Yes, mama, some days you will feel like all you are is a milk machine for your baby. You won’t feel productive at all. However, when in reality, it was the most productive thing you could ever do because you were breastfeeding your baby to keep him alive! I’d say that’s a pretty productive day. However, in the moment, it’s easy to lose sight of that when that’s literally the only thing you do all day. So yes, I titled this post, “Motherhood-Milk Machine? I Signed Up For This?”, because that is the truth and something I wish I’d known going into motherhood.
I remember when our first son was born and I had just fed him and was about to get some rest when my husband comes in and says, “I think he’s hungry”. I couldn’t believe it. But sure enough, he was going through one of those “cluster feedings” (which I didn’t really know much about) and after I fed him, he had settled and this mama was able to get some rest.
Well, a couple short hours that is;)
Breastfeeding your baby is being productive! Don’t forget that.
The point being, is that at that moment in time, I was frustrated.
Not only with my husband for interrupting my sleep, but also my newborn baby for being hungry.
I know, how absurd and wrong of me to even have these feelings. I just felt like I was being “used” by my baby. When in reality, that was my job as his mama! I was his source of food and he was just letting me know he was hungry.
Now, mamas, I am only speaking from my own personal experience of breastfeeding. Whether you choose other means of nourishing your baby, is completely up to you and frankly only your business.
Don’t let those around you tell you how you “should” take care of your baby. You do you, mama!
I realize that breastfeeding does not come easy to all mamas, if at all. However you choose to feed your baby is your choice! No judgement here.
So mamas, when you feel like you are just a “milk machine”, take a breath and remember what your purpose is in that moment.
“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.”- Galatians 6:9
Don’t give up, mama! This is just a season and it will be over before you know it.
Remind yourself that your babies won’t be babies for long and to live in the moment and embrace the suck;)
Good luck, mama:)
#whatiwishiknewgoingintomotherhood
Leave a Reply