My breastfeeding experience with all three of my children reminds me of fine dining: awkward at first, but extremely rewarding. Much like a food critic details every aspect of their culinary adventure, I hope to provide a vivid assessment of my first journey with breastfeeding and my current venture with my third baby.
Amuse-bouche: The Beginning
First Born
Wait! Don’t leave! How do I do this? I’m certain the lactation consultant, or my garçon, was sick of me by the end of my hospital stay. I pressed that tiny red button on my remote to ask for her help every few seconds. I learned to hold my baby like the football player on top of the Heisman trophy, squeezed my breast like a cheeseburger (or more gently like a tea cup), needed way too many pillows, and asked over and over if he was getting enough milk. And I was never comfortable. It also didn’t help that my boobs were being manhandled by a stranger. The worst part: the soreness! I also learned that nipples can, indeed, be flat and I was a lucky proprietor of them. Thank goodness right?
Third Born
Thank you, but I’ve got it. This time when the lactation consultant asked me if I needed help, I, like an expert, responded back with my 2 years of experience and asked for a glass of their finest red…well, in reality, I just asked her to refill my water bottle because I was THIRSTY. My third born latched immediately after our sacred hour of skin-to-skin bonding and it was like meeting an old friend. I savored every second and was so glad to cradle this new little being…while maintaining that tea cup hold that I learned so many years ago.
Soup: How Often I Breastfed
First Born
I read every single book on breastfeeding and they said to feed every 2-3 hours…it must be a law! I wrote down, to the minute, when he last fed and for how long. I should just create a spreadsheet. He needs every last drop!
Third Born
I need to wash dishes, throw the laundry into the washer, OH NO IT’S TIME FOR FIRST BORN’S CELLO LESSON, and now we need to leave! Oh. I need to feed the baby. Okay. But then we leave! … Wait, when did I feed him last? I could breastfeed while driving. (Note: I did not actually do this.)
Salad: How I Dressed
First Born
I needed a whole new wardrobe: nursing shirts, nursing camis, nursing dresses, nursing nightgowns, nursing hats, nursing gloves, nursing shoes…I was set! Baby, I can feed you anywhere! Excuse me, this costs how much?
Third Born
Is this stretchy? Perfect! It works for nursing! Bon Appétit!
Main Course: Breastfeeding in Public
First Born
I am NEVER leaving my house! How can I tote around my nursing pillow? Of course, there’s my worst fear: What if someone sees me? Will they throw me out? Should I attempt nursing in a bathroom?
Third Born
Baby cries. Boob comes out. If it’s not too hot out, then I’ll also bust out my cute 5-in-1 nursing scarf! (Thanks Amazon!)
Dessert: Enjoying Every Moment
First Born
I’ll savor every little tug on my shirt, the smell of their little baby head, and the softness of their baby hair…please stay a baby forever?
Third Born
I’ll savor every little tug on my shirt, the smell of their little baby head, and the softness of their baby hair…please stay a baby forever!
I love, love, love this Neidy. I can relate to the realism of the 3rd born for sure!