It is no secret I have been a proponent of breastfeeding, the whole experience I believe has deepened the bond I have with all three of my children. It truly was the most important and meaningful decisions I made, and I am forever grateful that I was able to do this for my children. While breastfeeding is a healthy and important decision, it does not come without a myriad challenges, especially for new moms. On top of sleep deprivation moms have to worry about the proper latch, milk supply, pumping, infections; and then there is a little detail that people tend to gloss over (maybe because they’ve blocked it out); the pain.
During those foggy first few weeks of motherhood the pain of sore and cracked nipples was so intense it brought tears to my eyes. But, I was determined to breastfeed so even excruciating pain wasn’t going to discourage me but I have heard plenty of moms say they just couldn’t take it and switched to bottle feeding. I don’t judge, whatever is right for you bottle or breast as long as your child is getting nourishment and love, they will thrive. If intense pain is the only thing standing between a new mom and breastfeeding then I have two invaluable pieces of advice that are life changing.
First, try to push through the first few weeks. This, too shall pass is a mantra (I like to call it a “Momtra”) that I repeated to myself daily. Whatever crisis I face as a mom I can rest assured that it is only temporary. Take a breath and let it pass.
Second, use LANOLIN. The only product that soothed my skin and was also safe to expose my children to was Lansinoh HPA Lanolin. It protected my delicate skin and helped it heal. You can’t take a day off from nursing so having a protective barrier during feedings is crucial and Lansinoh HPA Lanolin is an essential for all nursing moms.
There is a reason why Lansinoh HPA Lanolin is the #1 recommended nipple cream by lactation consultants and doctors in the U.S….it works. Founded by a breastfeeding mom in 1984, Lansinoh has supported moms with breastfeeding products and advice for over three decades. It is the world’s purest lanolin and is completely preservative free and because it is 100% natural, I felt safe using it while breastfeeding.
If you’re expecting, make sure you put Lansinoh HPA Lanolin on your registry, if you’re going to a baby shower, pick up a few tubes as a little add-on to your gift. Also be sure to check out their other products to help breastfeeding moms like their nursing pads, storage bags, and soothing gel pads.
6 thoughts on “A Breastfeeding Story”
This is so unbelievably beautiful. My family was created through adoption and while I’ve never felt a tremendous loss at not being able to be pregnant I have wondered, fleetingly, what breast-feeding might have been like
I was lucky that breastfeeding worked for me and both of my kids but know so many women who struggle! I was a huge fan of Lansinoh products while BFing my children because they helped contribute to my success!
I remember the challenges of breastfeeding – particularly with my first. Excellent suggestion to add to a baby registry because we all know a new mom will be too tired and foggy brained to go to the store to get what she needs. Have it on deck already!
Breastfeeding was one of my favorite things when ours were babies. So many amazing bonding moments.
I can personally attest to the awesomeness that is Lansinoh- it truly helped me through my not so easy attempts to breastfeed. Love these pics and your story!
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