Before I began my breastfeeding journey, I was met with a lot of great advice, some not-so-good advice, and almost a complete lack of what I like to call “a warning would’ve been nice!”
As much as I appreciated hearing anecdotal experiences about how to increase supply or fix a faulty latch, I also wanted to know all the nitty-gritty stuff that comes along with nursing. After all, this journey is full of triumphs, tears, and plenty of comedic relief. If you’ve ever breastfed a baby, you already know. If you’re currently nursing, I’m sure you can relate. And if you’re just getting ready to embark on your breastfeeding adventure? Well, buckle up mama, because it’s a crazy-beautiful ride!
You May Get Lopsided.
It’s not uncommon for babies to have a side preference when it comes to nursing, and when they do, it definitely shows! I was lopsided for the majority of my breastfeeding journey. And while I could occasionally coax my daughter to feed from her disfavored side, she was never quite enthusiastic enough to make up for the full cup-size difference in my breasts caused by her favoritism. And in case you’re wondering, yes. They did eventually even back out after I finished nursing.
You Might Leak Milk When Other Babies Cry.
I remember when I was about three weeks postpartum, I decided to treat myself to a pedicure so I could get out of the house and enjoy a little me time. It was an unusually hot April day, so I wore a cute strapless romper; no bra, no nursing pads, no problem. Or so I thought. It turns out there was a baby in the salon- and a fussy one at that. That’s all it took, my friends. About fifteen minutes into my pedicure, I looked down and um, ya. It looked like I had been front row at a Sea World splash show.
Your Baby Might Start To Seek Out Other Boobs.
Once my daughter became mobile, she grew incredibly determined to sample all the inanimate nipples that life has to offer. A suspiciously dome-shaped doorknob? Let’s give it a latch. Mommy’s bra on the floor? Let’s see if we can get something flowing. But she didn’t stop at just potential breasts of the insentient variety. Nothing or nobody was safe from my booby-monster. A friendly stranger we met at the park simply holding her and trying to say hello? Annnnd now she’s in cradle hold.
Your Breasts Won’t Be Happy When Your Baby Sleeps Through The Night.
What do exclusively breastfeeding boobs that haven’t had a letdown in 8 hours look and feel like? Rock-solid and full of rage. While I was personally thrilled the first time my daughter finally slept in a stretch longer than 4 hours, my breasts weren’t and therefore had a total meltdown. Literally. All over my bed.
Sex Can Trigger A Letdown.
I won’t elaborate too much on this one, but uh…Got milk?
Do you have a funny breastfeeding story? We want to hear it! Share your favorite milky moments in the comments section below!
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