From The Confessional: Breastfeeding Can Be Really Tough, And Your Judgment Is Unacceptable

Throughout my first pregnancy, I thought I had it all figured out. I imagined myself as the fun mom who would effortlessly pop my baby into a carrier and continue enjoying life—frequent coffee shop visits, festivals with my partner, and regular gym sessions. I confidently believed breastfeeding would be a breeze.

Oh, how wrong I was. Not a single one of those expectations materialized. Our outings ceased because, honestly, they became too overwhelming for me. I didn’t return to the gym for years. And breastfeeding? It was a nightmare. It hurt, my baby struggled to latch, and I found myself in tears over it every day for the first six weeks.

Looking back, I don’t regret my persistence; eventually, we figured it out, and I was able to breastfeed my other two children without much trouble. However, that experience opened my eyes to the struggles other moms face—whether they breastfeed or not. I firmly believe that “fed is best,” and no mother should feel pressured to breastfeed, nor should she owe anyone an explanation for how she chooses to feed her baby.

Although breastfeeding did become a positive experience for me in the end (my favorite part being that it was free), I recognize that it isn’t so simple for many women. It can be painful, exhausting, and have lasting effects on our mental health and bodies.

Breastfeeding isn’t a walk in the park, and every mother—regardless of her feeding choice—deserves support, not judgment.

Confessions from Other Mothers Reveal the Struggle:

“Breastfeeding my third child hurts so bad I often scream and cry in pain. I never had issues with the other two, and this is distressing.”
“I wanted to breastfeed for a year, but after three and a half months, I just want my breasts to be LEFT ALONE!”
“I’m constantly battling clogged ducts and am exhausted. It’s total b@llshit.”

One of the most infuriating things I encountered while trying to breastfeed was the comment, “If it hurts, you’re doing it wrong.” No, it hurts because a tiny being is latched onto me all day and night. Can we just admit that breastfeeding can be painful, even when you’re doing everything right?

The physical toll is real; after two kids and 30 months of breastfeeding, I feel like my breasts have melted into nothingness. I wear silicone inserts just to feel somewhat normal, and sometimes, I even daydream about a mastectomy, thinking not having breasts might be better than dealing with the aftermath of breastfeeding.

Yes, our bodies change permanently. Our breasts may never return to their original form, and our bodies may experience dryness. Yet, in the midst of exhaustion, we often overlook these changes.

Moms are weary, and not just breastfeeding ones. Allowing our bodies to nourish our babies takes a toll—both mentally and physically.

Breastfeeding misinformation drives me mad. You can enjoy a glass of wine daily! You can eat what you want! We need stronger and more accessible support!

If you’re battling breastfeeding challenges, remember that you are not alone. Seek help and resources, and if you decide to stop breastfeeding, do it without guilt. Your well-being is crucial for your baby’s happiness too.

I’ve learned two essential truths about motherhood over the past 13 years:

Fed is best.
Mom’s health matters.

For more insights on these topics, check out this blog post and consider learning about home insemination kits to empower your journey. Additionally, the CDC offers excellent resources on pregnancy and home insemination.

Search Queries:

In summary, breastfeeding can be an incredibly challenging experience, and it’s essential to support all mothers in their feeding choices. Whether you breastfeed, supplement, or choose another method, what matters most is the health and happiness of both mother and baby.