I was very grateful for someone is fed is best!! However you need it to be… I personally only was able to nurse and then pump for a couple months.. they are now fairly grown up and awesome!!! 💕💕
I can’t agree more . My son is 3 years and half and have been trying to Wean him for a year but it’s very difficult for both of us. He has the boob now just for comfort .
Just remember that exclusively pumping is still breastfeeding and it's amazing that you're doing it. And if you ever stop, that'll be just fine, you're the best mom your baby girl could have!
Hey it's ALWAYS good to know options in case you change your mind. Or even better, now you're prepared to be an AMAZING encouragement to your friends that have babies 🥰🥰 Fun Aunts are equally important in a child's life especially ones who are super supportive to the momma 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰
We knew medically breastfeeding wouldn’t be an option, and I felt disappointed in my body. Then my doula told me such a golden nugget of wisdom. She said, “Have you ever had a doctor ask you if you were breastfed as a child? No? Then fed must be best, no matter what that looks like!” This gave me so much perspective. Hope it helps someone else by sharing it here. Mamas and daddies, you feed your babies however you need to!!
You breastfed for a good amount. She has already got so many benefits from breastfeeding for the amount of time she did breastfeed for. Fed is best and do whatever is best for you and your family. I am currently breastfeeding my two month old and my goal is breastfeed for 6 months. Wish me luck.
My daughter was born at 29 weeks. My milk supply didn’t want to come in and when it finally did, it didn’t last long. One of my nurses finally said in the end nobody will know if she was breast fed or not. They will know if she is loved and cared for. I beat myself up so hard for “failing” at it until she gave me that perspective. I wish more people talked about how hard it can be. All I ever saw was I had to do it and how great it would be. I’m thankful you are being so honest about the struggles you had. 💙
My son was born at 33 weeks and my milk never came in so I never had the opportunity. I completely understand how hard it was to be in the Nicu and not be able to supply even the breast milk. ❤️
@@kimgagnier8240 it was so hard. The whole experience was. I’m sorry you understand. It is amazing to see the tiniest of humans be lil rockstars though. 💙
Just remember that exclusive pumping is still NURSING! This needs to be more normalized and accepted. I was so ashamed that I was an exclusive pumper (still am) but my daughters pediatrician said pumping is still hurting and don’t let anyone tell you differently! Sending love to you Sierra 💗
Do what works for you! Remember pumping is breastfeeding! I exclusively pumped for 7 months until baby decided she wanted to go back to the boob. It was so much less stress and worked for us. So happy for you!
THANK YOU for sharing about exclusively pumping. I’m three months postpartum and exclusively pumping. I didn’t even know that this was an option! More women need to know pumping and bottle feeding IS an option.
Great message Sierra and very much needed. I fell into a depression with not being able to breastfeed( 10 years ago) and I wish I would have received a message like this.
Thank you so much for taking about your breast feeding journey. My daughter is 6 weeks and it has been hard. I was diagnosed with postpartum cardiomyopathy about 12 hours after she was born and was taken to icu away from her and then when she was about 2 weeks I had to go to the er again. I almost completely lost my milk supply but have been slowly bringing it back up. It’s hard when all you hear is that you need to breast feed your baby and you’re trying your best but it’s not working. I have to keep reminding myself that as long as she is eating, healthy and happy that is all that matters ❤️
I can't imagine how exhausting it would be to nurse while walking for thirty minutes. I'm glad you were able to make that decision for you and your family and feel good about it.❤️
FED IS BEST!!! ...if anyone in your ladies' life makes you feel less than because you are not breastfeeding, kick em to the curve. Set boundaries and don't feel bad for it. I exclusively bottle/formula fed. My son never wanted to work for the milk on a boob and I never felt bad. And nobody in my life EVER made me feel bad about or I shut them down quick. Nobody should make you feel bad for feeding your baby. The plus side is I wasn't solely responsible for night feedings 😄
A lot of babies opt for the bottle over the boob, it's sometimes easier for them to get milk from the bottle because they don't have to 'work' and wait for the let down, they get the good stuff faster and easier 😊 the fact that both you and Grace feel good about the change is great! It's really awesome that you're sharing this so that more mommies can see this as a positive step. I'm still breastfeeding 2 years pp, and my boy is super attached to his boobie.. Every journey is different! 🤗 P.s I had a premie NICU baby, they did explain the bottle/ boob preference thing to me there.. At 6 weeks my little boy refused bottle and Paci and would only have boobie and we had success in many ways, but also many struggles when my milk dropped, he needed to put on weight etc. Again, every journey is different and it's all ok, fed is best. 😁
Fed is best! 🙌 I have a 3.5 week old right now and we just started breastfeeding. She was jaundice (wouldn't stay awake to feed but needed to eat to get her bilirubin levels down), she struggled to latch, she struggled to gain weight back, and I struggled a lot with my mental health post pregnancy so exclusively pumping was what worked best for us. Coming to peace with that reality was one of the best things I did for myself. Now she is able to latch which is great because I was getting worn out pumping all the time and struggling to regulate my supply. Being at peace with however the process goes is one of the best lessons I've learned in motherhood.
That’s how my EP journey started too! Both of my babies were yellow…my first had to do light bed therapy at home for almost 2 weeks. The stressful time constraint to fed her during the 30 minute “break” off the light bed made EP the less stressful choice. I chose to do it again with baby #2. Congrats on your new baby!
I just had twins in September and I honestly can't believe how different this pregnancy and these kiddos have been compared to my 6 year old. I exclusively breast fed my oldest with no issues, but the twins have been a battle ever since they were born. I have such a better understanding of what so many other moms go through with their breastfeeding / pumping / supply / formula struggles now! I am just recently trying to breast feed again after doing a few rounds of only pumping and only formula... moms are incredible! Love watching your channel ❤❤❤
My little one is 7 days old today and breast feeding has been a struggle emotionally, physically, and mentally. It was hard for me to accept that breast feeding exclusively was not going to work for us. My mental health and his nutrition was more important than what others may think. FED IS BEST. I have been pumping and supplementing with formula and it's saved my sanity so much.
I had a really tough time with breastfeeding my second baby. It only lasted 3 months and I had to quit. I didn't know how to get support and didn't have access to a good quality breast pump (if they even existed - it was many years ago). All to say, you have been doing amazing! We can only do what we can do.
We did the exact same thing.... breast fed for several months, then weaned our baby to formula. I'm a professional musician, so the erratic schedule of rehearsals an concerts made it very difficult to continue. But, we felt very happy with the wonderful start he had!! Breast feeding is a VERY personal, and everyone has a different experience with it!! You do you, Sierra!!❤️❤️❤️
Thank you so much for sharing! I struggled breastfeeding my first child for 9 mths. I broke down and felt so guilty supplementing with formula. Looking back, I was a happier and more present parent formula feeding and pumping. With my second child, I’m exclusively pumping and just “comfort nursing” for fun. He is 4 months and I’m actually ok with weaning off the pump soon. I want to be the best mom, and for me that means being happy , present and having more time with him instead of the pump. FED is best. ❤️
My daughter did the same to me at about 3 months…nursing strike! I tried everything as well and after 2 weeks of trying I just thought what if I just exclusively pump? I wanted her to be on the boobie so my body could make milk that she needs but I got the groove of EP and we are seven months strong and plan to keep going! My supply is great, it dips when i am about to get my period but who cares! We supplement with formula and also my husband can step in and feed her plus my mom who cares for her while I work can also feed her and it is just so easy! Keep going! You got this mama! 💪🏼
sierra: “me, stephen, & grace, and my parents! coming to watch grace!” also sierra: “am i missing anybody?” jess: “wes n lori!” sierra: “ohhh yeah and my parents!”😭😭😂😂
I'm so grateful for you sharing your nursing journey. I nursed my baby until he was a little over a year old, and in hindsight i wish I had pumped more, so other people also could've fed him. I was the most nervous first time mom (still am, I suppose), so if something worked i went with it 100%. I hope i can do even better with my second child, whenever that happens.
