Breastfeeding.
I breastfed my daughter for nineteen months. I have learned a lot through this journey and I am hoping to be able to spread knowledge and awareness for women whom may have interests and/or questions. I want to be able to provide some insight about breastfeeding, in hopes to educate another mommy-to-be, current mommy or someone who is interested in learning more about breastfeeding. This platform allows mothers to share their stories and professionals to share their knowledge. Understand that AIRFIT supports both breastfeeding and formula feeding. Xoxo
Ariel & Ayla.
“We breastfed for nineteen months and I cannot believe how fast time went by.
I remember when I first had Ayla, I created small goals to make it to six months. I KNEW when I was pregnant how bad I wanted to attempt breastfeeding and just hoping and praying it’ll work out for the both of us. Ayla came out and latched right away. Now, I am completely aware that everyone and every baby is different! I was blessed to have a smooth sailing journey (for the most part). There has been many of times where I had questions during this journey and I reached out and also educated myself.
After working with pregnant and breastfeeding moms, I feel that I have experience with understanding different perspectives on mother’s decisions to either formula feed or breastfeed. In my opinion, fed is best. Every woman has a right to the decision they make in regards to how they choose to feed their baby.
As I continue to spread awareness and share mommies stories, I hope to bridge the breastfeeding gap, especially in the black community. Knowledge is powerful. Support is powerful.”
Brianna & Anari.
“Growing up, I never really saw anyone who breastfed their babies. I’m not really sure why, I think it’s just more convenient to use formula.
After having a child of my own, I definitely can see how formula can be more convenient. However, I made the decision to breastfeed because I felt that it was worth a try.
I chose to breastfeed for a few different reasons. First, I wanted to have a bonding experience with my child. I’m not saying that you cannot bond with your child if you don’t breastfeed, I just personally feel like it allows me to have a special time with my child that no one else can experience. Breastmilk is like liquid gold and can be so good for new babies.
I had to have a planned C-section. I wanted to experience everything motherhood has to offer, and not being able to give birth naturally it was even more important to me to be able to breastfeed.
Now, I am not saying that breastfeeding is this easy magical experience with rainbows and sunshine. Breastfeeding is HARD. It took me 6 weeks after delivery to become acclimated to breastfeeding. Like I said, I had to have a C-section, which is very major surgery. As soon as the spinal tap started to wear off I was being wheeled to the nursery to feed my son. (He had to be in the NICU for the first day of his life but that is a different story). I still had a catheter in, could barely stand, and was so exhausted but like clock work, every two hours I was being woken up to feed my baby. I wanted to quit and just give him a bottle, but I have an amazing partner and he constantly reminded me of my WHY.
And I am so glad that I didn’t give up. I have a happy and healthy son, and have a special time to share with him that is just the two of us.
It can be annoying when people stare at me when I breastfeed in public even with using a cover or the way people sexualize breastfeeding, but it’s my body and my choice so screw what other people think.
Even with all the hardships and difficulties that come with breastfeeding, it’s worth it to me. Fed is best no matter what you choose to do, but this was my experience and hope it helps to give some perspective.”
Callie & Iyana.
“17.5 months. 533 days. That is how long our breastfeeding journey has been so far. I am beyond blessed that we have had a successful journey, it hasn’t always been easy, but it has been one of, if not THE most, rewarding parts of being a momma.
When Iyana was 3 days old we had to be readmitted into the hospital for her bilirubin levels (jaundice) and I won’t lie, I wanted to give up. We had spent the last 24 hours following a strict 2 hour feeding schedule with a lethargic baby that wouldn’t stay awake to eat, I knew she needed milk to be able to dispose of the bilirubin in her body, but she wasn’t getting it. Thankfully, we were able to find solution, I learned to pump to be able to supplement with a bottle what she was unable to get from being latched. From that moment on, I was determined to do what I could to breastfeed as long as I could, my goal being at least a year.
I am blessed to say that after that, it was easy for us. I made the decision, with the support of my husband, to quit my job and stay home full time allowing me to stop pumping regularly and feed completely on demand. It’s a silent communication and bond between mother and child that I never could have imagined. Here we are 17 months and counting with no end in sight, and I am so okay with that.
Looking back over the last 17 months, there isn’t much I would change. I know that I was blessed with this ability to nourish my child from my own body, to create a bond that I know I am fortunate to have. I have also realized how important a strong support system is with the decision to breastfeed. There is a level of societal pressure to breastfeed but there is also contradictory negative societal views that can be extremely confusing to a new mother in a moment that is already full of pressure and uncertainty. Becoming a mom for the first time is a time of mixed emotions and you see in front of you an endless amount of choices that must be made to determine the wellbeing of your child. I want to be able to help it be easier to choose breastfeeding. I want to help build a community of support for momma’s who want to breastfeed but are maybe struggling for whatever reason. I want to help get the information and education to every community so that it may can become possible for people who believe it to be impossible for them.
