Today I realized it had been three years since I started breastfeeding as I was taken on a memory ride, and I thought, why not share the joys and struggles of three years of my breastfeeding journey?
The month of March reminds me of many things as we celebrate our son’s (firstborn) birthday. It takes me back to the memory of becoming a parent during the hit of Covid 19 pandemic (March 2020). That scary time was also cozy and joyful for my husband and me, with our son in our apartment 24/7 (remember all the lockdown measures).
It was strange and bittersweet. Not to mention it was only a few months since I started living in the USA. It was finally the end of our long-distance relationship, I finally got the chance to come from Ethiopia. And only been less than a year since we started living together. Here you can find our son’s birth story and all my experience postpartum.
During these three years, I breastfed during pregnancy (when I became pregnant with our second), and I tandem nurse both of our children. It was quite a journey and a lot of experience to tell. So here we go; enjoy the read!
Breastfeeding has been beautiful and challenging at the same time. It’s also been a source of joy, fulfillment, and connection with my children.
Three Years of Breastfeeding Journey
Before giving birth to my first child, I wanted to breastfeed. I had read all about the benefits of breastfeeding, and growing up back home, I saw my youngest brother and all my cousins being breastfed. I myself breastfed for two years, according to my mom. So I wanted to give my child the best start in life I was given. However, it wasn’t easy at first. I struggled with latching issues and sore nipples, together with all the postpartum challenges. Also, as I mentioned above, the time I gave birth was particularly challenging due to the pandemic. So everything contributed.
Luckily, I had a supportive partner who encouraged me to keep going, and I also sought help from my midwife, who gave me valuable advice and support. Gradually, breastfeeding became easier and more enjoyable for our child and me. I am beyond grateful I didn’t give up.
Like many other mamas, I used to think breastfeeding comes naturally. It didn’t (at least for me) I had to help our son latch correctly. It was painful for both of us when he could not latch properly. My nipples were sore. It was a bit of a learning curve to tell if the baby was getting enough or not cause breast milk is not measured like formula. I know you can measure it if you pump all the time. I don’t like pumping. It is a lot of work and painful for me.
But I did pump at least once daily for the first three months because I had an excess milk supply, and my breasts were engorged. Pumping helped give me relief. Still, I don’t like pumping so during my second, I had the same good problem of excess supply, but I was breastfeeding our son instead of pumping. Win-win! That is one advantage of tandem nursing. I will get into the other benefits in a few.
Moreover በዚህ ሊንክ you can find everything you need to know about breastfeeding and my experience in the early days after childbirth. According to this research, lack of knowledge and support remain the main problems for the low breastfeeding rate in the USA. Therefore, staying informed and supporting new mamas in breastfeeding is important, especially in the early days, until they get familiar with everything about becoming a mother.
Breastfeeding during Pregnancy
Then, after our son turned one, I discovered I was pregnant again. I was thrilled about the news, but I also had concerns about breastfeeding during pregnancy. Also, I wondered if it was safe for my baby, if I would have enough milk for both children, and if it would be too overwhelming.
I did my research and talked to my midwife, who reassured me that breastfeeding during pregnancy is safe in most cases and that my body would adjust naturally to meet the needs of both children. They also introduced me to the concept of tandem nursing, which simultaneously involves breastfeeding two children of different ages.
I embraced the idea of tandem nursing and continued breastfeeding our first child throughout my pregnancy. It wasn’t always easy, but I persevered. I also noticed that my milk supply fluctuated during pregnancy, but my toddler didn’t seem to mind. In fact, breastfeeding became a source of comfort and bonding for both of us during the transition to becoming a big brother.
Tandem Nursing
I was excited to begin the tandem nursing journey when my second child was born. It was challenging at first, trying to balance the needs of a newborn and a toddler, but I soon found my rhythm. I discovered the beauty of tandem nursing, including the benefits of sibling bonding, convenience, and a reduced risk of jealousy and sibling rivalry.
After our son turned two, I started gradually weaning him off breastfeeding. It was bittersweet. When he was around two and a half, he almost stopped breastfeeding. But sometimes he comes and asks me, and I NEVER say no. I know he is asking out of love and want to be in my arms. He breastfeeds for 1-2 minutes a longest and runs to play. He was reassuring himself that mommy was still his even though she nursed his younger sister for a longer time. Toddlers, his age don’t have the language yet to express all their feelings. Therefore tandem nursing was helpful for me and our 18 months apart children.
I am proud of all three years of breastfeeding and the bond it created between my children and me. And I am still breastfeeding our daughter. I am going to wean her as I did with her brother gradually.
And although breastfeeding wasn’t always easy, it was a gentle and loving process. Breastfeeding during pregnancy and tandem nursing my two children was a challenging but rewarding experience. It taught me the power of maternal love and determination, creating a bond between my children and me that will last a lifetime. If you’re a mom considering breastfeeding during pregnancy or tandem nursing, I advise you to seek support, trust your instincts, and embrace the journey. It may not always be easy, but it will be worth it. Many resources and communities are out there to support you, and you’re not alone. The enathood team and I are here to support you. Enjoy the moments and cherish the memories, for they are precious and irreplaceable.
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I love what you are doing! ♥️ Keep the good work.