This post is part of a series of posts from bloggers with babies who have breastfed. In honor of my journey of breastfeeding ending with my son, I asked five different bloggers to share their breastfeeding stories with us all. My hopes with this series is to share the differences in each woman’s experience. I also want to highlight the fact that not one of these mothers did the same thing in their breastfeeding journey and that all of their babies are beautiful and healthy. Moms— Do the best you can do for you and your child. That is what counts!
The Experience of Breastfeeding: Adi & Jack
I met Adi (pronounced Oddy) through the a Portland Bloggers’ meet-up. I was thrilled to find out that she had a son just a bit younger than mine. She is one of the most kind people I’ve ever met and her smile seriously lights up a room. Adi’s son Jack is a happy little guy with the face of a baby model! They are both such a treat to know. Adi is an Interior Designer, a mom, and a blogger. She blogs about home design over at
Garden of Edlen. She just began a personal blog as well, check it out at Oddly Even Edlen.
1. Why did you decide to breast feed?
I decided to breast feed because with a new baby I wanted to have the peace of mind knowing that I was doing something right. As a new mom there are so many unknowns with a newborn; how to diaper, how/where they should be sleeping etc. But I knew that breast feeding would be a clear and easy decision to make, and it would be one that the people around me would support without question.
2. What was your biggest challenge with breast feeding?
It was excruciating for the first month. From beginning to end of each feeding I had to grit my teeth and ask my husband NOT to speak to me until I was done. It took some serious determination to keep doing it after 4 months at around Christmas time I finally weaned Jack and went to formula. I had exhausted myself from worrying about doing it perfectly and breast feeding was all I could ever think about. I had to make the difficult decision to either be a neurotic and tired momma or a sane and rested momma.
3. What was your greatest breast feeding moment?
My greatest moment was when nursing no longer hurt and it finally became easy. I was so happy to be giving Jack the best nutrition I possibly could while also not resenting the pain it was putting me through.
4. Did you solely breast feed? Supplement with formula or solid food?
I solely breast fed until Jack was 4 months old. After that he went straight to formula.
5. At what age did you introduce solids? Any tips you can give mommies?
Jack started solids at 6 months. My advice for mommies is to go with your gut about when your baby is ready. Jack didn’t have any teeth and despite seeing younger babies eating solids Jack wasn’t curious at all about food and was very happy with his bottle.
6. Did you have a breast feeding goal?
My goal was 6 months but I felt satisfied with his growth and health after 3 months of breast feeding. I’m proud I nursed for that additional month and don’t regret not meeting my original goal.
7. Have you weaned? If so, how did you go about it?
Yes. Jack was already familiar with bottles because I would pump and his daddy would feed him at night so I wasn’t worried about the transition from bottle to breast. Luckily he didn’t mind the difference in taste so after seeing his positive reaction to formula I stopped nursing immediately.
8. Any tips for mommies out there thinking about breast feeding?
When I was struggling I went to a lactation specialist. Even after I felt like I was getting the hang of things I went again and I’m so glad I did. I was reassured and felt supported – I loved it!
Thank you so much to Adi for sharing her breastfeeding experience and being part of the “experience of breast feeding” post series! Please leave Adi your love in the comments section!
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1 Comment
Great series. I wish breastfeeding had gone better with my toddler. Things will be better next time.