I haven't even watched yet but girl prayers for you, you are making the best decisions for your family. I exclusively pumped for my second baby. It's what needed to happen. We got through it 🥰
I exclusively pumped for my first, and I am breastfeeding my second for already 14 months. It was a very different experience with both of them.... But anyway the best you can do is what makes both of you happy. I actually pumped during this second time to keep my supply up, I was overcautious because of the experience with my first baby... So now I'm donating hundreds of Oz of breast milk to the hospital!!
i’m not even pregnant, but i love the pregnancy talks because my sister-in-law is pregnant and between working and family, she doesn’t have all the time to watch these videos. i watch them so i can learn to help her!! thank you for doing what you do!
So proud of you for doing what works for you and being comfortable with it (and for talking about it and normalizing "different" stories nursing). The relief on your face really shows how much of a struggle it was and how much better your lives all will be for the change...which is literally the best thing for you and your kiddo. Happy and healthy is the goal, and you guys are crushing it.
I decided to exclusively pump basically right when my baby was born. Something about the painful, hurting nipples was too much for me. Especially because I was so sore already! I used the Tommee Tippee pump. It also really helps when your baby can take a bottle of pumped milk, so others can help with feedings.
Our babies are only one week apart, and this really speaks to me. We are currently doing EP now and when I looked back, I’m grateful for our nursing journey and had that experience. I am so much happier EP.
I love that you share your journey! I had my baby a week ago and had to have an emergency c section and my baby had to be in NICU for 4 days so I couldn’t breastfeed him - I lost excess blood so I couldn’t even be with him the first 2 days. Now I’m having milk supply issues and have to supplement but your story helps me feel better about the whole thing. ❤️
I am one of those people who are so grateful for you sharing your breastfeeding journey! I am almost 12wpp and nursing has always been a struggle for us, our daughter just didn’t transfer much from the breast despite me having a great supply and even after we had her tongue and lip ties corrected. We spent 2 months triple feeding (nursing attempt, followed by me pumping and hubby giving a bottle of pumped milk) and it was exhausting. Just recently she has started being able to get a full meal from me first thing in the morning which I am so grateful for. It’s beautiful to see the journeys we are all on ❤️ Side note, would you mind making a playlist of all the blogs where you talked about breastfeeding/pumping? It would be nice to reference back occasionally just to feel like I have a friend to share the journey with ❤️
Breast feeding works when it’s good for mom and baby. So proud you found what works with you and Grace. I was a NICU nurse when I had my son 27 years ago. I breast fed when he was born and for about 4 months. I pumped while at work-12 hour shifts. What happened, was he was still hungry after nursing and would not take a bottle after nursing. So, I continued to pump and used bottles. I cannot remember for how long. BTW-he’s a happy healthy opera singer!
My baby was in NICU after birth and although we tried with a lactation consultant, she always wanted a bottle. Trying to breastfeed was a struggle an we both ended up frustrated. I gave up trying to breastfeed after a month and stopped exclusively pumping after 3 months, feeling like a failure. In hindsight I should maybe even have stopped earlier for my mental health. Happy mom = happy baby, whatever you do please do what your heart says instead of fulfilling societal standards. You do you!
Rewatching your breastfeeding/nursing vlogs to remind myself what’s possibly ahead. Baby is almost 3 months old and when this eventually happens I would be so stressed. Thank you for talking through this ❤️
You’re a lovely couple with a beautiful baby. You are full of sage counsel, wisdom and knowledge in such a young body. Thank you for all your positivity.
I’ve been EP for 6 weeks now and it’s what works best for me and baby. The hardest part is definitely the dishes. 😭 You’re so right the dishwasher is a LIFESAVER. So glad you’ve found something that works for you and Grace. Best of luck with your EP journey. ❤️
Bravo on your choice to give up nursing. Your daughter was telling you by going on the nursing strike that she is ready to move on from that. That you are willing to read her signs and be willing to give up something that was no longer a "need" for her is great parenting!
I don't understand that logic 😀 like babies have strikes, most give up on the strike and proceed to breastfeed, it literally has nothing to do with what they want (of course it bottles are involved, it's about what they want) but it is all to do with their development... you think a few hundred years ago a baby would think ok, I'm done eating...forever 😀? This comment has nothing to do with Sierras decision to stop nursing 🙂
My little one and I went through the same thing. It started at 16 weeks, and I thought it would get better in a few days, a week, 2 weeks... but it just kept going. She would only feed overnight when asleep, and then she started refusing completely no matter what we tried. The stress every time I attempted to nurse was killing me, and she could feel it too. In the end, it turned out my little one had self-weaned because she was in so much pain from feeding (we found out she has a dairy allergy). I cut dairy and soy from my diet and pumped until she was just over 6 months old, supplementing with a special formula. I really struggle, still, with mourning the loss of nursing a few months on, even though it had been a struggle for us from the start, too. It definitely was the right choice for us, though. Thank you so much for sharing! You're so right- it helps to know that I'm not alone in this! No one that I know personally had had a similar experience. You and Stephen are KILLING it as parents, and I'm having so much fun watching what it's like to be on the same ride, but on the other side of the world! ❤
Thanks so much for talking about this. I really wanted to breastfeed my daughter but it didn’t work out because she has issues transferring and wasn’t gaining enough weight so I have been exclusively pumping since she was around two weeks and supplementing with formula. It was really hard accepting that it wasn’t going to work the way I wanted things to and it’s so hard to pump so much but I’m grateful for every ounce that I can produce for my baby girl ❤️
It’s so good to create this open community, Sierra! My daughter would never latch we tried literally everything. She was born in August and I’ve been exclusively pumping for her for 3 months. In the beginning I never thought I’d get here. I had to mourn not nursing her because it was something I wanted so so badly. But now I’m just grateful I live in a time where I can provide my daughter with my milk no matter how she gets it. She had weight gaining issues in the early days and I will always remember how I felt the first time we gave her a bottle and she happily drank the whole thing!
Aw I know how much this journey meant to you but I am so proud of how far you came! You’re an amazing mom! Just keep doing what is best for you and sweet Grace!
Thank you so much for sharing 🥰 I did the same switch when baby was about 13 weeks and it lifted such a burden for us. I am an undersupplyer and baby did not gain weight. I was constantly stressed and did nothing but nurse without the results showing. I now pump and then add in 1-2 bottles with formula. After a few weeks of power pumping and doing every trick in the book for increasing my supply without other results than my nips beeing sore af, I have found peace and if feels so good! This is hard and in the end the one thing that matters is that our babies are fed and loved 🥰
Exclusively pumped for 6 months after a rough time of direct feeding. Best thing for us. Recently stopped pumping and it has been wonderful. You will know when the right time to stop will be for y’all! Love your message, so true!
