International Breastfeeding Week and My Favorite Nursing Tank!

Happy World Breastfeeding Week! Not only is this World Breastfeeding Week, but August is National Breastfeeding Awareness month! So there’s lots to celebrate when it comes to breastfeeding right now. Actually, I think there’s always a reason to celebrate breastfeeding mama’s!

Before I go any further, and I always start my blog posts about breastfeeding this way, I want to say that I believe that fed is best. There are a number of reasons that women either choose not to breastfeed or are unable to breastfeed. And at the end of the day all that truly matters is that our children are fed, safe and loved. We are all just trying to do our best to navigate this whole parenthood thing and in my opinion, there’s no room for judgment. So bravo to all you mommies out there that are feeding your children – no matter how you’re doing it!

With that said, today’s post is about my experience with breastfeeding so I’m gonna spend the rest of it celebrating that. And, throughout this post I’m going to share some of my favorite breastfeeding/nursing products with you guys! They’re all from the company bamboobies (best name ever!) and they are truly products I use on a daily basis. And everything I mention in today’s blog post is 20% off until August 31st with code GET20! So make sure to use that if you buy any of these products. The only products on the site that the 20% off code doesn’t work on is the bundles and the Kelly Bra. But keep reading because I am giving away THREE bundles with bamboobies product in this blog post!

I’ll talk more about my breastfeeding journey in a minute, but first I want to talk about these nursing tanks because I have literally gotten hundreds of DM’s asking me what my favorite maternity tanks are, and without a doubt these nursing tanks from bamboobies are my absolute favorite! For a number of reasons. First and foremost is the quality. As any nursing mama knows, you pretty much live in nursing tanks the first few months of your babies life. If I’m at home, which I am most of the time these days, I’m wearing a nursing tank 99% of the time. So because I wear them so often and I know many of you do too, it’s important that your nursing tanks be good quality otherwise you’re going to find yourself buying new ones over and over because your old ones wear out or fall apart. I’ve gotten a few really cheap nursing tanks in the past and the straps completely gave out after only a month. So even if you have to pay a few extra dollars for a quality tank, it honestly ends up saving you money in the long run. And the best part about bamboobies’ nursing tanks is that they’re actually really affordable! Many websites I’ve gone to sell nursing tanks for double while the quality is not nearly as good.

I also love them because they’re so soft! Not only for me to wear, but soft for little Riley’s skin pushed up against them all the time.

If you decide to get one, or 10, I recommend sizing down. I originally got a medium (my normal size) and it was big on me. So I ordered a bunch of smalls and they fit perfectly!

I also have a few of their nursing bras – also an essential that you need to have multiples of. I have all three colors. And same goes for the bras, they’re really great quality and will last throughout your nursing journey! And I say journey, because as any breastfeeding mama knows, nursing your child IS a journey! It has ups and downs and can make you feel pretty emotionally overwhelmed at times. But at the end of the day, it’s one of the most special things you will experience in your life.

And I mean that when I say it. Breastfeeding Molly and now Riley has been such a blessing for me. Is it hard? Absolutely! The breastfeeding itself isn’t the hardest part, for me the hardest part is the pumping in order to get a stash going so I can go back to work. And you guys know how it goes, you’re constantly pumping and then giving your babies bottles when you go back to work and constantly worrying whether you’ll have enough. Or you don’t know if you should pump right after nursing your baby or wait an hour so you’ll have more milk. But if you wait an hour then you wonder if the baby will get enough milk at the next feeding. It’s a constant juggling act and I know I ask myself these questions every single day.

But we figure it out right? We do our best. And if I’m able to breastfeed Riley for a year like I did with Molly I’ll be thrilled! But if I don’t make it that long, I’ll just be grateful for the time I did have. I’m really trying not to put as much pressure on myself this time as I did last time. With Molly I was so determined to make it to the 1 year mark. To the point where I would stress myself out constantly! I think it’s because I’m super competitive with myself. At first I gave myself a goal of six months of breastfeeding with Molly. But when I made it to six months I wasn’t ready to stop. Then from about 8 months until 12 months my supply was getting pretty low and I remember telling myself that I could (and would) make it to the year mark. It was almost a game I played with myself and I wanted to win! It’s so weird how we do that to ourselves right? Compete with ourselves. I think many of us do it, it’s natural, but it’s something I’m trying not to do this time around. I’m certainly a more laid back parent in every facet of parenting this time around. I think that’s also normal for second time parents.

