I am eagerly anticipating the countdown to January 25, 2022! On that day I will officially have a five year old! I am a mixed bag of emotions because the day also marks my fifth straight year of breastfeeding. It feels like she was just born and we were struggling to find our breastfeeding rhythm (we had our share of challenges). The calendar says five years but somehow time has paused. My internal clock tells me that we were discharged from the hospital yesterday, however, reality says that I am five years into my motherhood journey. I am excited to report that our breastfeeding challenges no longer exist! My baby and I are truly in sync with no end in sight if she has her way! Stay tuned.
Here are a few of my takeaways. Enjoy and share with a friend! 💙
1. Lactation counselors matter. Find one while pregnant and develop a relationship.
2. Take a breastfeeding class while pregnant.
3. Live in the moment because time flies by really fast.
4. Document the journey—the good, the bad, the ugly and everything in between.
5. Breastfeeding is a way of life… Own it.
6. Deal with science and facts; opinions from laypeople are useless!
7. Unnecessary pressure is added when comparing your freezer stash to others on social media—full stop!
8. The freezer stash is useless if the power goes out.
9. Believe it or not, breastfeeding should not hurt. If it hurts seek help from a Lactation Counselor asap!
10. Social media can be your bff. Groups that provide evidence based information actually exist! Seek them out.
11. Get comfortable nursing whenever, wherever!
12. It is true—the supply and demand concept actually applies to milk removal.
13. Find a crew of breast/chestfeeding parents for support. Sitting in a circle and nursing can be therapeutic.
14. Find your tribe of supporters and identify them early on in the journey.
15. You own your journey and can determine when/if you stop. Your body, your choice.
16. Breastmilk is magic and there is always a reason to nurse—a crying baby, a sleepy baby, a hungry baby. Just breast/chestfeed, that’s all!
17. It is so easy to get lost in the shuffle of parenting a newborn and breast/chestfeeding. Remember your emotional wellness. Emotional self-care is important!
18. Find a good therapist and schedule weekly sessions (resources below). Maternal Mental Health Matters!
- Psychology Today
- Therapy for Black Girls
- Clinicians of Color
- Latinx Therapy
- South Asian Therapists
- Talk Space
- Meta.app
- Open Path Psychotherapy Collective
- Postpartum Support International (PSI)
Until Next Time,
💙 Salimah
Peace, Love & Breastmilk™
The Maziwa Tribe blog does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Content from Maziwa Tribe’s blog is not intended to be used for medical diagnosis or treatment. The information provided on this blog is intended for general consumer understanding. The information provided is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Please contact your family doctor or other medical professional to obtain medical advice.