The journey into motherhood often feels like a relentless climb. When you add the challenges of breastfeeding to the mix, it’s no wonder many new moms feel overwhelmed. Sara Green recently shared her heartfelt story on Instagram, shedding light on the difficulties she faced during this transformative time.
Sara, co-founder of the Kind Initiative, and her husband, actor Jake Green, welcomed their daughter just a few weeks ago. In her post, she beautifully describes the overwhelming love that engulfs all new parents, but she also emphasizes the need to address some of the “other real stuff” that comes with it.
“This post-labor phase has been tough at times,” she writes. “Recovering from childbirth is no small feat. I’m definitely on the mend, but… breastfeeding. Wow.”
As a mom who breastfed for over a year, I can empathize with the pain of those early days. It’s a whirlwind of uncertainty—what are you doing? How much is your baby getting? And why does it feel like a million needles are piercing your breasts?
“It’s been one of the most beautiful experiences of my life, but I’ve also had mastitis twice in just three weeks,” she shares. Mastitis, a common but painful condition caused by clogged milk ducts, can leave moms feeling feverish and achy. Sara reveals that her fever reached a staggering 104 degrees, making it her most challenging illness yet.
“The discomfort was unbearable,” she admits. With a desire to help others, she decided to use her platform to highlight these challenges. “I feel a responsibility to make sure new moms-to-be are aware of these potential issues, as they often go unnoticed.”
During my pregnancy, I dreaded breastfeeding even more than labor or recovery. I had heard countless horror stories about the pain and demands, which only heightened my anxiety. Although the lactation consultants at the hospital were wonderful, I still felt lost and wished I had prepared more.
“If I could offer any advice to expectant mothers, it would be to educate yourself about breastfeeding,” Sara suggests. She advocates for taking classes, researching, or simply chatting with other moms to better understand latches, infections, and supply issues—it’s a lot to take in, but knowledge is power.
“I want to send a big virtual hug to all the moms who have faced any challenges with breastfeeding or are navigating tough physical or emotional hurdles,” she says. “You are not alone.”
This article was originally published on March 1, 2018.
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Summary
Sara Green’s candid Instagram post highlights the often-overlooked struggles of new motherhood, particularly the pain of mastitis and the challenges of breastfeeding. Her heartfelt message encourages new moms to seek knowledge and support, reminding them they are not alone in this journey.
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