From pregnancy to postpartum, our bodies are incredible. Just when we think we’re exhausted, they surprise us—producing the perfect nutrition for our babies: breast milk.
Embracing the Commitment
When I had my first child, I had no grand expectations for breastfeeding—no endless Googling, no hours of research. I simply gave birth and started feeding my baby. And honestly, I think that’s part of why I’ve been successful.
I’ve nursed through three pregnancies, tandem nursed, cluster-fed, and nursed through COVID and other illnesses—all without using a single bottle. Breastfeeding has become second nature in our home, and it has shaped so much of our parenting journey.
Co-Sleeping & Nursing on Demand
Yes, just like my friend Christina, I co-sleep. Especially as my child’s only food source, it has made consistent, long-term breastfeeding much easier!
The wake-ups eventually phase out. My oldest two (now 6 and 4) nursed on demand from birth until 3. They weaned naturally, and now they sleep through the night. My newly 3-year-old (weaned in January) still wakes once or twice for a sip of water but falls back asleep instantly.
Right now, after years of nursing while pregnant and tandem nursing, I am exclusively nursing my 11-month-old. Co-sleeping has been comforting for all of us—it’s why my kids don’t have tantrums, night terrors, or potty accidents.
And fun fact! When they go to bed, so do I. If I don’t get to the dishes, they wait until morning—unless my husband sneaks in and does them. My kids average 11 hours of sleep, and while I don’t sleep that many, I get to rest for that long. And let’s be real, as a mom, sometimes resting is just as important as sleeping.
But… Don’t Other Moms and Doctors Have Something Negative to Say?
Sadly, yes. And navigating that, especially as a new mom, is HARD. But we do hard things because we know what’s best for our kids and family.
Co-sleeping and extended breastfeeding work for us. They work for many families. And yes, there are ways to make co-sleeping safer. Some moms are strongly against it, and that’s 100% okay—some kids don’t even like it! But that hasn’t been the case for us, so we’ve embraced it.
Sometimes I wake up to a picture of all four of them literally on me (thanks to my husband), and I’m reminded: I am their safe place. Their comfort. I’m also convinced if they could go back into my belly, they totally would. LOL.
Some Hills You May Have to Climb
Breastfeeding isn’t always easy, but it’s worth it. Here are some common challenges:
🍼 Physical Challenges
- Sore nipples
- Cluster feeding
- Teething baby
- Positional discomfort
- Clogged milk ducts
- Low milk supply
- Engorgement
💛 Emotional Challenges
- Judgment from family or friends
- Postpartum depression (PPD)
- Feeling overwhelmed or discouraged
🌿 Lifestyle Challenges
- Nursing in public (and doing it with an IDGAF attitude)
- Talking with your partner about support
- Finding comfortable nursing bras
- Working outside the home
- Managing breastfeeding with other children
Every challenge has a solution, and support makes all the difference—whether it’s from lactation consultants, a supportive partner, or just trusting yourself. Breastfeeding success is possible!
Final Thoughts
Every mom’s journey is different, and that’s okay. Whether you nurse for six weeks or six years, do what works for you and your baby.
Did you have challenges with breastfeeding? What helped you push through? Let’s talk in the comments!
Latch, Laugh, and Repeat 
Say What’s on Your Mind