Mom gets real about breastfeeding challenges in touching Instagram post
The joys and wonders of breastfeeding are bountifully expressed throughout social media –everything from breastfeeding in public to breastfeeding while pole dancing to breastercizing. All the power to these women, but it’s a Washington mom’s personal Instagram post about breastfeeding with low milk supply that is really striking a chord with many nursing moms.
“The feeling you get when your newborn cries for milk is hard to describe. The heartbreak you feel when your newborn cries and you don’t have milk is even harder to describe,” Heyona Cho writes in her post.
“Nevermind that the nipples are cracked and sore, baby’s cries sound like ringing alarms inside the brain and I’m desperate to do anything to alleviate his discomforts and meet his needs. When the night hits, I have to make a choice to supplement with formula or let him sleep hungry. Or more like wake up every hour, stress and fuss to calm his hungry cries, fight with my loving partner, and feel like a failure–shame. And still, which ever choice we make, nobody wins — shame.
“What the hell is in formula? Why does this stuff smell like rubber? Will my milk ever come in? Am I doing something wrong? Nobody ever told me. Nobody ever told me about the challenges of breastfeeding. This must be an unspoken reality for SO many new moms. I speak to myself and whoever may be struggling to feed their newborn. Feel no guilt or shame as you continue into your journey of motherhood. Some things we just cannot control, and so, we will make the best choices that we know how and we will have done it all with love in our hearts SO full that it cries out from our eyes. I love you. Bo…”
Low milk supply is listed as one of the top reasons why moms wean early. Although it may be something that more than a few nursing mom’s struggle with, it’s not discussed as widely on social media. Cho’s post was only posted a few days ago, but is already racking up likes and encouraging comments.
Before she ends her post, Cho reminds nursing mothers that milk increases each day, so you’ll supplement less each night.
What do you think about Heyona Cho’s powerful message? Let us know by tweeting @YahooStyleCA!