My mom had said once the baby starts teething that it will be harder to nurse a baby. I go back to work in 2 weeks and I’ll be an exclusive pumper once I go back. We are also struggling with latching and nursing strikes too. I’m feeling like I’ll push through, but I’m definitely pumping more than nursing.
You do whatever you need. My daughter slowly refused each breastfeed until we were down to about 1 in the morning when lockdown happened. We struggled for another two months before we cut our losses and finally started exclusively pumping. It worked wonders for my mental health and our happiness. It’s okay. 🧡
Appreciate you talking about feeding and normalising also using formula. It’s hard as a mum hearing people bashing on about how awful formula feeding is etc. Thank you Sierra for highlighting how hard the struggle can be. Your channel and videos are my go to guide for me and my baby 💕
Breastfeeding was such a rollercoaster journey for me and we ended up exclusively pumping and it was the best decision for me and my baby, it's so nice to see a public figure who is talking about their exclusively pumping journey.
I exclusively pumped for a year. At first I was devastated, but the more support I found the more I felt like a rockstar. Hugs and prayers to you mama!! You are crushing motherhood!
Exclusively pumping is still breastfeeding. My daughter’s pediatrician had to remind me of that when I felt like I had to justify my decision. We ended up EFF eventually due to allergies, but don’t get down in yourself. EP was so much more freeing for me and relieved so much anxiety.
My son started refusing to nurse when I went back to work when he was 3 months old so I’m exclusively pumping with a end goal of January when he will be 6 months old. I had a really hard time accepting that I wouldn’t have those nursing moments anymore but now a month later I love my son is still getting breast milk and other family members can feed him now and have those moments! You’re doing a great job mama!
It's a journey not a competition. Exclusively pumping works for you and Grace. That's all that matters. Pumping was a struggle with both of my breastfeeding journeys. I couldn't pump enough with my first and my second refused bottles(we had to feed her with a syringe at one desperate point.) All struggles are real and valid.
Long time follower here! Wow wow wow I needed this. My girl went on a strike at SEVEN weeks 😭 she would scream and arch and the consultant had no answers. Baby was perfectly healthy. I tried for weeks to get her back on, but it was traumatic for both of us. Always ended with me crying just begging her to eat. Now we are EPing which is working but I still wish I could have made that decision on my own and not have her make it for me. Breastfeeding is hard AF! 👏🏼
Sierra can you please make a video expanding on the tentative daily schedule you've been utilizing with grace? It so awesome how you've gotten her to take regular naps and sleep through the night in her nursery. I am 38 weeks along and would love to learn more about your process and resources 💕 if this video already exists or she has expanded on it in a previous vlog can someone kindly point me in the direction? Thank you, take care all
love the breastfeeding talks - as a mom of 2 im slowly catching up on youtube lol With my daughter, it was horrible.. I suspect undiagnosed ties and reflux/allergies were alot of our issues but I struggled. we made it about 6-8 weeks EBF and then started supplementing, then its was formula through the day unless she was hungry while out and then bf at night. She started sleeping through the night at 4 months and that was the end of breastfeeding. She thrived on formula in ways she could have never on breast milk and it was amazing. With my son (in my picture) we were told he could never breastfeed due to his heart. I was determined to exclusively pump. He showed everyone as he exclusively breastfeed and THRIVED for 10 months! This was through 2 open heart surgeries, lip and a completely restrictive tongue tie. 2 things I learned: 1. It doesn't matter what you do, sometimes shits going to happen. 2. Breast isn't always best. Do whats best for you and your baby!
We have a daughter who is a few days older than Grace and I'm feeling pretty much done with breastfeeding too. The walking around the room, song and dance routine that I needed to do to get her to actually nurse was a nightmare. I decided to pump for her first and last feeds of the day and then give her formula for the rest of the day. It has been such a relief for me. I hope you feel some of that relief too.
Thank you for being so open about your breastfeeding journey! I had my first baby at the end of August and had similar feelings to you when we had so switch to supplementing. She's 3 months now and I still combination feed her by nursing her for about 10 minutes and then switching to a bottle for the rest. I used to dread nursing her for an hour and not feeling confident that she got enough, so this hybrid model has been such a relief.
Just a random comment but I noticed you pushing your glasses up your face a fair few times. It may just be editing and not really happening that much. However, if it’s happening a lot, the arms may need a minor adjustment. I’m in the UK, so not sure if it’s the same for the US but here I can walk into any “chain” optician brand branch and ask for an adjustment and it takes maybe a minute or two. Also, I’m glad you are happy with your breastfeeding journey. Every family is so different.
You're doing amazing. My breastfeeding journey was so stressful for me. We had a week or two where everything went as planned, but we never got back into the swing. I think I've mentioned my issues with supply and while I hoped to get him 12 months, because of how many tears I had shed and the constant feeling tethered to a machine, I just felt out of control. I stopped my journey the day before he turned 6 months. And while I cried off and on that day, it was really the best choice I made for me. It's so true that you have to do what works best for you and your baby. I'm so happy that you're doing well and handling all the changes so well. ❤️
Super relatable. I'm stopping my pumping journey. I watch your videos while I pump to distract me from how much I don't enjoy it anymore. I definitely feel the weight lifting as I'm slowly phasing it out.
I just started watching your videos and I feel like we've been friends for a long time and I'm just listening to you talk about your day. 😂 Gonna be binging your channel for a while! I exclusively pumped with our first child and now I'm exclusively nursing our second (7 weeks old). Nursing is definitely more convenient but I did like that I could pump and go back to sleep and have my husband take a feeding or two during the night sometimes. It's such a mental relief when you start doing what works best for you and baby instead of pushing something because you've been told it's more beneficial. Good luck on the new exclusively pumping journey!
Just went through kinda the same journey with my baby. He is 2 months now and I had to exclusively pump because he couldn’t latch I was so sad and depressed about it and pumping was so hard and trying to take care of a newborn and pump every 3 hours was just impossible for me. So stressful. I finally let go of pumping and we are just formula now and I can’t tell you how much happier everyone is and less stressed out. Breastfeeding is so stressful on us as women I wish there was more conversation about it. Thank you for being the voice for us!! 💚💚
I’ve had to EP from the beginning of my journey. For whatever reason I am a major under supplier but have worked up my supply over these first few months with baby girl. I guess you could say I make just enough for her needs but choose to supplement so I can start a small freezer stash. Fed is always best. I can’t say enough how much I appreciate your openness with your journey and normalizing all ways of feeding baby 💕
As a person who has worked in childcare for 6 years and mostly with infants, I have had so many moms (and dads) do so many different ways to feed and all ways are great! Do what you need to do for you and your family! Love you guys and your family, your an amazing Mom and Steven is an Amazing Dad!
My baby girl is 1 month and Im also exclusively pumping! Currently working through low supply issues though - Im so thankful to hear from others who exclusively pump.
Made a similar decision around 3m - we had a lot of issues, I tried multiple things and nothing worked, and we were both miserable. Stopping nursing was the best decision for us both - I was finally able to enjoy feeding her again. I was able to pump until her first birthday thanks to WFH during Covid.