Something else I’m doing differently this time around is using reusable nursing pads. With Molly, I used the disposable ones a lot. And they serve a purpose, but I remember feeling really bad about all of the trash we were creating. Not just with things like disposable nursing pads, but with all the diapers we were going through! And while I’m not able to stomach the switch to cloth diapers, I thought using reusable nursing pads was something I could easily do. So this time around I’ve been using bamboobies washable nursing pads. And let me tell you, they are awesome! I started using them to be better to our environment, but now that I’ve been using them for a couple months I’m absolutely obsessed and I would never go back! First, they work so much better than the disposable ones. I feel like the disposable ones get all heavy and gross when they collect a lot of milk. That doesn’t happen with these! And washing them is super easy since we’re doing a ton of laundry anyway. We just throw them in with all of our burp cloths when we wash those. I’ve even found they come in handy sometimes when I am holding Riley and I don’t have a burp cloth I’ll just reach into my bra and grab one to wipe any spit up off his face or my shoulder. Ha! Seriously! Us moms have to think on our feet and find multiple purposes for different things when we’re in a bind.

There are two different kinds you can get. Ultra thin ones for during the day and overnight ones. However, I found that they all work super well and I use them interchangeably.

Before I go, I have to tell you guys about the giveaway I’m doing with bamboobies! I love doing giveaways and I try to do that as much as I possibly can as a way to give back to you guys for all that you’ve done for me. All of your love and support has truly been such a blessing in my life and I am forever grateful. So as a thank you, today on my blog I’m giving away THREE bamboobies Motherlode Bundles! It includes the washable nursing pads I was telling you about, the boob-ease nipple balm (I use this and it’s great!) and a super cute nursing shawl. To enter to win it, all you have to do is the following:

  1. Like my photo on either FB or Instagram that I posted this morning of me nursing Riley.
  2. Tag a friend in the comments of my instagram post OR share my FB post.
  3. Comment on this blog post sharing a moment you’re proud of as a parent or when you were proud of another parent (You might be trying to win this for a friend – you don’t have to be a parent to enter.)

That’s it! Good luck my friends! I wish I could give one to all of you! I pick winners at random at the end of the week!

I want to end this by sending love and major props to all you moms out there! Like I said in the beginning, we’re all just doing our best to get by and as long as your child is taken care of and loved that’s all that really matters. Maybe breastfeeding has been easy for you like it was for me with Molly. Maybe it’s been difficult and you’ve experienced a lot of pain. By the way, breastfeeding has been a bit more difficult for me this time around with Riley. I’ve experienced a lot of pain and at one point even had raw spots on my nipples from feeding him. I pushed through, but it wasn’t easy. (The nipple balm by bamboobies helped me a lot FYI). Or maybe you had to stop breastfeeding because it was too painful and too emotionally stressful. Maybe you chose not to breastfeed at all for any number of reasons that are really nobody’s business. No matter what one of these categories you fall under, know that you’re an awesome parent! Being a parent is the hardest job there is. It’s one of the few jobs were you don’t have a boss that can tell you when you’ve done a great job. And you know what, sometimes you just want to be told you’re doing a good job! So I’m here to tell you, good work mama! And daddy! You’re all kicking butt!

541 Thoughts

541 thoughts on “International Breastfeeding Week and My Favorite Nursing Tank!

    1. I haven’t given up exclusively pumping .. at the three month mark. Baby is tongue tied and hasn’t been able to latch properly, but that isn’t stopping us!!

      1. Ashley, you rock! I did the same with my daughter-pumped exclusively for 6 months! It’s a lot of work and I just wanted to tell you how awesome I think you are for finding a solution and doing what you can given your situation! 🙂

        1. I struggled with breastfeeding with my first child and it came so naturally for my daughter. I’m so proud of us for making it six weeks and hoping to make it to the one year mark, but nervous about the transition back to teaching kindergarten this Fall and the challenges that will bring to our bf journey. Kudos to all of the Mamas out there!

