Thank you to the ladies on the Breastfeed Chicago Facebook group for their contributions! In no particular order:
- Coconut oil apparently can cure ANYTHING.
- Find a supportive mama tribe – toxic relationships aren’t worth your time.
- Breastfeeding in public is not only possible; it’s normal!
- Preemies CAN learn to breastfeed!
- Twins can too!
- If your boobs look like they are covered in blood, check to make sure it isn’t just ketchup from lunch.
- Never quit on a bad day.
- Trust your baby and trust yourself.
- You’re not alone.
- That there are tons of mamas just like me who want to challenge society’s norms of breastfeeding.
- Toddlers can breastfeed, too!
- Don’t put limits on your expectations for nursing…do it until it no longer works.
- When you think you’re the only one with an issue, one of two things will happen: you will find that you are not alone, and you may learn something new in the process.
- Breastmilk has amazing antibacterial properties!
- What you pump isn’t an indication of your supply.
- Read up on “normal” baby sleep – it’s probably not what your grandma or girlfriend is telling you!
- Your breasts are never empty – you are always making milk.
- Pumping straight into storage bags will save a ton of time!
- Keep on keepin’ on and get help if you need it. Perseverance in those early weeks is key!
- “Put a little breastmilk on it.” Breast milk is to me as Windex is to “My Big Fat Greek Wedding”
- Side-lying nursing can save your sanity.
- AND… the number one thing that I’ve learned from Breastfeed Chicago is to never doubt the power of well-informed and supported moms to change the world, because we’re doing it every day.