All that matters is that you and/or baby were ready and ok to stop nursing. I’m glad you are ok with it because sometime I think what if my baby weaned right now (he’s already 1 1/2) and have a tuff time think about it I’m like nooo I’m not ready 🥲. I’m so happy you look back and are happy nursed ❤️ I really admire your choice to exclusively pump, pumping is tuff with all the dishes and time pumping. It really bothers me when I hear others say pumping is not breastfeeding!! Your doing an amazing job!! ❤️
I've had the same problem, but due to only pumping, my milk supply went even further down, so I couldnt breastfeed at all anymore. Which was okay by me, it brought me way too much stress, and just like you I questioned why I was pushing it so much. Glad you made a decision thats good for you!!
I went into breastfeeding with my third with the best mindset. Absolutely no pressure to "force" breastfeeding, mind mental health comes first in order for me to be the best mamá to my kids. I have one formula fed and one breastfed baby so I had experience with both. 💓
Thank you for talking about this! I’m just starting to nurse my milk came in yesterday night but my baby girl won’t breastfeed… it made me sad. I also chose to exclusively pump and supplement with formula. Definitely helps me not to feel alone.
When I went back to work full time when our little turned 3 months, she got used to a bottle during the day. She won't nurse at all during the day but will at night, so even on my days off work I have to pump and bottle feed her. I understand! It is so frustrating and sad sometimes, but as long as they are eating, we are doing great, my friend.
I’ve exclusively pumped for my twins from the start. I’m not a working mom. People are often confused why I’m not nursing. Like you, there are a million reasons why it just didn’t work. There is an exclusively pumping Instagram with amazing tips and info!!
Mama, props to you for your breastfeeding journey thus far and props for all the pumping! Pumping is a fulltime job and you are still killing it! I wish I had been successful breastfeeding or pumping but both of my boys ended up being fully formula fed. Fed really is best and they will thrive and grow whether they eat breastmilk or formula. No shame, no guilt, keep being the awesome mama you are!
Love that you advocate for listening to not only your body but your mind as well. If you are stressed, Grace will sense it making it more difficult for both of you. Your peace of mind is worth sooooo much!!!❤️❤️❤️
I had the same experience with breastfeeding. I needed to walk her to nurse and wait till she was almost asleep. Unfortunately the only other way she would drink milk was with a spoon so did not stop breastfeeding but gosh I hope I could have. So happy the transition worked well for you. You have a wonderfull family
a little over a month ago my then 6 month old baby boy refused to nurse for most parts of the day, ans so my supply went DOWN, till now where I haven´t had any milk at all for roughly 2 week now. So I switch to formula and I was SOO mortified and embarrassed only my husband knew. Every he needed milk I would sneek of bc “he need some peace and quiet to nurse”. After kcomming to terms with it slowly I have told the closest family but I still feel so hurt when people talk about breastfeeding or anything like that. I miss it so much. I just want to thank you for sharing, its good to know of others that have been though the same and that what I am feeling is some what normal. 🤱👩🍼
Our experience was kind of similar and kind of opposite...my daughter went on a 10-day bottle strike which was so hard because she was in daycare while I worked away from home full time. She was 5 months old. I hated pumping and my milk supply was dwindling so I made the decision to stop nursing AND stop pumping the same day she ended her strike (thanks to one of our dear daycare ladies). I loved nursing by then (definitely some REALLY hard days early on) so it was a bit sad, but I thought it was best to get her on a steady routine instead of going back and forth... and I was so glad to not have to pump anymore. My baby is 12 now. 🥰
Excellent advice! I think what's "best" 100% depends on your lifestyle, you and your baby's preferences and a bunch of unpredictable stuff that is totally outside your control. I'm currently pregnant and trying to wean my 2 year old who is very very addicted to the boob. I'm a stay at home mom with no childcare family help or babysitters, so it's a struggle to say the least. Nursing worked for us because it was just the easiest thing when I'm with her 24/7. I can't imagine if I was working though.
Supported is best! Everyone deserves support for whatever route they choose or is chosen for them nobody should ever feel guilty for having a happy fed baby!
I don’t have kids but I love watching the blogs. I’ve learned so much and just watching the journey has been amazing. I live for the kitchen talks ❤️❤️
I’ve been exclusively pumping for 4 months now! It’s definitely hard at first feels like you’re stuck to a wall plus all the dishes but you get the hang of it. ☺️
Not only is breast feeding different for every mother, it's also different for every child. I had a daughter who hated it and was done as soon as I gave up, and a son who would have continued until he started school if I had allowed it. It's a journey.
Pumping isn't nursing but pumping IS breastfeeding. Youre doing a great jobs!! Whatever works best for a family is always amazing 👏 ❤️ exclusive pumping has its challenges just as nursing does but a great way to give breastmilk as well! I've done it for 3 and wrapping up the last now. It's a journey all on its own for sure
I always appreciate how transparent you are with your experiences. You share with such poise, humility, humor, and wisdom. Love you, Sierra! I'm so glad things are going well for you, your family, your friends, and your channel ♥️🤗
It’s funny how when you’re ready for a new chapter to start you’re not sad like you thought you’d be. I thought I’d be devastated to finish my breastfeeding journey with my son, but when the time came I wasn’t. I was happy we had our journey and we were ready for it to end when our time was right. I’m happy for you and your family to be able to experience that same nostalgia. Do what’s best for your family. Enjoy the journey for what it is, because that’s how it was meant to be.
Youre right. Those moments where you look back don't seem real. Everything's new to you right now but I'm so very proud of how well you're adjusting. I know we don't see everything but what we do see is you keep waking up, you keep trying , you keep pushing forward. You juggle so much but you haven't given up. I am so proud of you. Good job.
Sierra, I sent a message on Instagram but I don’t know I’ll you’ll see it. I’m 39.5 weeks pregnant and I just found out my baby suddenly decided to flip and be breech. We’re going for an inversion and hopeful induction on Monday, but if baby doesn’t flip we’ll need a C Section. Your birth video has given me such strength and has helped me deal with all these new emotions I’m feeling regarding my birth story 💖
For all the moms out there: it’s all good! Not nursing at all, nursing for three months, nursing for three years, do what works best for you. ✨
I’m 34 weeks and am not breast feeding at all for the reasons she’s describing. I’d rather enjoy my first child and moments.
Fed is best💚
I was very grateful for someone is fed is best!! However you need it to be… I personally only was able to nurse and then pump for a couple months.. they are now fairly grown up and awesome!!! 💕💕
I can’t agree more . My son is 3 years and half and have been trying to Wean him for a year but it’s very difficult for both of us. He has the boob now just for comfort .
❤️❤️❤️❤️
Just remember that exclusively pumping is still breastfeeding and it's amazing that you're doing it. And if you ever stop, that'll be just fine, you're the best mom your baby girl could have!
This!!
Came to say this!!!! This was a big part of our journey too! ❤️
Yes!!! Think of it this way non-parents: you’re still drinking cows milk even if you aren’t sucking it straight out of an udder 😆
Me: 19, single, never wants kids
Also me: fed✍🏻 is✍🏻 best✍🏻 walk✍🏻 around✍🏻 while ✍🏻 breastfeeding✍🏻
Me as hell 🤣🤣🤣
Hey it's ALWAYS good to know options in case you change your mind. Or even better, now you're prepared to be an AMAZING encouragement to your friends that have babies 🥰🥰 Fun Aunts are equally important in a child's life especially ones who are super supportive to the momma 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰
You and Stephen are the BEST parents to Grace! As you’ve said before, fed is best!❤️
We knew medically breastfeeding wouldn’t be an option, and I felt disappointed in my body.
