rebel Chick
I was really lucky in that my daughter latched perfectly right away. BUT she was always falling asleep and leaving me with one breast full of milk, which I had to pump. It was such a pain. LOL
Mama B
I worked super hard at my breastfeeding relationship with Sophia. Since she was taken to the NICU right away after birth, we weren’t able to try to establish breastfeeding so I had to pump. And pump. and pump. My milk took so much longer to come in than with my first 2 children and I wasn’t getting more than a few ounces at the pump each session. It was so frustrating but then the Dr gave us permission to try breastfeeding twice a day and it was the best thing ever when she latched. I cried happy tears, lol. It took her a few weeks to figure everything out and gain weight, but thankfully everything is smooth sailing now!
Zippy
I enjoyed every second of breast feeding. Weaning was awful for me.
Leilani @ Soleil Selene
Breastfeeding can be hard. I’ve experienced both sides of the spectrum. I had a difficult time breastfeeding my first daughter. I didn’t produce enough milk and had people constantly telling me to supplement. She rarely wanted to nurse and I felt like a failure. The second time around was a breeze. I produced tons of milk and my daughter had no problems latching on or nursing. It was awesome.
Faith and Family Reviews
Good luck Courtney! You can do it!
Liz @ A Nut in a Nutshell
I’m so grateful for the hospital staff who showed me how to do it correctly because it makes a difference! I breastfed both of my kids and have fond memories. 🙂
Jenn @TheRebelChick
Breastfeeding is hard, but, it creates that bonding moment between mother and child. Nothing will ever take that away from your memories 🙂 Good Luck!
Simply Being Mommy
I’m so glad to hear you are sticking to your guns and making it work. It is such a beautiful experience.
Penelope (NYC Blogger)
I had a very hard time with breastfeeding…I had clogs, mastitis, and all within the first six weeks, and I kept wanting to give it up, but I stuck with it (for two years) and I’m proud of myself now. It was very, very hard, you don’t realize it until you have a child biting on you and you are bleeding and in pain just what women everywhere go through 🙂
Sippy Cup Mom
I can’t wait to read more! I love nursing my son but it was hard! I plan on nursing my twins and am a little worried but want to stick with it!
Donna
Breastfeeding was difficult for my son and I at first, too. And like you, I was not taking no for an answer! It turned out to be the most wonderful experience!
Jenn at Sweet T Makes Three
Right there with you Courtney! Baby #2 is better at latching than his sister was, but I still have cracked, bleeding nipples right now. Babies have to learn too ya know? Lanolin has been a godsend!
Billie
Good luck with breast feeding, I hope you get it down and the two of you can bond.
Marcie W.
I love that you are committed and dedicated to giving Mikaylee what she needs. I’m excited to follow your journey!
Jennifer Leigh
I wrote a post on this too because I was left feeling so frustrated after having Sawyer and was left crying with a crying baby more then anything. It really does get easier but I know how rough it can be. Hugs.
Ty W.
Good luck with breastfeeding!
Brenda Rohlik
I had trouble getting my first to latch properly, too. I had to use a nipple shield to train him. My second latched properly right away, but made me very sore! Breastfeeding is so worth it, though! Good luck to you and congratulations on your sweet baby girl!
Anonymous
One great resource is LaLeche. I don’t mean to dish out unsolicited advice. But, I wish more women knew about La Leche and what they have to offer (and I don’t work nor am I associated with them) I wish you the best with breastfeeding:)
annejk112233
Anonymous
Nancy Hilderbrand I breastfed my youngest son and it seems that we are very close
Sarah Hayes
Its good tht youre determined to make it work. I was lucky that its been so easy and I hope other moms can be inpired by this