Navigating Postpartum Nursing: My Personal Journey, Challenges, and Tips

In this episode of The Momma's Lounge, I diverge from my usual interview format to share my personal postpartum experiences, specifically focusing on the intricacies of nursing. Highlighting the steep learning curve involved, I provide a candid account of my journey, from initial challenges in the hospital to dealing with tongue ties, milk blebs, and even a nursing strike when my baby was 11 months old. I discuss the importance of proper support, such as lactation consultants, and tools like the right nipple shields and silverettes. This episode aims to provide emotional support and practical tips for new moms facing similar nursing hurdles, while emphasizing the importance of patience and perseverance.

Nipple Shield Brand found on Amazon: "Paruu Contact Nipple Shields, Butterfly Breastfeeding Nipple Shields"

Silverettes: Silverettes Moogco cups

00:00 Welcome to The Momma's Lounge

00:04 Introduction to Postpartum Series

00:43 Nursing: The Biggest Learning Curve

02:13 My Nursing Story Begins

03:56 Hospital Experience and Lactation Consultants

09:48 Dealing with Tongue Ties

13:55 Coming Home and Milk Supply

21:51 Pumping Insights and Tips

30:39 Understanding Breastfeeding Pain

31:56 Seeking Professional Help

32:48 Diagnosing Tongue and Lip Ties

33:54 Post-Procedure Improvements

36:38 Using a Boppy Pillow Correctly

38:04 Lactation Consultant Insights

38:44 Controversies Around Tongue Ties

40:46 Dealing with Milk Bleb

43:31 Nursing Challenges with Teething

51:29 Emotional Attachment to Nursing

53:58 Handling Nursing Strikes

57:16 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

In this episode of The Momma's Lounge, Camille continues her discussion with Hannah Barclay about valuable postpartum experiences and advice. The conversation emphasizes the importance of taking time for oneself, getting outside, and establishing personal routines for mental well-being. Hannah and Camille share stories about their postpartum challenges, including adjusting to motherhood and the emotional struggles of postpartum depression. They also discuss the significance of capturing moments with your child through photos and videos, and the impact of mindfulness and intentionality in parenting. The episode concludes with a reminder of the prestigious role of motherhood and the fulfillment it brings.

00:00 Introduction and Recap

00:19 The Importance of Self-Care

00:32 Getting Out and Socializing

01:05 Overcoming Postpartum Challenges

05:19 Creating a Postpartum Routine

09:08 The Role of Baby Monitors

14:50 Capturing Memories with Your Child

22:59 The Value of Motherhood

25:37 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of The Momma's Lounge, I am joined by my friend Hannah Barclay, who shares her insights on the importance of inviting the Savior into our postpartum experiences, embracing the joys of homemaking, and finding strength in faith during childbirth challenges. Hannah discusses her miraculous birth story, the significance of a well-fed baby, the benefits of minimalism and decluttering, and the necessity of connecting with supportive and positive moms. Our conversation highlights the value of maintaining a positive perspective, navigating the complexities of breastfeeding and formula feeding, and fostering a fulfilling and joyful motherhood journey.

00:00 Introduction and Welcoming Hannah Barclay

01:22 Hannah's Journey into Homemaking

02:06 Discussing Motherhood and Homemaking

04:45 Hannah's Miraculous Birth Story

11:05 The C-Section Experience and Overcoming Guilt

14:52 Positive Postpartum Perspectives

17:28 Balancing Realism and Positivity in Postpartum Conversations

21:47 Embracing the New You in Motherhood

22:08 Finding Joy in Motherhood

23:03 Tools for Joyful Motherhood

24:38 The Power of Smiling

25:45 Understanding Your Child's Hard Moments

28:24 The Importance of Minimalism

34:27 Well-Fed is Best-Fed

40:00 Preparing for Hormonal Changes

42:13 Conclusion and Next Episode Teaser

In this episode, released on Good Friday, I tackle the intersection of Easter and postpartum experiences. I share personal reflections on the significance of Jesus Christ's atonement and how it can be a source of comfort and faith during postpartum challenges. I emphasize the importance of faith, even when divine guidance feels distant. I also offer practical tips on finding daily reminders of Christ's presence and nurturing my spiritual life amidst the chaos of motherhood. I close the episode with a personal testimony of Jesus Christ's enduring love and the hope that Easter brings.

00:00 Introduction and Personal Update

00:17 Easter Reflections and Struggles

02:30 Incorporating Faith in Postpartum

03:37 Faith and Mental Health

05:21 Small Miracles and Holding On

08:21 Scriptural Insights and Faith

14:20 The Atonement of Christ

19:21 Personal Testimony and Conclusion

In this episode of the Momma's Lounge podcast, host Camille welcomes her good friend Jolene to discuss the complexities of postpartum life, particularly when returning to work. Jolene, a mother of two, shares her experiences with severe preeclampsia, a challenging birth, and the subsequent emotional and physical struggles following the birth of her sons, Kiko and Lepa. She dives into her transition back to work, balancing motherhood with her professional responsibilities, and managing postpartum mental health issues like anxiety, PTSD, and depression. Throughout the conversation, both Camille and Jolene highlight the importance of asking for help, setting realistic expectations, and leaning on faith and community support. The episode concludes with Jolene offering advice for other moms facing similar challenges, emphasizing the value of self-care and seeking external support through therapy and open communication.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

01:11 Meet Jolene and Her Family

02:19 Jolene's Birth Stories

09:55 Postpartum Trauma and Anxiety

16:38 Working Postpartum: Jolene's Experience

23:39 Navigating Childcare Challenges

24:37 Emotional Struggles of Motherhood

27:19 Sleep Training and Night Weaning

29:34 Balancing Work and Motherhood

36:43 Legal Rights for Working Moms

39:52 Faith and Postpartum Struggles

45:31 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

In this episode of the Momma's Lounge podcast, Camille and Brooklynn share the raw and real aspects of postpartum life, including traumatic birth experiences, coping with unexpected emotions like anger and frustration, and managing sleep deprivation. The discussion covers the importance of a support system, balancing work and motherhood, and finding mindfulness in daily life. Brooklynn also opens up about the overwhelming love she has for her baby, and how it grew over time. The episode concludes with reflections on the joys of seeing their partners as loving fathers and newfound appreciation for their own mothers.

In this heartfelt and spontaneous episode of The Momma's Lounge, I delve into the stigma surrounding the struggles of motherhood and the misconception that it equates to not loving one's baby. I highlight the importance of breaking the silence and sharing postpartum experiences to help erase this harmful notion. Through personal anecdotes and insights from Dr. Molly Millwood's book 'To Have and To Hold', the episode underscores that mental health challenges do not reflect a mother's love for her child. I aim to create a supportive village for mothers, advocating for openness and mutual support to combat feelings of isolation and shame.