Then my doula told me such a golden nugget of wisdom. She said, “Have you ever had a doctor ask you if you were breastfed as a child? No? Then fed must be best, no matter what that looks like!”
This gave me so much perspective. Hope it helps someone else by sharing it here. Mamas and daddies, you feed your babies however you need to!!
You breastfed for a good amount. She has already got so many benefits from breastfeeding for the amount of time she did breastfeed for. Fed is best and do whatever is best for you and your family. I am currently breastfeeding my two month old and my goal is breastfeed for 6 months. Wish me luck.
@@momomeditationandreiki My baby girl was born 9/18 at 9:36am weighing 6lbs 5oz and 19.5 inches. Her name is Zaynah Grace. When was your baby born?
My daughter was born at 29 weeks. My milk supply didn’t want to come in and when it finally did, it didn’t last long. One of my nurses finally said in the end nobody will know if she was breast fed or not. They will know if she is loved and cared for. I beat myself up so hard for “failing” at it until she gave me that perspective. I wish more people talked about how hard it can be. All I ever saw was I had to do it and how great it would be. I’m thankful you are being so honest about the struggles you had. 💙
My son was born at 33 weeks and my milk never came in so I never had the opportunity. I completely understand how hard it was to be in the Nicu and not be able to supply even the breast milk. ❤️
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@@kimgagnier8240 it was so hard. The whole experience was. I’m sorry you understand. It is amazing to see the tiniest of humans be lil rockstars though. 💙
Just remember that exclusive pumping is still NURSING! This needs to be more normalized and accepted. I was so ashamed that I was an exclusive pumper (still am) but my daughters pediatrician said pumping is still hurting and don’t let anyone tell you differently! Sending love to you Sierra 💗
Do what works for you! Remember pumping is breastfeeding! I exclusively pumped for 7 months until baby decided she wanted to go back to the boob. It was so much less stress and worked for us. So happy for you!
THANK YOU for sharing about exclusively pumping. I’m three months postpartum and exclusively pumping. I didn’t even know that this was an option! More women need to know pumping and bottle feeding IS an option.
Great message Sierra and very much needed. I fell into a depression with not being able to breastfeed( 10 years ago) and I wish I would have received a message like this.
Thank you so much for taking about your breast feeding journey. My daughter is 6 weeks and it has been hard. I was diagnosed with postpartum cardiomyopathy about 12 hours after she was born and was taken to icu away from her and then when she was about 2 weeks I had to go to the er again. I almost completely lost my milk supply but have been slowly bringing it back up. It’s hard when all you hear is that you need to breast feed your baby and you’re trying your best but it’s not working. I have to keep reminding myself that as long as she is eating, healthy and happy that is all that matters ❤️
I can't imagine how exhausting it would be to nurse while walking for thirty minutes. I'm glad you were able to make that decision for you and your family and feel good about it.❤️
FED IS BEST!!! ...if anyone in your ladies' life makes you feel less than because you are not breastfeeding, kick em to the curve. Set boundaries and don't feel bad for it. I exclusively bottle/formula fed. My son never wanted to work for the milk on a boob and I never felt bad. And nobody in my life EVER made me feel bad about or I shut them down quick. Nobody should make you feel bad for feeding your baby. The plus side is I wasn't solely responsible for night feedings 😄
A lot of babies opt for the bottle over the boob, it's sometimes easier for them to get milk from the bottle because they don't have to 'work' and wait for the let down, they get the good stuff faster and easier 😊 the fact that both you and Grace feel good about the change is great! It's really awesome that you're sharing this so that more mommies can see this as a positive step. I'm still breastfeeding 2 years pp, and my boy is super attached to his boobie.. Every journey is different! 🤗
P.s I had a premie NICU baby, they did explain the bottle/ boob preference thing to me there.. At 6 weeks my little boy refused bottle and Paci and would only have boobie and we had success in many ways, but also many struggles when my milk dropped, he needed to put on weight etc.
Again, every journey is different and it's all ok, fed is best. 😁
Fed is best! 🙌 I have a 3.5 week old right now and we just started breastfeeding. She was jaundice (wouldn't stay awake to feed but needed to eat to get her bilirubin levels down), she struggled to latch, she struggled to gain weight back, and I struggled a lot with my mental health post pregnancy so exclusively pumping was what worked best for us. Coming to peace with that reality was one of the best things I did for myself. Now she is able to latch which is great because I was getting worn out pumping all the time and struggling to regulate my supply. Being at peace with however the process goes is one of the best lessons I've learned in motherhood.
That’s how my EP journey started too! Both of my babies were yellow…my first had to do light bed therapy at home for almost 2 weeks. The stressful time constraint to fed her during the 30 minute “break” off the light bed made EP the less stressful choice. I chose to do it again with baby #2. Congrats on your new baby!
I just had twins in September and I honestly can't believe how different this pregnancy and these kiddos have been compared to my 6 year old. I exclusively breast fed my oldest with no issues, but the twins have been a battle ever since they were born. I have such a better understanding of what so many other moms go through with their breastfeeding / pumping / supply / formula struggles now! I am just recently trying to breast feed again after doing a few rounds of only pumping and only formula... moms are incredible! Love watching your channel ❤❤❤
My little one is 7 days old today and breast feeding has been a struggle emotionally, physically, and mentally. It was hard for me to accept that breast feeding exclusively was not going to work for us. My mental health and his nutrition was more important than what others may think. FED IS BEST. I have been pumping and supplementing with formula and it's saved my sanity so much.
I had a really tough time with breastfeeding my second baby. It only lasted 3 months and I had to quit. I didn't know how to get support and didn't have access to a good quality breast pump (if they even existed - it was many years ago). All to say, you have been doing amazing! We can only do what we can do.
We did the exact same thing.... breast fed for several months, then weaned our baby to formula. I'm a professional musician, so the erratic schedule of rehearsals an concerts made it very difficult to continue. But, we felt very happy with the wonderful start he had!! Breast feeding is a VERY personal, and everyone has a different experience with it!! You do you, Sierra!!❤️❤️❤️
Your dad baby wearing Grace was absolutely precious!
Sounds like you and Grace are both choosing what’s best for you two 💕 appreciate your positive vibes in this video!
Thank you so much for sharing! I struggled breastfeeding my first child for 9 mths. I broke down and felt so guilty supplementing with formula. Looking back, I was a happier and more present parent formula feeding and pumping. With my second child, I’m exclusively pumping and just “comfort nursing” for fun. He is 4 months and I’m actually ok with weaning off the pump soon. I want to be the best mom, and for me that means being happy , present and having more time with him instead of the pump. FED is best. ❤️
My daughter did the same to me at about 3 months…nursing strike! I tried everything as well and after 2 weeks of trying I just thought what if I just exclusively pump? I wanted her to be on the boobie so my body could make milk that she needs but I got the groove of EP and we are seven months strong and plan to keep going! My supply is great, it dips when i am about to get my period but who cares! We supplement with formula and also my husband can step in and feed her plus my mom who cares for her while I work can also feed her and it is just so easy! Keep going! You got this mama! 💪🏼
sierra: “me, stephen, & grace, and my parents! coming to watch grace!”
also sierra: “am i missing anybody?”
jess: “wes n lori!”
sierra: “ohhh yeah and my parents!”😭😭😂😂
I'm so grateful for you sharing your nursing journey. I nursed my baby until he was a little over a year old, and in hindsight i wish I had pumped more, so other people also could've fed him. I was the most nervous first time mom (still am, I suppose), so if something worked i went with it 100%. I hope i can do even better with my second child, whenever that happens.
