In honor of Breastfeeding Awareness Month, we are celebrating the incredible strength and resilience of mothers who have navigated the many challenges of breastfeeding. We’ve gathered authentic stories from mothers who’ve faced and overcome obstacles with remarkable resilience. Join us as we explore these inspiring journeys and celebrate the power of motherhood.
💗💗I am a hard working mom 60+ hours a week pumping on the construction site to feed my child. I wear my pumps in the heat, in the cold, in the wind and rain. I do everything I can to be the best mom I can in a non mom world! I am surrounded by men. Some great fathers and some who choose to not see their children. But I am here breaking down barriers for women to follow! My husband has been the most supportive man in the world! He washes my pumps every night, packs me a healthy lunch, picks our son up from daycare after his work day, and completely supports my breastfeeding journey! He is the best man this world has to offer! @Emy DeWitt
💗💗After my own breastfeeding journey started off rough with lack of support and having to triple feed, we’re now 13 months in and going strong! If it wasn’t for resources like Momcozy, we wouldn’t be where we are today. The newest obstacle in our journey has been finding out that I’m pregnant with baby #2. Between a supply dip and navigating new changes, it’s been challenging but so rewarding knowing that my body can feed one baby while growing another. Every journey is different, but all breastfeeding moms are truly amazing! @Ashton Lipton
🍼🍼As I reflect on the question of what breastfeeding barriers I’ve encounter while nursing my baby this evening, I can’t help but feel a bit emotional. The breastfeeding journey has/is a rollercoaster. When she was born, she spent a few days in the NICU, so I was not able to feed her right away. When I tried to pump while at the hospital, I didn’t get much output and I could not figure out why (forgot a piece). As a new mom, my anxiety was high and I felt like a failure for not producing milk for her. This made nursing hard as I was already doubting myself. Luckily, I had an amazing lactation nurse that really helped ease my anxiety and sat with me while I learned nursing positions. With time, we have encountered new challenges- finding positions for good latch, maneuvering all her movements, feeding in public and more- But I have become more comfortable and confident in breastfeeding. I have to thank this community as it easier knowing you are not alone in this journey. @Cynthia Velasquez
✨✨There was one particularly emotional moment when it all hit me. As I was breastfeeding my daughter, I suddenly broke down, crying silently to myself. It dawned on me that these precious moments won’t last forever. Realizing that this special time we share is fleeting made me appreciate every single nursing session. Despite these hurdles, the bond I share with my baby during breastfeeding is something I cherish deeply. It’s not always easy, but finding solutions and pushing through the tough times has made our breastfeeding journey even more rewarding. @Becky Alles-Willis
👶After every breastfeeding, I would use my nipple cream and they helped tremendously. I made sure I was consistent as well meaning even if it meant feeding with cracked nipples. But I realized overtime that the body heals natural and also would adjust. So with time the pain was non existent and both myself and my babies were comfortable. I understand everyone’s journey is different but I really just focused on the positive of things. When you put your mind to things, you would be amazed at how much you can achieve. Motherhood is a powerful journey and women are powerful. It is empowering and amazing what our bodies can do. So focus on the positive, research and ask questions to see what methods best apply to you. @Loni Oludahunsi
🍼🍼My breastfeeding journey is not a typical one because of two reasons - I MADE A CHOICE AND I HAD NO CHOICE. I nursed my son for only 2 months because I had to go back to work immediately. To be honest, I loved pumping more than nursing because it gave me the freedom to be able to do my errands and do my job without the constant worry that my son would go hungry if I'm not home. That is why I chose to become an exclusive pumper. It was an advantage to me too because I work for really long shifts, even lasting for 3 days, and I only get to go home and be with my son when my shift ends. I had no choice but to depend on pumping to be able to continue breastfeeding my son. I was lucky enough to be able to build a stash before going back to work! @Doc Chickie Catubig-Lebrillo
❤️ ❤️Breastfeeding is the most challenging thing I've ever done. Actually breastfeeding didn't work for me and my baby because of pain and latching. I am able to breastpump and find strength in that. Pumping every 2.5 hours for 30 minutes is strenuous while taking care of a 2 year old and a newborn. But I remind myself that I am doing something that millions of moms before me has done, fed their baby from their own body. And that is amazing. I found that having enough pump parts and bottles for an entire day makes things easier. Also asking for help. My husband wakes up with the baby at night while I wake up to pump. Open communication helps keep me sane. I don't set up any long term goals with pumping. I take it one day at a time and reevaluate my mental health. If there's a day that I csnt do it anymore, we'll stop. I find strength in breastfeeding/pumping groups. So many other parents are going through the same thing and it helps to hear others struggles and advice. @Katie Lacasse
🫶🫶I've had 2 completely different breastfeeding journeys. With my oldest I went back to work at 3 months pp and my milk dried up pretty quickly. I ended having to switch to formula. I felt so horrible. Like I couldn't do it. Now with my second baby I've been able to breastfeed 10 months so far and still going. It's been rough but we're still pushing along. She had a milk intolerance so I gave up dairy for the first 6 months as well as all caffeine such as coffee, tea, soda, etc. It got easier as she got older and could tolerate more. No one really talks about the nipple pain in the beginning being so horrible, at least for me, and then again when they get teeth. But we're adjusting and still pushing through. What keeps me going is knowing that I'm giving her the best nutrition that adapts to her needs. Also having a good support system from my family and my mother in law who let me vent to them or cry it out when it gets tough. Lastly, seeing my growing baby and knowing that I grew her from the inside out from my body. It's amazing what woman can do. @Destiny Tiffee
💞💞I take it one day at a time and make short goals. Once I reach that milestone I extend my goal/create new goals. It started with 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, 12 months, 18 months, and now trying to make it to 2 years! I just want to be able to provide the best for my daughter and know that it takes work, time, and patience. My daughter was born 6 weeks early, my milk had not come in yet and I knew nothing about breast feeding. Most of the women in family used formula and didn’t know much about breastfeeding or pumping. I put in a lot of time and effort in researching what was going to be the best. We used donor milk for the first week while she was in NICU and I learned how to pump. She’s now a thriving toddler and I’m just so proud I took have been providing her breast milk. I plan to keep providing breast milk as long as my body will keep producing. @Molly Savanh