      2. Exclusively pumping isn’t easy!!! Kuddos to you. My oldest (now 11) never latched and I was an exclusive pumper for 6 months until I was just empty and stopped producing. I just wanted her to have the milk and was perfectly happy to provide it for her!
        Keep it up!!

    2. Thank you for taking the time to share your story. As a first-time mom, I’ve related to you on so many fronts and I never knew how much I needed support from other mamas. My little man is eight weeks and I’ve been breast-feeding the whole time. I’ve experienced a lot of ups and downs on this journey, and I’ve contemplated giving up and going to formula on numerous occasions. What keeps me going is knowing that my little boy is growing and he’s happy and healthy. Being a mama is tough work and we have to sacrifice a lot, but in the end it’s worth it!

    3. With my first daughter when I was in public I would run back to my car to breastfeed her or find a nursing room. I just wasn’t comfortable. With my second I’ve built up my confidence and now can breastfeed anywhere in public! It’s bewn great!

    4. I’m a new mommy to twin boys. I was so sure I would exclusively breast feed my twins but when they got here I can’t even explain the utter exhaustion I felt trying to do just that. I didn’t give up though and now we’re almost three months in and supplementing with formula (mainly at night) and breastfeeding! It’s such a special bond and I’m so happy I didn’t compromise my breastfeeding goals just because I have two babies.

    5. I’m proud of keeping it together most of the time during my summer break from teaching special ed with my almost 2 year old toddler and being 6.5 months pregnant during this hot summer. It’s not easy to keep it together when your toddler throws his whole dinner on the floor or mashes a half eaten banana into the carpet or has a meltdown for what seems like no reason.

    6. It’s funny cause my first proud Mama moment was when I delivered my 9lb, 11 oz. Baby boy crawled up my belly and latched on right away and started nursing for 45 minutes, yes 45 minutes! I was amazing and made me proud of him, and myself! I know there are Mamas out there who have problems nursing and may not be able, so I dont want this to seem like a brag post, as it is not! I agree with you, Ali that FED is best! 🙂 I will just always remember the moment I welcomed my little (not that little) Dominick Dean into this world!

    7. I’m happy to say that I’ve been breastfeeding my twins for almost 15 months!! The first three months were a huge struggle because they were born premature with little mouths and had to be fed bottles with formula in the very beginning. I was able to get them off supplementation of formula and strictly breast only! It hasn’t been easy but they are healthy and growing!!! I love the bond that we all have. Love how open you are with so many aspects of your life like breastfeeding and your postpartum squishy belly as you called it!

    8. Hi Ali- congrats on your gorgeous boy. I am currently breastfeeding my two month old named Molly 🙂 I love the pictures and blog – your children are adorable

    9. I’m so proud of myself for being so close to the year mark of breastfeeding and I love it so much even when I’m tired and it’s rough I love the sweet connection it’s given me and my sweet little girl and loving that I’m able to nourish her this way even though it was extremely difficult for me in the beginning we’re still doing it 11 months later!!

    10. I love breastfeeding! Nursed my son for 15 months and decided it was time to quit with baby #2 on the way!

    11. I’m so very proud of my best friend Alyza, who stuck out breastfeeding even when it was difficult and still is feeding at 9 months! 💜

    12. I’m a CLC and now a new nursing mama myself. I’m so proud of all those mamas I’ve helped with their nursing journey because I now know first hand what they’ve been through. High fives nursing mamas!

    13. Hi Ali!

      I’ve been folllowing your posts for quite sometime and they are so relatable and helpful!

      I am a mommy of three! Just had our third baby on July 6th. My other two are 3 years old and 2 years old. That is my proud of me moment, haha! I’m managing 3 under 3! I’m sure you know how hard it can be to have one let alone more than one and juggling a nursing schedule!