I haven't even watched yet but girl prayers for you, you are making the best decisions for your family. I exclusively pumped for my second baby. It's what needed to happen. We got through it 🥰
I exclusively pumped for my first, and I am breastfeeding my second for already 14 months. It was a very different experience with both of them.... But anyway the best you can do is what makes both of you happy. I actually pumped during this second time to keep my supply up, I was overcautious because of the experience with my first baby... So now I'm donating hundreds of Oz of breast milk to the hospital!!
Oh my gosh your play time with Grace in your chair was the cutest thing ever. Glad you made the best choice for both you and Grace!
i’m not even pregnant, but i love the pregnancy talks because my sister-in-law is pregnant and between working and family, she doesn’t have all the time to watch these videos. i watch them so i can learn to help her!! thank you for doing what you do!
So proud of you for doing what works for you and being comfortable with it (and for talking about it and normalizing "different" stories nursing). The relief on your face really shows how much of a struggle it was and how much better your lives all will be for the change...which is literally the best thing for you and your kiddo. Happy and healthy is the goal, and you guys are crushing it.
I decided to exclusively pump basically right when my baby was born. Something about the painful, hurting nipples was too much for me. Especially because I was so sore already! I used the Tommee Tippee pump. It also really helps when your baby can take a bottle of pumped milk, so others can help with feedings.
Our babies are only one week apart, and this really speaks to me. We are currently doing EP now and when I looked back, I’m grateful for our nursing journey and had that experience. I am so much happier EP.
I love that you share your journey! I had my baby a week ago and had to have an emergency c section and my baby had to be in NICU for 4 days so I couldn’t breastfeed him - I lost excess blood so I couldn’t even be with him the first 2 days. Now I’m having milk supply issues and have to supplement but your story helps me feel better about the whole thing. ❤️
I am one of those people who are so grateful for you sharing your breastfeeding journey! I am almost 12wpp and nursing has always been a struggle for us, our daughter just didn’t transfer much from the breast despite me having a great supply and even after we had her tongue and lip ties corrected. We spent 2 months triple feeding (nursing attempt, followed by me pumping and hubby giving a bottle of pumped milk) and it was exhausting. Just recently she has started being able to get a full meal from me first thing in the morning which I am so grateful for. It’s beautiful to see the journeys we are all on ❤️
Side note, would you mind making a playlist of all the blogs where you talked about breastfeeding/pumping? It would be nice to reference back occasionally just to feel like I have a friend to share the journey with ❤️
Breast feeding works when it’s good for mom and baby. So proud you found what works with you and Grace. I was a NICU nurse when I had my son 27 years ago. I breast fed when he was born and for about 4 months. I pumped while at work-12 hour shifts. What happened, was he was still hungry after nursing and would not take a bottle after nursing. So, I continued to pump and used bottles. I cannot remember for how long. BTW-he’s a happy healthy opera singer!
My baby was in NICU after birth and although we tried with a lactation consultant, she always wanted a bottle. Trying to breastfeed was a struggle an we both ended up frustrated. I gave up trying to breastfeed after a month and stopped exclusively pumping after 3 months, feeling like a failure. In hindsight I should maybe even have stopped earlier for my mental health. Happy mom = happy baby, whatever you do please do what your heart says instead of fulfilling societal standards. You do you!
Rewatching your breastfeeding/nursing vlogs to remind myself what’s possibly ahead. Baby is almost 3 months old and when this eventually happens I would be so stressed. Thank you for talking through this ❤️
You’re a lovely couple with a beautiful baby. You are full of sage counsel, wisdom and knowledge in such a young body. Thank you for all your positivity.
I’ve been EP for 6 weeks now and it’s what works best for me and baby. The hardest part is definitely the dishes. 😭 You’re so right the dishwasher is a LIFESAVER. So glad you’ve found something that works for you and Grace. Best of luck with your EP journey. ❤️
You guys are wonderful parents! Always love seeing your vlogs and your wonderful family time!😊💕 love your channels!
Bravo on your choice to give up nursing. Your daughter was telling you by going on the nursing strike that she is ready to move on from that. That you are willing to read her signs and be willing to give up something that was no longer a "need" for her is great parenting!
She’s still breastfeeding. Her baby still “needs” her milk, she’s just getting it via a different method.
I don't understand that logic 😀 like babies have strikes, most give up on the strike and proceed to breastfeed, it literally has nothing to do with what they want (of course it bottles are involved, it's about what they want) but it is all to do with their development... you think a few hundred years ago a baby would think ok, I'm done eating...forever 😀?
This comment has nothing to do with Sierras decision to stop nursing 🙂
My little one and I went through the same thing. It started at 16 weeks, and I thought it would get better in a few days, a week, 2 weeks... but it just kept going. She would only feed overnight when asleep, and then she started refusing completely no matter what we tried. The stress every time I attempted to nurse was killing me, and she could feel it too. In the end, it turned out my little one had self-weaned because she was in so much pain from feeding (we found out she has a dairy allergy). I cut dairy and soy from my diet and pumped until she was just over 6 months old, supplementing with a special formula. I really struggle, still, with mourning the loss of nursing a few months on, even though it had been a struggle for us from the start, too. It definitely was the right choice for us, though. Thank you so much for sharing! You're so right- it helps to know that I'm not alone in this! No one that I know personally had had a similar experience. You and Stephen are KILLING it as parents, and I'm having so much fun watching what it's like to be on the same ride, but on the other side of the world! ❤
Thanks so much for talking about this. I really wanted to breastfeed my daughter but it didn’t work out because she has issues transferring and wasn’t gaining enough weight so I have been exclusively pumping since she was around two weeks and supplementing with formula. It was really hard accepting that it wasn’t going to work the way I wanted things to and it’s so hard to pump so much but I’m grateful for every ounce that I can produce for my baby girl ❤️
It’s so good to create this open community, Sierra! My daughter would never latch we tried literally everything. She was born in August and I’ve been exclusively pumping for her for 3 months. In the beginning I never thought I’d get here. I had to mourn not nursing her because it was something I wanted so so badly. But now I’m just grateful I live in a time where I can provide my daughter with my milk no matter how she gets it. She had weight gaining issues in the early days and I will always remember how I felt the first time we gave her a bottle and she happily drank the whole thing!
Aw I know how much this journey meant to you but I am so proud of how far you came! You’re an amazing mom! Just keep doing what is best for you and sweet Grace!
