When it comes to breastfeeding, just because it’s “natural” doesn’t mean it’s a walk in the park. In a refreshingly honest post, a mom from Nashville, Alice, lays bare the reality of nursing: it can be downright difficult. She shares her struggles as a new mother on her Instagram account, The Nashville Mama.
In a raw and real photo of her nursing her seven-week-old infant, Alice writes, “Let’s be honest: breastfeeding is tough. It’s really, really tough. Sometimes, I can’t even put my finger on why it’s so hard—the uncertainty, the second-guessing, the responsibility, the commitment… the discomfort, just to name a few.”
Alice’s experience is all too relatable. When you’re breastfeeding, it’s like being in a confusing fog. You can’t always tell what’s happening with your body. Is the milk flowing? Is it too much or too little? Are you dealing with a plugged duct or the dreaded mastitis? Seriously, WTF?! Breastfeeding often feels like a non-stop guessing game filled with doubts, worries, and the occasional “What on earth is that pain in my breast?!”
All of us want to do our best for our little ones. We strive to ensure they thrive, and we crave that special bond. Ultimately, Alice reminds us, “At the end of the day, fed is best. That’s what truly matters.” It’s a universal truth: every mom wants what’s best for her baby, and getting them nourished—however that happens—is the ultimate goal.
And let’s take a moment to appreciate that photo. Alice’s expression says it all—head in hand, slightly slumped, hair in a bun, and definitely not smiling. This image perfectly encapsulates the challenges of breastfeeding and counters the unrealistic portrayals often seen on social media. “I was bombarded with pictures of mothers effortlessly breastfeeding, and it made me think, ‘Why isn’t it that easy for me?’” Alice shared. “But even the most natural things can be a learning curve.”
Alice has since found a lactation consultant who has been a game-changer for her, and she encourages other moms to seek support in whatever form they can. “It takes more than just a breast to feed a baby! You need time, patience, support, good nutrition, confidence, and sometimes, a little professional guidance to tackle your breastfeeding challenges.”
And she’s right! When I nursed my own kids, I had my partner helping with my giant “watermelon” boobs, two breast pumps, formula on standby, and a whole lot of patience. I had to learn to forgive myself and my body when I made the choice to stop breastfeeding. For those moms who have explored alternative feeding methods, Alice cheers you on: “Moms know what’s best for themselves, their babies, and their families. Whether you exclusively pump, bottle-feed, supplement, or formula-feed, all of us need support.”
If you want to dive deeper into the world of home insemination and get tips on pregnancy, check out our other blog post about a home insemination kit. For more expert insights, Make a Mom is a fantastic resource. And don’t forget to visit the NHS for more information on intrauterine insemination.
Summary
Alice’s honest Instagram post shines a light on the challenges of breastfeeding, emphasizing that while it may be a natural process, it is far from easy. She encourages mothers to seek support and reminds us that the ultimate goal is to ensure our babies are fed, regardless of how that happens.