All of this being said, at the end of the day I believe that fed is best. I want all momma’s to know that there is ZERO shame in the choice between formula or breastfeeding. We are all in this together. I promise you, none of us know what we are doing, we are just doing the best we can. If your baby is happy and healthy, that is all that matters.”
Mary Colby.
International Board Certified Lactation Consultant.
B.S. in Food, Nutrition & Dietetics
Illinois State University
“Did you know that newborns can instinctively crawl to their mothers breast only hours after birth? A newborn uses sense of smell, vision, and taste to find the breast. Breastfeeding is so natural for your baby! This is only one of the amazing facts about breastfeeding.
Many women hear the facts but still sometimes choose not to breastfeed. There can be many factors that influence a decision to breastfeed. Don’t let all of those things influence your decision.
When I talk with women about breastfeeding I want each one to be aware this journey must be something that works for them. It is not anyone else’s journey and certainly not someone else’s story to write. It is not a friend's story, a close relatives story, a boss’s story, and definitely not a story social media should be writing. Do what works for you! Breastfeeding does not have to be all or nothing. Current recommendation does encourage breastfeeding through the first year of life. If this isn’t something that works for you- do what you can. A little colostrum in the first days is better than no colostrum. A mother’s antibodies from some human milk is better than nothing at all.
If you have questions, concerns, or hesitations for any reason reach out for help. In most cases, a lactation professional along with a medical provider can find solutions to any situation. That is what we are here to do. We are here to help you make your goals possible.
What about diet? Women worry about having a perfect diet while breastfeeding. Your diet does not have to be perfect. Do your best to incorporate a variety of foods and try to drink water daily. Once again, do what you can.
There is no need to place too much pressure on yourself to be perfect. Start with small achievable goals. The goals you set can be diet related, how much you’d like to breastfeed, or even how long you’d like to breastfeed. For example, your first goal could be that you are going to breastfeed for the first two weeks. After meeting that first goal, set a new achievable goal. You can and will succeed. I’ve seen so many powerful women grow their baby, birth their baby, produce milk, and nurture their baby. And remember to never consider yourself a failure with breastfeeding.”
Nicole E. Anderson.
Licensed Clinical Social Worker.
BSW — Illinois State University
MSW — University of Illinois
“During my time as a family case manager, I became a Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC) and was provided the opportunity to co-facilitate a breastfeeding support group for Black moms. The group existed because studies show that Black mothers breastfeed less than their White and Latina counterparts. The group’s premise was to provide a safe space where not only education was provided, but where support and expressions of their many experiences were encouraged. From support from peers and facilitators, mothers practiced their right to own any stage of breastfeeding they were in, whereas no matter the stage their decisions were supported.
As a case manager who worked with moms of many backgrounds, I found that a mom’s support system was maybe one of the greatest predictors of her success when it came to breastfeeding – whatever her definition of success. Most moms depend on their support system as they continue to intersect with other factions of society, (i.e. work, school, social settings, etc.), and if their support system is not supportive of their decision to breastfeed, that mom can experience a range of emotions that could trickle down into their expectations and hopes regarding their choice to breastfeed and could even subsequently impact that mom’s confidence as a mother in general (especially our new moms).
While the “mama bear” trope rings true for most every mom when it comes to her little one, many moms find it challenging to be mama bear regarding breastfeeding. My advice to those moms who find themselves lacking confidence when it comes to their breastfeeding decisions: do your research, seek out support and utilize available resources, such as your local health department, doctors/nurses and online supports such as arifitwellness.com. Wishing you all the best of luck on your journey’s whatever YOU choose your journey to be.”
Etta Wallace.
Registered Nurse.
ADN, RN — Illinois Central College
BSN, RN — University of Arizona
Certified Lactation Specialist
“Breastfeeding has been a passion of mine since I had my first son (Cameron, 10) as a teenager. I was able to successfully feed him until about 5 months. I also breastfed my second son (Carter, 3) who came 7 years later. After working in labor in delivery for a few years helping tons of moms with the first latch, I had the opportunity to take a lactation class and now I am a Certified Lactation Specialist. Since then, I have been working on my education hours to sit for the IBCLC exam this year.
I love helping mommas with any education regarding labor and breastfeeding. I started an Instagram and Facebook page called “Love, A Labor Nurse” where I share lots of useful information and stories. I hope to be able to share lots of education while traveling nursing. Follow me to hear more of my journey.”
Share your story.
Please fill out the form below to share your story. Whether you are a breastfeeding momma, a previous breastfeeding momma or a professional that would like to spread awareness we would love to hear from you. Upon approval, your story will be featured on our Breastfeeding page. We can’t wait to hear from you!