      Just wanted to say hello and congrats on baby Riley! Xoxo

      Megan

    14. I have just hit 8.5 month mark breastfeeding and my supply is bottoming out too! What did you do to make it through? This is my second baby too and im the same way with competing with myslef! Exclusively pumped with my first until 10 months. Thanks for keeing it real. And I wear a nursing tank EVERYDAY DAY

    15. I’m 4 weeks in with my first baby and struggling to keep up with breastfeeding and pumping to prepare for when I go back to work. However, I am proud of myself for sticking with it and do feel like it’s the best thing for both my baby and myself. I am trying to take it month by month, as in tell myself I will breastfeed for the first month, then the first two months, etc., with the goal of breastfeeding for 6 months. Even though it is extremely challenging, I treasure those moments feeding my baby. Breastfeeding is such a personal decision and I feel lucky to be able to make the choice to do it.

    16. Not a mom yet, but would like to give a shoutout to all you moms and the amazing work and effort you put into when taking care of your babies. Truly a big sacrifice, I aspire to be like all of you one day.

    17. Thank you Ali! This was a great blog. My proud parenting moment is that I wake up in the middle of the night to pump while my 4 Month old sleeps through the night. One of the things I was most excited about when I found out I was going to be a mommy was breastfeeding. Well my baby couldn’t ever figure it out and as hard as I tried he just wouldn’t do it. So I’m an exclusively Pumping mama now to provide breastmilk for him. It’s tough, I’m attached to a machine a lot of my life. Waking up at night to pump while everyone else sleeps isn’t easy or fun. But I do it because I want to provide for my child in any way I can. I’m proud of myself for continuing to do it and for not allowing myself to give up even on the most tiring of days.

    18. I was correcting my daughter outside of a store and another mom walked past & flashed a heart with her hands & said – you’re doing a good job! It made my day!

    19. Hi Ali, I just wanted to thank you for how you started this post with sensitivity to someone who couldn’t breastfeed. I just had my first baby 3 weeks ago after a high risk pregnancy and ended up with a moderate case of postpartum that is thankfully getting easier. I wanted to breastfeed very much but my body shut down and wouldn’t produce enough milk for my tiny baby. I’m proud to have given her what I could for 2 weeks. I love this post and think all you mamas who successfully breastfeed are rockstars.

    20. My proudest moment would have to be seeing my child grow as a result of the milk I’ve been able to nourish him with. Breastfeeding was difficult in the beginning but I was determined to get it down. We didn’t get into a good rhythm until 2-2.5 months but it was worth it. <3

  1. <3 I actually miss nursing my daughter, it was such a wonderful time and something that was so specially and that we shared just the two of us. I know some frown upon it (my family was big in influencing my decision to stop nursing) but I do regret stopping the day she turned one!! I wish I had continued a little longer.

  2. Thanks for posting! Our little guy is 11 weeks and so this is all new to us. I’ll be going back to work in a little over a month and have experienced the same anxieties about supply/pumping, etc as I’d love to get to the year mark as well. One other suggestion I’d love to make to any mamas out there reading this is make another appt with the lactation consultants! I had one the other day and came away with lots of tips and tricks for when I transition back to work, and a lot a reassurance as well. Just thought I’d share. Thanks again – love your blog, Ali!

  3. Breastfeeding was super emotionally draining for me in the beginning. I couldn’t stand the constant demand but now feedings are more spread out (my boy is 8 weeks old). Even though we are supplementing with formula after some feedings, I enjoy the nursing sessions more especially the snuggles afterwards.

  4. My baby girl is almost 3 weeks old and she has gained over a pound and a half just by me breastfeeding! I feel so proud as a Mom that I have been able to nourish my baby girl and help her grow! Happy National breastfeeding week!

  5. I love this Ali! I’ve had the best time breastfeeding my youngest baby. It has been such a blessing. Out of 3 babies, he has been my only successful nurser so I agree fed is best!!!

    1. This gives me hope! I’m pregnant with baby 3 right now and wasn’t able to get the hang of nursing my first two. Severe pain, mastitis/thrush, stress, PPD were all things I had going against it but I’m so so hopeful that things will be better this next time around! Do you have any tips/advice for me? My kids now are 4 are 16 months.

  6. I quit breastfeeding and pumping with my son after about 6 weeks. He was in the NICU for a few days so he didn’t really like to nurse and preferred a bottle. My daughter is now 3 months old and we’ve been exclusively breastfeeding. I am so proud of being able to stick with it! Our goal is at least a year.

