Updated: Oct. 29, 2020
Originally Published: March 1, 2018
The journey of new motherhood is often fraught with challenges. When you combine the responsibilities of being a first-time mom with the complexities of breastfeeding, it can quickly become overwhelming. Emily Wright recently shared her deeply personal experience on Instagram, shedding light on her own struggles in a way that many can relate to.
Emily, a co-founder of a wellness initiative, and her husband, a well-known actor, welcomed their baby girl just a few weeks ago. In her heartfelt post, she describes the indescribable love that envelops all new parents but also emphasizes the need to address some of the “other real stuff” that comes with it.
“This post-labor period has been challenging,” she notes. “Healing from childbirth is no small feat. I’m on the mend, but… breastfeeding? Yikes.” As someone who nursed for over a year, the mere thought of those initial days of feeding sends shivers down my spine. It’s a whirlwind of uncertainty—grappling with what to do, how your baby is feeding, and enduring discomfort that feels like a thousand needles piercing your skin.
“It’s been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life, but I’ve also suffered from mastitis twice in just three weeks,” she reveals. Mastitis, a common condition caused by blocked milk ducts, can lead to flu-like symptoms and fever. Emily recounts reaching a fever of 104 degrees, making it the worst she’s ever felt. “The pain and discomfort were unbearable,” she shares.
Using her platform, Emily aims to highlight the struggles that often go unspoken following childbirth. “I feel it’s my duty to share these common issues that can arise after bringing a baby into the world, so that any expectant mom reading this is informed about what might happen.”
During my pregnancy, I dreaded breastfeeding more than the labor itself. The horror stories about pain and the demands of nursing heightened my anxiety. I never took a class, and when my baby arrived, ravenous and insatiable, I wished I had. The lactation consultants at the hospital were fantastic, but I couldn’t bring them home, leaving me feeling lost and overwhelmed.
“If I could offer any advice to expectant mothers, it would be to educate yourself about breastfeeding,” Emily advises. She suggests taking classes, conducting research, or simply engaging in conversations with other moms. There’s so much to learn—latches, infections, supply issues, dietary adjustments—it’s a lot to digest before diving in.
With that said, Emily sends out a big virtual hug to all moms facing challenges with breastfeeding or any other physical or emotional hurdles, whether for themselves or their little ones. “You are not alone,” she reassures.
For more insights on the journey of parenthood, check out this post on couples’ fertility journeys for intracervical insemination at Make A Mom. Additionally, if you’re looking for guidance on miscarriage choices, Exploring Miscarriage Choices: My Three Unique Journeys is an excellent resource. Lastly, for those considering donor insemination, American Pregnancy is a fantastic source of information.
In summary, mastitis is a common yet distressing challenge that many new mothers face. Through sharing these experiences, we can foster a supportive community that empowers women to navigate the complexities of motherhood with greater knowledge and resilience.