The Last Time You’ll Feed Your Baby

Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode:Apple | Spotify | GetMomReady.comWe thought this conversation would be about breastfeeding.But like so many conversations in motherhood… it became about so much more.It became a conversation about identity, expectations, how nothing quite prepares you for the reality of feeding your baby no matter how much you think it will, and ultimately… it became a conversation about this:Motherhood is both grief and joy, all at once.As Shelby Nelson, known as Supportive Breast Friend, an IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant) candidate who so much of her time supporting and educating moms through their feeding journeys, shared in the episode:“Motherhood is grief. These changes are gonna bring grief. And I think also accepting that and keeping that in the back of our minds as we move through motherhood… it really takes off some of the stress and burden of the changes of seasons.”On a day like Mother’s Day, where we celebrate, reflect, and maybe feel a little bit of everything, this felt especially true.What This Episode Is Really AboutYes, we talk about breastfeeding, pumping, weaning, and feeding decisions; but underneath all of that, this episode is about:* The unexpected emotional weight of feeding your baby* The identity shifts that come with motherhood* The pressure we put on ourselves to “get it right”* The reality that every mom’s journey looks different* And how to hold grief and joy at the same timeBecause feeding your baby isn’t just physical. It’s relational, emotional, and deeply personal. All of our experiences are unique, and no one experience is the “right” one.A Few Baby Feeding Truths We Keep Coming Back To* No one expects it to be this hard* You can prepare… and still feel unprepared* You might feel empowered and exhausted at the same time* You might want to stop… and never want it to end* You’re allowed to change your mind (daily, hourly, mid-feed)And maybe most importantly:Healthy mom + healthy baby > everything elseIf You’re In This Season Right Now…This episode is for you if:* You’re navigating breastfeeding, pumping, or weaning* You’re questioning your decisions (constantly)* You feel pressure to do it a certain way* You’re grieving a version of motherhood you expected* Or you just need someone to say, “this is normal”Resources + LinksConnect with Shelby:* Instagram* Follow her to stay tuned for her website + upcoming support group* Podcast: Supportive Breast Friend* Apple* SpotifyEach of our stories on becoming moms + our breastfeeding/pumping stories* Becoming a Mom: Holly’s Story of Miscarriage, Pumping, and Finding Herself* Parenting in the Middle of Medical Chaos: Anna’s Story as a Medical Mom* Trusting Your Gut (and Laughing Through the Tears): Meredith’s Story* Intentional Living & Growing Y