I exclusively pumped for 2 of my babies and formula fed the other two. You are AWESOME. Exclusively Pumping is HARD. WORK. You’re doing great 💗
Thank you so much for sharing 🥰
I did the same switch when baby was about 13 weeks and it lifted such a burden for us. I am an undersupplyer and baby did not gain weight. I was constantly stressed and did nothing but nurse without the results showing. I now pump and then add in 1-2 bottles with formula. After a few weeks of power pumping and doing every trick in the book for increasing my supply without other results than my nips beeing sore af, I have found peace and if feels so good! This is hard and in the end the one thing that matters is that our babies are fed and loved 🥰
Exclusively pumped for 6 months after a rough time of direct feeding. Best thing for us. Recently stopped pumping and it has been wonderful. You will know when the right time to stop will be for y’all!
Love your message, so true!
My mom had said once the baby starts teething that it will be harder to nurse a baby. I go back to work in 2 weeks and I’ll be an exclusive pumper once I go back. We are also struggling with latching and nursing strikes too. I’m feeling like I’ll push through, but I’m definitely pumping more than nursing.
You do whatever you need. My daughter slowly refused each breastfeed until we were down to about 1 in the morning when lockdown happened. We struggled for another two months before we cut our losses and finally started exclusively pumping. It worked wonders for my mental health and our happiness. It’s okay. 🧡
Appreciate you talking about feeding and normalising also using formula. It’s hard as a mum hearing people bashing on about how awful formula feeding is etc.
Thank you Sierra for highlighting how hard the struggle can be. Your channel and videos are my go to guide for me and my baby 💕
Breastfeeding was such a rollercoaster journey for me and we ended up exclusively pumping and it was the best decision for me and my baby, it's so nice to see a public figure who is talking about their exclusively pumping journey.
Your dad with Grace at the beach is so precious 🥺💞💞
I exclusively pumped for a year. At first I was devastated, but the more support I found the more I felt like a rockstar. Hugs and prayers to you mama!! You are crushing motherhood!
Exclusively pumping is still breastfeeding. My daughter’s pediatrician had to remind me of that when I felt like I had to justify my decision. We ended up EFF eventually due to allergies, but don’t get down in yourself. EP was so much more freeing for me and relieved so much anxiety.
My son started refusing to nurse when I went back to work when he was 3 months old so I’m exclusively pumping with a end goal of January when he will be 6 months old. I had a really hard time accepting that I wouldn’t have those nursing moments anymore but now a month later I love my son is still getting breast milk and other family members can feed him now and have those moments! You’re doing a great job mama!
It's a journey not a competition. Exclusively pumping works for you and Grace. That's all that matters.
Pumping was a struggle with both of my breastfeeding journeys. I couldn't pump enough with my first and my second refused bottles(we had to feed her with a syringe at one desperate point.) All struggles are real and valid.
Long time follower here! Wow wow wow I needed this. My girl went on a strike at SEVEN weeks 😭 she would scream and arch and the consultant had no answers. Baby was perfectly healthy. I tried for weeks to get her back on, but it was traumatic for both of us. Always ended with me crying just begging her to eat. Now we are EPing which is working but I still wish I could have made that decision on my own and not have her make it for me. Breastfeeding is hard AF! 👏🏼
Sierra can you please make a video expanding on the tentative daily schedule you've been utilizing with grace? It so awesome how you've gotten her to take regular naps and sleep through the night in her nursery. I am 38 weeks along and would love to learn more about your process and resources 💕 if this video already exists or she has expanded on it in a previous vlog can someone kindly point me in the direction? Thank you, take care all
love the breastfeeding talks - as a mom of 2 im slowly catching up on youtube lol
With my daughter, it was horrible.. I suspect undiagnosed ties and reflux/allergies were alot of our issues but I struggled. we made it about 6-8 weeks EBF and then started supplementing, then its was formula through the day unless she was hungry while out and then bf at night. She started sleeping through the night at 4 months and that was the end of breastfeeding. She thrived on formula in ways she could have never on breast milk and it was amazing.
With my son (in my picture) we were told he could never breastfeed due to his heart. I was determined to exclusively pump. He showed everyone as he exclusively breastfeed and THRIVED for 10 months! This was through 2 open heart surgeries, lip and a completely restrictive tongue tie.
2 things I learned:
1. It doesn't matter what you do, sometimes shits going to happen.
2. Breast isn't always best. Do whats best for you and your baby!
We have a daughter who is a few days older than Grace and I'm feeling pretty much done with breastfeeding too. The walking around the room, song and dance routine that I needed to do to get her to actually nurse was a nightmare. I decided to pump for her first and last feeds of the day and then give her formula for the rest of the day. It has been such a relief for me. I hope you feel some of that relief too.
Thank you for being so open about your breastfeeding journey! I had my first baby at the end of August and had similar feelings to you when we had so switch to supplementing. She's 3 months now and I still combination feed her by nursing her for about 10 minutes and then switching to a bottle for the rest. I used to dread nursing her for an hour and not feeling confident that she got enough, so this hybrid model has been such a relief.
Just a random comment but I noticed you pushing your glasses up your face a fair few times. It may just be editing and not really happening that much. However, if it’s happening a lot, the arms may need a minor adjustment. I’m in the UK, so not sure if it’s the same for the US but here I can walk into any “chain” optician brand branch and ask for an adjustment and it takes maybe a minute or two. Also, I’m glad you are happy with your breastfeeding journey. Every family is so different.
You're doing amazing. My breastfeeding journey was so stressful for me. We had a week or two where everything went as planned, but we never got back into the swing. I think I've mentioned my issues with supply and while I hoped to get him 12 months, because of how many tears I had shed and the constant feeling tethered to a machine, I just felt out of control. I stopped my journey the day before he turned 6 months. And while I cried off and on that day, it was really the best choice I made for me. It's so true that you have to do what works best for you and your baby. I'm so happy that you're doing well and handling all the changes so well. ❤️
Super relatable. I'm stopping my pumping journey. I watch your videos while I pump to distract me from how much I don't enjoy it anymore. I definitely feel the weight lifting as I'm slowly phasing it out.
I just started watching your videos and I feel like we've been friends for a long time and I'm just listening to you talk about your day. 😂 Gonna be binging your channel for a while! I exclusively pumped with our first child and now I'm exclusively nursing our second (7 weeks old). Nursing is definitely more convenient but I did like that I could pump and go back to sleep and have my husband take a feeding or two during the night sometimes. It's such a mental relief when you start doing what works best for you and baby instead of pushing something because you've been told it's more beneficial. Good luck on the new exclusively pumping journey!
Just went through kinda the same journey with my baby. He is 2 months now and I had to exclusively pump because he couldn’t latch I was so sad and depressed about it and pumping was so hard and trying to take care of a newborn and pump every 3 hours was just impossible for me. So stressful. I finally let go of pumping and we are just formula now and I can’t tell you how much happier everyone is and less stressed out. Breastfeeding is so stressful on us as women I wish there was more conversation about it. Thank you for being the voice for us!! 💚💚
I’ve had to EP from the beginning of my journey. For whatever reason I am a major under supplier but have worked up my supply over these first few months with baby girl. I guess you could say I make just enough for her needs but choose to supplement so I can start a small freezer stash. Fed is always best. I can’t say enough how much I appreciate your openness with your journey and normalizing all ways of feeding baby 💕
Grace’s hair looks like Tintin’s! She’s adorable 🥰
(For those wondering Tintin is a cartoon/comic character)
I love Tintin et Milou!! In german it’s Tim & Struppi 😁
@@nicanonymus2491
In Afrikaans it’s Kuifie & Spookie
@@CaraTheStrange Spookie sounds great 🤣🤣 👍🏼
As a person who has worked in childcare for 6 years and mostly with infants, I have had so many moms (and dads) do so many different ways to feed and all ways are great! Do what you need to do for you and your family! Love you guys and your family, your an amazing Mom and Steven is an Amazing Dad!
