Just some thoughts that I've been considering and would love your input. Any mommas that have…

@tyrellp thank you so much. I'm glad to hear it wasn't just me. ❤

Yes ma'am! I pumped exclusively for 5 of 7 months for my first and she was slow to gain and had BAD GERD. Baby #2 is normal and eating like a champ. Have only pumped a few times for my comfort and she is perfect. Wish it had like this the first time.

@xryztalroze thank you so much. That was my thoughts exactly. It seems everyone pushes pumping and after having my boy and going through breast only, the difference in the newborn stage was night and day. I really appreciate it. I didn't know if I wanted to invest in another pump (I was hoping that may be the issue and I didn't just end up with a lucky newborn😂.)

@ashleybradford92

Hey hun! No, it definitely makes a difference. My girls were born at 8lbs 20.5in and 8lbs 1oz 20in. So basically the exact same and my first only weighed 12 pounds at 4 months compared to my second who is 4 months and 16 pounds. Pumping when it is the only options has it's benefits, but getting the milk "straight from the source" is so much better! Pumping can only get so much of the fattier milk(hindmilk) and can only empty the breast a fraction of what your baby can. Typically pumping gets more foremilk which has less of the fatty proteins and thick richness. Baby needs both of course but the hindmilk is ultra important. I don't know if I am completely accurate on this but it's my belief and understanding that the foremilk can be though of as for hydration and the hindmilk for feeding. I recommend having a pump on hand for the days when you need relief from heavy milk production. Even if only a hand pump. I have a small stash for when babygirl is older and starts food. I will mix it in when making her meals. I also needed it in the very first week to help when I had some damage from baby learning to latch correctly. She has had 3 bottles since she was born and will not take a bottle at all now. This time around has been incredibly pleasant and completely different from my first. Hope everything goes well for you!!!

@xryztalroze I cannot thank you enough! I've really been torn on it.

@ashleybradford92 You're welcome. I'm sure you've done great. It's ok. Know one thing: Even if you are absolutely flawless as a mother and do everything right without cutting corners you will still doubt yourself as a mom, woman, etc. It is normal to feel like you have some how failed but understand that the very fact you are concerned shows you are doing great! You're going to have good days and tough days, but at the end of the day it's the love and care you provide your baby and family that they will remember down the road. Even on the days when they are unkind, remember to be all you can to and for them. It will all be worth it on the last day. Hugs, well wishes and prayers sent your way... It will all be ok!!!

@xryztalroze thank you for your words it's been an off day and was very much needed.

https://consumer.healthday.com/women-s-health-information-34/breast-feeding-news-82/milk-straight-from-breast-best-for-baby-s-weight-737944.html@ashleybradford92

I found this and thought immediately of you before I had even read the whole thing. Only read a portion before clipping it and sending it your way. Hope all is well!!!

@xryztalroze Awesome article thanks so much!

@ashleybradford92 You're welcome. How are you today?

Here's a little interesting find:

Did you know that we are the most read generation of moms yet have the least confidence in our ability to raise our children? We have more book knowledge than ever before but lack the practical hands on learning that so many generations before us received. So, it's ok to worry just don't let it consume you.

You're already doing a great job and the fact you stop to think about different outcomes and possibilities already helps your baby!

@xryztalroze today has been fun so to speak but it has improved slowly. I do believe it I solve worrisome issues mostly by reading and still after 3 kids feel like such a newbie at times lol. I really appreciate your words and help as always♥️

@ashleybradford92 Anytime! That's what I'm here for. I won't always have likeable opinioms but will always mean well by what I say. Motherhood is difficult enough without the doubts. And somehow our generation (I'm at the older end of it) just seems less connected though we are more "connected" than ever before. Make sens of that sentence if you can. We have few if any community ties or older, reliable women to look to for guidance, so I hope I can in some way fill those shoes for those with whom my path crosses. 😉 I have fears, doubt, worries and daily hiccups myself. Noone said it would be easy, just worth it. 😁