The struggle is real

Some moms have it pretty easy. Some moms don't even try. Some moms don't have the support they need when troubles occur, so they give up. Breastfeeding is not always a walk in the park. You can research all you want to, but when it comes down to it, breastfeeding your baby is a unique experience between you two. I say this so many times: every baby and every mom is different.

With my first baby, I was new to the whole process sure, I knew how it worked, and the nurses at the hospital did their best to give me advice, but I didn't know why this kid just would not latch. Eventually my sister-in-law introduced me to the nipple shield and we finally found our groove. Before my second was born I started hearing about lip and tongue ties. So when she started having trouble and the shield wasn't cutting it, I suspected that was the issue (I also did research and see pictures of ties which looked similar to hers). Once that issue was fixed, she still had a learning curve to deal with. It wasn't until she was three months old that she really started nursing well. In neither instance was I able to get in touch with a lactation consultant, so I had to find my own ways around these issues.

So, to you new moms, moms-to-be, or experienced pros out there, I have some words of advice. Setting your goal to exclusively breastfeed your baby is a noble goal indeed. But have realistic expectations, because not every baby is going to make it easy for you. What's most important is that your baby is fed so that he or she can grow and develop on a healthy schedule. Also know that there are legitimate health issues which may arise and become obstacles to nursing. But the most important thing I want to tell you is this: don't give up. You have a goal to give your baby the healthiest option fit her first stage of life. Hold on to that goal. It's not easy, but neither is anything worth doing. Even if you can only pump milk or nurse once a day, do that. Love your baby and know that any effort you make is worth it. But if you have to use formula, don't feel disappointed. If that is the best choice for your baby, then that's what has to be done.

To the old pro moms, share your breastfeeding experiences with new moms who are looking for advice and encouragement! If it hadn't been for my sister in law, I would have given up with nursing my first baby. I see so many moms out there with questions and frustrations. Help them. Come alongside them and guide them. We're all in this together.