  7. I heard that breastfeeding is the “most unnatural natural thing you’ll ever do!” And it is!!! Its so hard at first, especially with your first baby. I was so proud of myself for not giving up when I was in so much pain from BF’ing and getting to feed my babe for the first 9 months of his life!

  8. Love Bamboobies! Proudly nursing my third little and she’s past her birthweight and making big strides!

  9. I feel so extremely proud of my little one any time he reaches a first… or really any moment of every day! 😉

    I also felt proud of my accomplishment breastfeeding. It meant a lot to me so I was glad I was able to do that.

    I also am so proud of all my friends who are such great mommies and love their babies!

  10. I nursed my first baby for 22 months and I am going on 5 months with my newest little one.
    I love that you emphasize on fed is best. I am huge advocate for breastfeeding but sometimes it is not for everyone. Any momma should be proud of their breastfeeding journey weather it was weeks, months or years.

  11. Our Lucy is 6 weeks old today and making it through the first 6 weeks of breastfeeding journey has been a challenge I didn’t expect but I’m happy every day we can continue!

  12. I am very proud to say I have breastfeed all 3 of my babies. My last baby was born a premie and she is thriving and completely healthy and so strong. When she was born she didn’t have the sucking reflex she was very small. But I never gave up and after a week she started breastfeeding full time and has not stopped! I have a 2 year old also that I breastfeed up too 2 months after my baby was born. Much to say I do have a large supply of milk.

  13. When my baby boy was born he has severe lip and tongue ties. The LC’s, pediatricians, and nurses all said to just give him formula. He turned five months old on July 27th and I can happily say that after the revision of his ties he has been EBF for five months. My husband just got back from a nine month deployment and is surprised at how big our boy is and so supportive of my breastfeeding journey. I am so proud of myself for sticking to this and can’t wait to see how long our journey will be!

    1. Thats amazing! My daughter was lip tied top and bottom and tongue tied. I only lasted 2 weeks BF because it was so painful. I remember crying each feeding because of the pain and then stressing between feedings worried about the pain. Even pumping was so painful because my nipples were so raw. I was also worried she wasnt getting enough due to a poor latch. I ended up choosing to not do the surgery and stop BF. I wish I would have pushed harder because its such a special bond. I knew in the moment, my mental health was taking a hit. I felt very depressed that I wasn’t having this beautiful bond BF with my baby. 15 months later, she is a healthy, happy and a smart baby. I try to remind myself of that when I get down on how short our BF journey was. I truly admire all the mommas who toughed it out. Some make it look so easy and glorious haha and others let me know I wasnt alone and there is nothing wrong with me as a mother!

  14. What a great blog!
    I’m most proud of never giving up! Sticking to the breast feeding until my son and I got the hang of it! Now I think we rock at it!!!
    Thanks for all of the tips!

  15. Thank you for sharing!
    I am proud to have nursed my son for two a half years.
    I am looking forward to nursing my second coming in September!

  16. I love all your posts. I am a mom of 4 boys. My last two are the same age as Molly and Riley! My sister has two kids the same ages as well- so we share all our nursing struggles and accomplishments. I love how you celebrate women. My first son didn’t latch well but my last three have been successful. My fourth son born in May was in the NICU for over a week because I had polyhydramnios which put me into labor at 36 weeks. Even with all the lung issues at birth and being on a feeding tube- he is now a breastfeeding champ! Thanks for sharing all your amazing stories

  17. Nursing my now-3.5 month old was the hardest thing I’ve ever done at the beginning. The first 10 days I was ready to give up – it was painful, I got mastitis AND Thrush, and it didn’t feel natural to me. We got through that phase and I’m proud that we’ve made it to 3.5 months. My original goal was 6 weeks and now I’m confident we will make it to 6 months. Yay! I love your blog and appreciate how REAL you are for the camera. Thanks Ali!

