Breastfeeding isn’t for everyone. It’s so personal that there are no rules or judgements I ascribe to it. I don’t hold an opinion on whether or not women should try to breastfeed. Or for how long they should breastfeed. But I tried it and eventually loved it. I was one of the rare few who found a way to enjoy the bonding experience and postpartum recovery it offered with my son until he was about 4-months old.

But that was ages ago (he’s almost one). And there are more resources now than ever. I sadly discovered a few of these gems long after I lost the power behind my “pair,” so let me be your breast friend for a second, in case you’re currently breastfeeding or considering it…these are the 4 things I wish I had when I was breastfeeding:

1. Patience

The first 3 days after Ezra’s birth were a blur. But I do remember feeling like an absolute failure when it came to breastfeeding. I was trying every trick. I was eating, drinking, sleeping, and willing my body to work the way that everyone told me it was supposed to. And I smiled through it.

But between the doubt and drought, I was really hurting. I felt like something was wrong with me. So I told my husband that I would give it another day or so before giving up. Being rather small-chested, I assumed I just wasn’t built for it. So we put our feet up, popped a Guinness (said to support milk production when expertly enjoyed outside of a feeding window), and watched a movie.

And then…it happened. I stepped out of a relaxing shower the next morning and the new “sprinklers” attached to my chest went into overdrive, soaking our entire bathroom. My husband laughed. I cried. And we both woke my son up for a hefty breakfast.

Um…I think your milk came in.

My husband, mid-massive letdown, postpartum day 5

3. A Milkman

Traveling with breastmilk is like wearing a scarlet letter in the airport. It’s awkward, embarrassing, time consuming, and arguably unsanitary (due to the security measures typically required to screen and test breastmilk).

Apparently this new service, Milk Stork, is the answer for world travelers, working moms, and tatas-on-the-go. It offers a cooler-packed shipment to keep every ounce intact.

And that’s something I’m honestly kaufMOM #pumped about.

2. Professional Help

I came home from the hospital and insisted that we schedule an emergency in-home appointment with a licensed lactation consultant to come into our living room, awkwardly assess my assets, and get the milk flowing. So we did that. And I felt like the biggest lesson she relayed was to “relax,” after a few hundred dollars and a few hours of lapsed privacy.

But then I learned about a new service by a brand that has always been a noteworthy #kaufMOMcrush, Medela. 24/7 LC offers new moms instant access to live lactation consultants from the comfort and privacy of their own homes, day or night. This is 2019 and it only makes sense that this 24/7 LC service seamlessly connects breastfeeding moms to lactation support in real-time using video chats. That would have been a game-changer for me.

4. Snacks (in lieu of supplements)

I was showcasing my breastfeeding struggles with a glimpse of the teas, waters, and random supplements via instagram story on postpartum day 4. But my father-in-law, a celebrity OB/GYN, called my husband and asked that I discontinue the supplements after seeing the little vid. He explained that there is not enough research to prove those supplements effective – or even entirely safe. I’d recommend talking to your own OB/GYN before making any decisions about supplements if you’re breastfeeding!

That said, I really credit my miracle of milk to an over-abundance of water and a series of snacks.

COOKIE RECIPE TO FOLLOW ;).

What did you wish you had while you were breastfeeding?