Life as a Breastfeeding Mama

by Arielle J on October 16, 2017

A few weeks ago, I spoke to Sam, the founder of Babyation, an innovative, new breast pump that is launching soon. We shared our life as a breastfeeding mama with one another. I mentioned how lately I was feeling quite lonely. For most of my friends, complications or different priorities led them to quickly move to formula or bottle-feeding and most are now back to working day jobs that don’t allow for easy breastfeeding. It’s not that I feel lonely in a “I feel bad for myself” kind of way – it would just be nice to be surrounded by other nursing mamas to vent to about daily nipple challenges and share tips with about how to manage work while needing to empty my breasts every 3-4 hours.

At the end of our call, Sam asked if I would share my experience – the highs and lows – as an urban breastfeeding mama and the loneliness of it all. I happily said yes. Once I started writing, though, I soon realized that this topic was super personal and sensitive to me. It became a one of the toughest articles to write.

There is so much judgement, mom guilt and shame around breastfeeding, bottle feeding, and formula that I found myself carefully editing every word and every sentence. Some women feel guilt about not being able to breastfeed and I, at times, feel guilty about being able to breastfeed… especially for seven months. I don’t want to offend anyone, of course, and I only want to share my experiences to inspire.

I wanted the article it to be raw and honest, so at some point I just pressed send. My hope is that this article represents my real life behind-the-scenes take and yet also a conversation where I’m able to shine light on breastfeeding positive way. If you are able to breastfeed, may this article inspire you to continue as long as it brings you joy and your baby joy. And if you’re not, may you feel good about all of the decisions you make, too.