August is Breastfeeding Awareness Month! We've been celebrating all month long with giveaways and discount codes, and today I wanted to share something a bit more personal — a few thoughts from my journal, written during my breastfeeding days. I'm still in shock on how little I knew about breastfeeding in those early days, despite taking a pregnancy and lactation preparation courses at my local hospital. In my heart, I knew breastfeeding was the right choice for our family, but, gosh, I had no idea that I could love it AND hate it (and feel touched out!) often at the same time...

Breastfeeding is a journey filled with lessons, growth, and the realization that no two breastfeeding experiences are the same. Each of my sons has had a unique relationship with breastfeeding, teaching me that while the act itself may be natural, it doesn't always come naturally.

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I. From the moment I first attempted to nurse, I quickly learned that breastfeeding isn't as simple as it might seem. It's a skill that both the mother and the baby must learn together. The learning curve with my first son was steep, filled with moments of frustration, uncertainty, and, at times, tears. Despite how instinctive it is supposed to be, I found myself grappling with the mechanics—how to latch correctly, how to ensure my baby was getting enough milk, how to manage the pain that sometimes accompanies those early days. On the other hand, my second son, despite having a tong-tie, quickly became a breastfeeding champion. 

II. Breastfeeding is often portrayed as a beautiful, serene experience, and while there are certainly moments of deep connection and peace, there is also a side that isn't talked about as much. Breastfeeding is time-consuming. It requires a level of commitment that can be exhausting. Feeding on demand means that your body becomes the primary source of nourishment for your baby at any hour, day or night. Sleep deprivation becomes a constant companion, and the toll it takes on your mental and physical health is real. I can't even tell you how many times I thought about weaning early because I literally thought I would die from sleep deprivation. I now know, I wasn't alone. 

III. I always knew I wanted to breastfeed my children. One of the hardest parts of my breastfeeding journey has been dealing with the pressure and/or expectation to breastfeed without always having the support I needed. There was very little conversation about maintaining breast milk supply after returning to work, pumping at work and taking care of other children in the family while breastfeeding a newborn full time. Society often romanticizes breastfeeding, emphasizing its benefits while glossing over the difficulties. But the reality is that without proper support—from partners, family, healthcare providers, and the community—breastfeeding can feel like an overwhelming burden. The pressure to succeed, to be the "perfect" breastfeeding mom, can weigh heavily on your mental health, leading to feelings of inadequacy and guilt if things don't go as planned.

IV. It's also important to acknowledge that breastfeeding isn't free. There's a cost in time, energy, and often money. Whether it's purchasing nursing bras, breast pumps, or lactation consultations, the financial aspect of breastfeeding can be significant. And beyond the tangible costs, there's the emotional and mental investment that goes into making breastfeeding work. We've all seen the statistics that breastfeeding for a year requires 1,800 hours -- an equivalent of a full time job with vacation time. 

V. Though it didn't happen until my second son was born, through all of these challenges, I've learned to be kinder to myself. I've learned that it's okay to ask for help, to take breaks, and to recognize my own limits. Every breastfeeding journey is unique, just as every baby is different. What works for one mother and baby pair may not work for another, and that's perfectly okay. The most important lesson I've learned is to trust myself and my baby, to let go of expectations, and to focus on what feels right for us.

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In the end, breastfeeding is about more than just feeding your baby; it's about nurturing a bond, providing safe heaven, learning together, and growing as a mother. It's a journey that requires patience, perseverance, and above all, love. Though I don't wish to go back to those early postpartum days, I do wish I could visit for one day just to tell myself: "What you are doing is enough. You are enough, mama!"

xox,

Magda