27 Unexpected Things that Happen When You are a Breastfeeding Mom
Let’s be real – motherhood is full of surprises, and breastfeeding comes with its own set of unexpected twists and turns. From leaking boobs to sudden cravings, the journey of nourishing our little ones with breast milk is an adventure like no other. In this blog post, we’re diving into the 30 unexpected things that can happen when you’re a breastfeeding mom. So grab a cup of tea (or coffee, because let’s face it, caffeine is life), and let’s commiserate and celebrate the wild ride of breastfeeding together!
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1. Leaky Boobs
Yep, it’s a thing, as a breastfeeding mom you might find yourself leaking breast milk at the most inconvenient times – like during an important meeting or in the middle of the night when your baby sleeps through a feeding. Nursing pads become your new best friend. I recommend these from Amazon, I was fortunate enough to produce a lot of milk so I was always leaking and restocking on these.
2. Cluster Feeding Marothons
Your baby suddenly decides they’re starving every hour, even at night! Cluster feeding marathons are tough, but they’re also a sign that your little one is working hard to increase your milk supply.
3. Sudden Cravings
You thought pregnancy cravings were wild? Just wait until you’re a breastfeeding mom. Your body is working overtime to produce milk, so it’s no surprise that you might find yourself craving all sorts of random foods at odd hours of the day and night.
4. Engorgement
Oh, the joys of engorgement – those rock-hard, painful-to-touch boobs! It often strikes when your baby sleeps longer than usual, and you’re left feeling uncomfortably full. That’s where having a pump comes in handy, even if you’re exclusively breastfeeding. A small hand pump like the one below, can be a lifesaver for relieving pain and discomfort. I remember experiencing engorgement on date nights with my boyfriend, as we’d go a few hours without seeing the baby. Using the pump to release milk not only quickly eased the discomfort but also signaled to my body to keep producing milk instead of thinking it wasn’t needed. Trust me, it’s a game-changer!
5. Sleepless Nights
Ah, the joys of round-the-clock feedings! Almost every breastfeeding mom often finds themselves burning the midnight oil (and the 1 a.m., 2 a.m., and 3 a.m. oils too). But hey, at least you’re getting some extra cuddle time with your little one, right?
6. Nursing In Puplic
Navigating the world of nursing in public can be daunting at first, but with practice and confidence, you’ll soon become a pro at discreetly feeding your baby wherever and whenever they’re hungry. However, I never really like to breastfeed without a cover exposing my boobs. If you like to cover up to I recommend these breastfeeding covers from Amazon. They are so cute, soft and breathable.
7. Breastfeeding Positions
Who knew there were so many different ways to hold a baby while breastfeeding? From the cradle hold to the football hold, you’ll soon discover which positions work best for you and your baby.
8. Low Milk Supply
Despite your best efforts, your milk supply might take a temporary dip. Stress, illness, and hormonal fluctuations can all play a role. I recommend you get these lactation cookies to every breastfeeding mom. I believe that part of the reason why I would produce so much milk is because I was eating these all the time. They really do help give your supply a much-needed boost.
9. Nursing Strikes
Your baby suddenly refuses to latch, leaving you feeling frustrated and worried. Nursing strikes are common and usually temporary, but they can be stressful. Stay patient and offer plenty of skin-to-skin contact to help reestablish breastfeeding.
10. Overactive Letdowns
Your milk comes gushing out like a fire hose, causing your baby to sputter and choke. Overactive letdown can be uncomfortable for both mom and baby, but leaning back while nursing and using laid-back breastfeeding positions can help slow the flow.
11. Nipple Pain
Sore, cracked nipples are a common complaint among breastfeeding moms, especially in the early days. Proper latch and positioning, along with lanolin cream or nipple shields, can help alleviate discomfort.
12. Oversupply Issues
While low milk supply gets a lot of attention, some breastfeeding moms struggle with oversupply, leading to issues like frequent engorgement and fast letdown. Block feeding and expressing milk before feeding can help regulate supply.
13. Pumping Sessions
Whether you’re building a stash, going back to work, or just need a break, pumping becomes a regular part of life for many breastfeeding moms. Invest in a comfortable, efficient pump to make the experience as pleasant as possible. I love the hand pump to relieve engorgement, it’s just quick and I can pull it out anywhere I am. But, if you have a little more time and if you’re going to be pumping more often at home I recommend this electric breast pump from Madela, it’s the #1 Physician Recommended Breast Pump Product in the U.S. It is designed for daily & frequent use. Plus, it produces more milk in less time.
14. Stretch Marks
As your breasts undergo changes during pregnancy and breastfeeding, you may notice the development of stretch marks. These marks can be unexpected and may affect your body image. However, there are ways to help fade them away, such as using this Repairing Coffee Scrub from Veenourish. Coffee scrubs are known for their exfoliating properties and may help improve the appearance of stretch marks over time. Incorporating a coffee scrub into your skincare routine can be a soothing and rejuvenating way to care for your breasts and boost your confidence.
15. Nursing Bras
Say goodbye to cute lingerie and hello to practical nursing bras! Finding the right fit can make all the difference in comfort and support while breastfeeding. I really like these from amazon, they are so comfortable.
16. Weight Loss
While some moms shed pounds effortlessly while breastfeeding, others find it harder to lose weight. Remember to be patient with your body and focus on nourishing yourself and your baby.
17. Milk Blebs
These painful blisters can form on the nipple, blocking milk flow and leading to discomfort during feedings.
18. Breast Infections
Mastitis isn’t the only breast infection breastfeeding moms need to watch out for. Conditions like thrush (a fungal infection) can also occur, causing pain and discomfort.
19. Milk Supply Discrepancies
It’s not uncommon for one breast to produce more milk than the other, leading to uneven milk supply and potential challenges for breastfeeding.
20. Teething Troubles
When your baby starts teething, breastfeeding can become uncomfortable or even painful due to their newfound interest in biting and chewing.
21. Pumping and Storage Dilemas
Finding space to store pumped milk can be a challenge. I recommend these bags, they wont take up too much space in your fridge and they’re pretty good quality.
22. Allergies
If your baby develops allergies or sensitivities, you may need to modify your diet or seek guidance from a healthcare professional to ensure safe breastfeeding.
23. Breastfeeding and Returning to Work
Balancing breastfeeding with a return to work can be challenging, from pumping schedules to navigating workplace accommodations. I recommend the hand pump I mentioned earlier, you can quickly have a quiet pumping session in the bathroom or break room and no one would know.
24. Extended Breastfeeding
Choosing to breastfeed beyond infancy can lead to unexpected reactions or judgments from others, requiring confidence and support from loved ones.
25. Breastfeeding and Traveling
Navigating breastfeeding while traveling presents its own set of challenges, from managing feeding schedules to finding comfortable and private spaces for nursing or pumping.
26. Breastfeeding and Body Image
Breastfeeding can sometimes lead to changes in body image or self-esteem, as your body adapts to the demands of nursing and postpartum recovery.
27. Changes In Intimacy
Breastfeeding may impact intimacy with your partner, as changes in body image, hormonal fluctuations, and the demands of nursing may affect physical and emotional intimacy, including your partner’s interactions with your breasts. Communication and understanding are key to navigating these changes and maintaining a strong connection with your partner during the breastfeeding journey.
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