Little to no sleep. Feeding your newborn every few hours. Feeling like you have to do it all on your own. Finding time for yourself and your partner. These are only some of the many challenges that new moms go through. I definitely have encountered these and more although I also recognize there are a long list that I have yet to encounter. I know I am very lucky to have a cooperative, young daughter. My biggest challenge, however, was and sometimes is breastfeeding in public.
Especially at the beginning when I was still learning the ropes and getting a hang of everything, I was very nervous and a little bit anxious just thinking about feeding in public. Before going somewhere I would always think about all the possible places where I might be able to feed. The first few attempts did not go as smoothly as I had envisioned and left me with a lack of confidence. I looked at other mothers with envy who seemed to fearlessly and confidently breast feed their children. Although I was nervous and hesitant, I was committed to getting better at it.
The trendy, nursing scarves were not cutting it for me. They completely covered my daughter’s face. Even five months later I like to look down and be able to see her feed. As a newborn she would often spit up and sitting her up quickly was next to impossible. It felt restrictive and closed off. Many of the places I would need to feed at had no private places and I felt paranoid that people were looking or felt uncomfortable with me. I was blown away by places such as Coquitlam Centre and Science World which had private feeding rooms for parents. Before having my daughter, I had never even noticed these places.
What changed and made public breast feeding easier for me? More confidence (still working on this) and practice. I rarely use the feeding scarves. Instead I take one of my many muslin blankets, tie a knot at two ends and create my own feeding scarf. It’s less restricting but yet can still offer full coverage when necessary. I also use the stroller to my advantage blocking off the side I am feeding on. No longer am I ever expecting a private room to be waiting for me. I feed confidently not even really thinking about who might be watching or bothered around me.
Even before becoming a mother, I had always thought about breastfeeding as a beautiful thing, a wonderful connection between mother and child. I have never judged or been bothered by any mother feeding in public. New moms. You are doing a wonderful job. Feeding in public takes practice but it will get easier the more you get out and try! Trust me.
BREASTFEEDING PRODUCTS I HAVE FOUND USEFUL:
-Haakaa silicone breast pump – Why waste good milk? I am able to store so much milk just by using it while feeding.
-My Brest Friend nursing pillow – Major back / posture saver. I find it much more comfortable, supportive, and sturdy than other pillows. –
Long time supporter, and thought I’d drop a comment.
Your wordpress site is very sleek – hope you don’t mind me asking what theme you’re using?
(and don’t mind if I steal it? :P)
I just launched my site –also built in wordpress
like yours– but the theme slows (!) the site down quite
a bit.
In case you have a minute, you can find it by searching for “royal cbd”
on Google (would appreciate any feedback) – it’s still
in the works.
Keep up the good work– and hope you all take care of yourself during the coronavirus scare!
Thanks Justin! It’s called Blog Prime. Steal away 🙂 . Good luck with your site.