My baby girl is 1 month and Im also exclusively pumping! Currently working through low supply issues though - Im so thankful to hear from others who exclusively pump.
Made a similar decision around 3m - we had a lot of issues, I tried multiple things and nothing worked, and we were both miserable. Stopping nursing was the best decision for us both - I was finally able to enjoy feeding her again. I was able to pump until her first birthday thanks to WFH during Covid.
All that matters is that you and/or baby were ready and ok to stop nursing. I’m glad you are ok with it because sometime I think what if my baby weaned right now (he’s already 1 1/2) and have a tuff time think about it I’m like nooo I’m not ready 🥲. I’m so happy you look back and are happy nursed ❤️ I really admire your choice to exclusively pump, pumping is tuff with all the dishes and time pumping. It really bothers me when I hear others say pumping is not breastfeeding!! Your doing an amazing job!! ❤️
I've had the same problem, but due to only pumping, my milk supply went even further down, so I couldnt breastfeed at all anymore. Which was okay by me, it brought me way too much stress, and just like you I questioned why I was pushing it so much. Glad you made a decision thats good for you!!
I went into breastfeeding with my third with the best mindset. Absolutely no pressure to "force" breastfeeding, mind mental health comes first in order for me to be the best mamá to my kids. I have one formula fed and one breastfed baby so I had experience with both. 💓
Thank you for talking about this! I’m just starting to nurse my milk came in yesterday night but my baby girl won’t breastfeed… it made me sad. I also chose to exclusively pump and supplement with formula. Definitely helps me not to feel alone.
I’ve been EP’ing since the day after my son was born! It’s been a perfect fit for me and my son. You got this mama!
When I went back to work full time when our little turned 3 months, she got used to a bottle during the day. She won't nurse at all during the day but will at night, so even on my days off work I have to pump and bottle feed her. I understand! It is so frustrating and sad sometimes, but as long as they are eating, we are doing great, my friend.
I’ve exclusively pumped for my twins from the start. I’m not a working mom. People are often confused why I’m not nursing. Like you, there are a million reasons why it just didn’t work.
There is an exclusively pumping Instagram with amazing tips and info!!
I love that Stephen casually quoted "Long Story Short"
Mama, props to you for your breastfeeding journey thus far and props for all the pumping! Pumping is a fulltime job and you are still killing it! I wish I had been successful breastfeeding or pumping but both of my boys ended up being fully formula fed. Fed really is best and they will thrive and grow whether they eat breastmilk or formula. No shame, no guilt, keep being the awesome mama you are!
Love that you advocate for listening to not only your body but your mind as well. If you are stressed, Grace will sense it making it more difficult for both of you. Your peace of mind is worth sooooo much!!!❤️❤️❤️
Thanks for sharing, my baby’s self weaning having at 1.4 years old. It’s very overwhelming experience.
I had the same experience with breastfeeding. I needed to walk her to nurse and wait till she was almost asleep. Unfortunately the only other way she would drink milk was with a spoon so did not stop breastfeeding but gosh I hope I could have. So happy the transition worked well for you. You have a wonderfull family
a little over a month ago my then 6 month old baby boy refused to nurse for most parts of the day, ans so my supply went DOWN, till now where I haven´t had any milk at all for roughly 2 week now. So I switch to formula and I was SOO mortified and embarrassed only my husband knew. Every he needed milk I would sneek of bc “he need some peace and quiet to nurse”. After kcomming to terms with it slowly I have told the closest family but I still feel so hurt when people talk about breastfeeding or anything like that. I miss it so much.
I just want to thank you for sharing, its good to know of others that have been though the same and that what I am feeling is some what normal. 🤱👩🍼
When you said you were sponsored by dizzy I literally gasped. Congratulations girl!!! you absolutely deserve it! ❤️❤️
Thank you for keeping up with the vlogs even with a baby. You have such a great personality and your vlogs add positivity to my day
Our experience was kind of similar and kind of opposite...my daughter went on a 10-day bottle strike which was so hard because she was in daycare while I worked away from home full time. She was 5 months old. I hated pumping and my milk supply was dwindling so I made the decision to stop nursing AND stop pumping the same day she ended her strike (thanks to one of our dear daycare ladies). I loved nursing by then (definitely some REALLY hard days early on) so it was a bit sad, but I thought it was best to get her on a steady routine instead of going back and forth... and I was so glad to not have to pump anymore. My baby is 12 now. 🥰
Excellent advice! I think what's "best" 100% depends on your lifestyle, you and your baby's preferences and a bunch of unpredictable stuff that is totally outside your control. I'm currently pregnant and trying to wean my 2 year old who is very very addicted to the boob. I'm a stay at home mom with no childcare family help or babysitters, so it's a struggle to say the least. Nursing worked for us because it was just the easiest thing when I'm with her 24/7. I can't imagine if I was working though.
Pumping is still breastfeeding, mama! 💗 you’re doing such a great job!
Supported is best! Everyone deserves support for whatever route they choose or is chosen for them nobody should ever feel guilty for having a happy fed baby!
I don’t have kids but I love watching the blogs. I’ve learned so much and just watching the journey has been amazing. I live for the kitchen talks ❤️❤️
I’ve been exclusively pumping for 4 months now! It’s definitely hard at first feels like you’re stuck to a wall plus all the dishes but you get the hang of it. ☺️
Not only is breast feeding different for every mother, it's also different for every child. I had a daughter who hated it and was done as soon as I gave up, and a son who would have continued until he started school if I had allowed it. It's a journey.
Pumping isn't nursing but pumping IS breastfeeding. Youre doing a great jobs!! Whatever works best for a family is always amazing 👏 ❤️ exclusive pumping has its challenges just as nursing does but a great way to give breastmilk as well! I've done it for 3 and wrapping up the last now. It's a journey all on its own for sure
I always appreciate how transparent you are with your experiences. You share with such poise, humility, humor, and wisdom. Love you, Sierra! I'm so glad things are going well for you, your family, your friends, and your channel ♥️🤗
It’s funny how when you’re ready for a new chapter to start you’re not sad like you thought you’d be. I thought I’d be devastated to finish my breastfeeding journey with my son, but when the time came I wasn’t. I was happy we had our journey and we were ready for it to end when our time was right. I’m happy for you and your family to be able to experience that same nostalgia. Do what’s best for your family. Enjoy the journey for what it is, because that’s how it was meant to be.
Youre right. Those moments where you look back don't seem real. Everything's new to you right now but I'm so very proud of how well you're adjusting. I know we don't see everything but what we do see is you keep waking up, you keep trying , you keep pushing forward. You juggle so much but you haven't given up. I am so proud of you. Good job.
Sierra, I sent a message on Instagram but I don’t know I’ll you’ll see it. I’m 39.5 weeks pregnant and I just found out my baby suddenly decided to flip and be breech. We’re going for an inversion and hopeful induction on Monday, but if baby doesn’t flip we’ll need a C Section. Your birth video has given me such strength and has helped me deal with all these new emotions I’m feeling regarding my birth story 💖