Whitney Parker, a former reality TV star, recently opened up about her difficult breastfeeding journey during an episode of People’s Me Becoming Mom podcast. The mother of four-year-old Noah, with her husband Jake, shared that she faced immense guilt and anxiety when she made the decision to stop nursing two weeks after giving birth.
Parker detailed the physical and emotional challenges she encountered, saying, “I had to stop breastfeeding after just two weeks because it was incredibly painful for me.” She explained that by the time she returned home from the hospital, her nipples were “chafed, dry, and even bloody.” Ultimately, she found pumping to be a more manageable solution, allowing her to provide Noah with breastmilk exclusively for six months.
Reflecting on that time, Parker admitted those six months felt like a “complete blur” as she was overwhelmed with stress about how she was feeding her son. Like many mothers who hear the mantra “breast is best,” the 36-year-old felt significant pressure to continue pumping, despite it taking a toll on her well-being. “I was so preoccupied with the pumping process, not to mention dealing with mastitis three times,” she said, referring to the painful breast tissue infection that can happen due to clogged ducts. “It was chaotic, a total mess.”
Parker, who has also shared her experiences with miscarriages, expressed that if she chooses to have another child, she will prioritize enjoying the journey rather than succumbing to external pressures about breastfeeding. “If I start feeling overwhelmed again and realize it impacts my happiness with my newborn, I’ll make it a point to listen to those feelings and not let guilt take over,” she said.
It’s refreshing to see Parker prioritizing self-care along with her parenting duties. As many moms can relate, doing our best is what truly matters.
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Summary:
Whitney Parker shared her emotional and challenging breastfeeding journey, revealing the guilt and anxiety she faced when she decided to stop nursing after two weeks. She found pumping more manageable but struggled with the pressures of “breast is best.” If she has another child, she intends to prioritize her happiness and well-being over societal expectations.
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