Liquid gold. That's what they call breast milk — and after everything I went through to produce mine, I understand why. 💛
When I was pregnant with my first daughter I had every intention of breastfeeding. I had read the books, watched the videos, and felt prepared. What I was NOT prepared for was giving birth in Germany — far from home, far from family, and completely alone in my experience in so many ways.
💛 My Story — Germany, a Language Barrier, and a Stranger's Hands
I gave birth to my first daughter while my husband was stationed in Germany. After delivery I was placed in a shared room — because that is just how it works there — with another mama whose milk had already come in.
There I was, a brand new first time mama, watching my roommate nurse her baby with ease while I sat there with nothing. No milk. A baby who wasn't latching. And a language barrier that made it nearly impossible to explain what I needed or understand what the nurses were trying to tell me.
At one point a nurse — with the absolute best intentions — reached over and grabbed my breast trying to show me a technique to help my baby latch. And while I know she was just trying to help, in that moment I was overwhelmed, embarrassed, and completely lost.
They didn't have a pump available for me. My baby wasn't getting milk. And I remember the crushing feeling of watching my roommate's milk flow freely while mine simply wasn't there yet. It genuinely hurt my feelings. I felt like my body was failing me and my baby.
Eventually a lactation consultant from the base came by with a pump. She was a lifesaver. But because the hospital wanted my daughter to reach a certain weight before we could go home they also supplemented with formula — and honestly? That was the right call. My baby needed to eat and I fully support that decision now even though in the moment it felt like defeat.
That formula and that pump changed everything. I started exclusively pumping — and what started as a desperate solution became one of the most empowering decisions of my early motherhood journey. 💛
"Your milk journey is valid no matter what it looks like. Nursing, pumping, formula, combination — a fed baby and a supported mama is always the goal."
What is Exclusive Pumping?
Exclusive pumping — or EP — means you pump breast milk and feed it to your baby from a bottle rather than directly nursing at the breast. It gives baby all the benefits of breast milk while giving mama more flexibility in HOW that milk is delivered.
For me it was a game changer — and not just because it solved the latching problem. It completely changed the dynamic in our home in the most beautiful way.
💛 How EP Changed Everything for Our Family
- I set an alarm every 4 hours to pump — keeping my supply consistent and strong
- I drank water constantly and rested between sessions
- My husband was able to feed our daughter throughout the night from the bottles I pumped
- I actually got to SLEEP — something most new mamas don't get enough of
- My husband bonded deeply with our daughter through those nighttime feedings
- I overproduced and built up a massive freezer stash of milk
- Seeing that milk — seeing proof of what my body was doing — healed something in me
That freezer stash was my redemption. Every bag I filled felt like my body saying "I've got you." The discouragement I felt in that hospital room in Germany was slowly replaced by pure pride. My body WAS doing it. It just needed time and support. 💛
Breastfeeding Tips for New Mamas
Your milk may not come in for 2-5 days — and that is NORMAL
In the first days after birth your body produces colostrum — a thick golden milk packed with antibodies and nutrients. This is exactly what your baby needs! Full milk production typically comes in between days 2 and 5. Please don't let anyone make you feel like you're failing if it takes time.
Hydration is everything
Breast milk is mostly water. Drink more water than you think you need — especially if you are exclusively pumping. Keep a large water bottle within reach at all times!
Latch struggles are common — get help early
A bad latch can cause pain, frustration, and reduced milk transfer. Ask for a lactation consultant as soon as possible — at the hospital, from your OB, or through a private IBCLC. Don't suffer through it alone!
Exclusive pumping is a completely valid choice
If nursing isn't working or isn't for you — pumping gives your baby all the benefits of breast milk through a bottle. You are still feeding your baby liquid gold mama. Don't let anyone minimize that!
If you EP — pump every 2-4 hours to establish supply
In the early weeks pump every 2-3 hours during the day and every 4 hours at night to signal your body to produce more milk. Consistency is key to building and maintaining supply!
Build your freezer stash early
If you overproduce — freeze it! A freezer stash gives you freedom, flexibility, and peace of mind. Label bags with the date and store in the back of your freezer. Frozen breast milk lasts up to 12 months!
Let your partner help with feeding
One of the most beautiful things about bottle feeding pumped milk is that your partner can feed baby too — especially at night! This helps with bonding AND gives you the rest you desperately need. Don't try to do it all alone!
Foods that may support milk supply
Oatmeal, lactation cookies, fenugreek tea, flaxseed, and leafy greens are all thought to support milk production. Stay nourished — your body needs fuel to make milk!
Stress reduces milk supply — rest is essential
I know rest feels impossible with a newborn but stress and exhaustion directly impact your milk production. Sleep when baby sleeps. Accept every offer of help. Your mental health affects your milk!
It is okay to stop — on YOUR timeline
Whether you breastfeed for 2 weeks, 6 months, or 2 years — you did enough. The decision of when to stop is yours and yours alone. Never let anyone shame you for your choice.
Fed is best. Always. 💛
Whether you nurse, pump, use formula, or do a combination — what matters is that your baby is fed, loved, and thriving. And that YOU are supported, rested, and okay. Your feeding journey is valid no matter what it looks like. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise. 🌸
⚕️ This post is for informational purposes only and reflects my personal experience. Always consult your healthcare provider or a certified lactation consultant for personalized breastfeeding support.