Breastfeeding Journey

When I had my first son, I was 19... I had NO idea what I was doing, and probably way too young to be a mother. But, all I was ever really sure of was that I wanted to be one. I also knew a part of that journey would be breastfeeding. It was important to me. I think as young moms, we often get left out when it comes to breastfeeding. Thankfully in the last 10 years it seems that has gotten a bit better. But, I know for me at the time, there was very little support... and...

My name is Katie and I'm going to share my nursing journey with my youngest son, Andrew. Andrew was born on Sept 8, 2014, almost 4 weeks early. Even though he was early he was a great weight and we just had to stay a few extra days in the hospital to monitor his glucose levels. Due to low glucose levels, I had to supplement in the hospital with formula to make sure he was getting enough and that his levels were stable.   I was really worried that switching between breast and bottle would be confusing for him and...

Emma Grace is my 3rd child and while I had nursed with my other two, I was never as dedicated or determined as I am with her. Somehow I turned into “that mom”, wanting to breastfeed; make all my own baby food, cloth diapers, the whole nine yards LOL. Emma Grace and I are now at 6 months exclusively breastfeeding and I’m finally at a point where I am completely comfortable with my supply and routine. Breastfeeding was rocky in the beginning, as I had to use a shield to help her latch. Whenever I would nurse without my nipples...

On November 3rd, 2015 I was admitted to the hospital for severe high blood pressure. I was 21 weeks and 4 days pregnant.It was a very scary situation as the doctors tried their best to lower my blood pressure. They said the baby was stressed but so far was handling everything the way he should. They would try to keep him in as long as possible.  November 23rd 2015, the doctors said we would be having our baby. The daily ultrasound showed that he was no longer receiving anything from the placenta. He had to be delivered as soon as...

For me breastfeeding and food have always gone hand in hand, which makes sense. Breastfeeding is food and nourishment for a baby or toddler. I've always associated breastfeeding and food, even in some unconventional ways.  My first breastfeeding experience was at my birthday dinner. I was pregnant with my first at Benihanas with my family. Midway through dinner the lady across from us whipped out her boob and started nursing her baby. Okay, she actually so discreetly put her cover on and quietly nursed her baby at the table. Either way, at the time, I was in shock. After all...