My Breastfeeding Journey in the Hospital

This has been the most amazing journey that my body has been through. It’s still crazy to me that I produced milk for my baby. IKTR! This has truly been a blessing and I would do it all over again. Braxton was born on Aug 5th, 2020 and this was the day I began my breastfeeding/pumping journey.

From Day 1 Braxton latched like a champ, he knew exactly what he was doing from the first time and it was such a magical moment. I remember the nurses and IBCLC in the room screaming “YYAAAYYY you go mama”! When I was pregnant, I took a virtual breastfeeding course which I believe was a huge help. I was able to understood what a good latch looked like and how to hold my breast so that Braxton could latch successfully. I was such a proud mommy.

Here comes the stress

That evening the pediatrician came in and told me Braxton was losing too much weight and we had to give him formula to increase his weight. If not, she said that he wouldn’t be able to come home with us! As you can imagine, I was devastated and started stressing out. The stress wasn’t because we had to give him formula but, just the thought of not being able to bring him home started to make me extremely sad.

Shortly after my OBGYN came in and I explained what happened and he reassured me that would not be the case. He also said the pediatrician shouldn’t have even said something like that so soon, it was still Day 1. Then the IBCLC (breastfeeding specialist) came back in the room (also you will have fifty eleven people come in and out your room throughout the day and night, and I swear it always seems like it was when Braxton would just fall asleep). I also told her what the pediatrician said and she couldn’t believe it either! She asked me if I had my pump and thank God I remembered to bring my pump in a separate bag.

Pack you pump, because you never know

Mamas pack your breast pump because you never know if you will need it!. The IBCLC instructed me to start pumping right away. She told me I can give Braxton my breastmilk first and then supplement the remaining amount with formula. I will say, make sure you watch some videos on how to use your pump beforehand because not going to lie I was struggling and your IBCLC may not know how to use your pump exactly. The amount that I pumped, I was able to put in syringes to feed Braxton. After that his weight was perfect each day as it increased enough just in time for us to go home. Then the real journey began.