  18. I am a first time mom and almost a month into breastfeeding. There’s been so many times (mainly nights) when I wanted to quit or felt like I couldn’t keep doing it! Breastfeeding is hard and so emotionally taxing, but so worth it when those cute little eyes look up at you and remind you why you’re doing it. It makes the stress, emotion and exhaustion worth it! I’m hoping to make it 6 months and I am happy to celebrate this month with all these great accomplishments everyone is posting about!

  19. I absolutely agree fed is best! I’m happy I was able to nurse my first son for 8 months before switching to formula and am hoping to nurse my second for a full year, but we shall see what happens 🙂 To all moms out there, Keep up the great work!!

  20. Hi Ali! I just had my first baby(a little boy) on June 20th which was my birthday! Because we were having little boys around the same time it was fun to follow your pregnancy and post pregnancy journey!
    Breastfeeding is the most wonderful experience since being a mom but let’s face it it’s hard work! I have had trouble with pumping only getting about an ounce during a pumping session. Anytime I’ve gotten more than that has been a win for me in the mom journey. Any tips with pumping?

  21. I have several new mommy friends who are such amazing moms & women who really do so much for their children and families. One of my friends is a very soon to be mom as well! I’m so proud of all my mommy friends who really rock motherhood!

  22. I’m so grateful to be able to follow your experience and hear that I’m not alone. Our son (first baby!) is just a few weeks younger than Riley! Thanks for your input and support of mamas!

  23. After a week of struggling to latch, my daughter Hensley finally latched and we have been breastfeeding every since. I always thought breastfeeding would come natural and would be “easy.” I was wrong. I am so thankfully I stuck with it, but there were time I felt like giving up. Cheers to all moms who have overcame obstacles to breastfeed!

  24. I became a first time mom to my baby girl 6 weeks ago, and welcoming her to this world has been my most proudest moment by far. Appreciate this post – nursing has been the hardest transition of this journey up to this point, but with time and patience, we are getting there! And when I pumped my first full ounce after coming home from the hospital, I had to take a picture of the bottle. (We have to celebrate ALL of the victories!)

  25. This post really resonates with me right now being that I’m nursing my second son who is currently 5 months. Breastfeeding is HARD! Especially as mother who works and has to be away from their baby 11 hours day. (Not that breastfeeding as a stay at home mommy doesn’t have its own difficulties) I breastfed my first to 16 months and plan to breastfed my second for as long as I am able to. I too have tried not to be so hard on myself but it can be difficult when your supply drops. You only want to make sure your babe is getting enough. Good luck Ali!

  26. Proud of women who breastfeed and pump. It’s not easy and any little bit you can and want to is always enough! We put too much pressure on ourselves as new mothers! I pumped for 4 months with my first, hoping breastfeeding is more successful for baby #2 coming in 2 months!

  27. ENOUGH with the “fed is best” was so disappointed at the ignorance in this! Facts are facts – “Breast is BEST” enough with the mom guilt – please PLEASE read this article- it’s enlightening to say the least. It’s FREAKING hard to breastfeed and if it’s true “fed is best” I wouldn’t be nursing around the clock, leaking, buying nursing clothes, pumping, etc. Formula is an amazing wonderful thing for those that MUST use it but far too often is it the easy out these companies are playing off of women’s anxieties to make them feel like breastfeeding should come to easy – it DOES NOT and that’s NORMAL.

    http://breastfeedingworld.org/2017/04/fed-up-with-fed-is-best/

    1. Some women do not produce enough milk or are physically unable to breastfeed. A fed baby is a healthy baby. We put way too much pressure on moms. Yes breast milk is wonderful and has so many benefits but a mother’s health especially mental health matters too. There is more to being a mom than breastfeeding. This is also coming from a mom who is still breastfeeding a 14 month old and fought tooth and nail to do it.

    2. I’m proud that I am going on four weeks of breastfeeding with no plans of stopping after dealing with my sweet girl coming 5 weeks early, latching problems, and lots of people telling me I couldn’t handle it. My baby is gaining weight and thriving perfectly.

  28. Love your blog! I really appreciate you saying fed is best! I completely agree! I pump and give a bottle to my sweet babe and we have both been so much happier that way! I’m so glad you’ve been able to nurse your 2 littles! Thanks for being so open on your blog! You’ve really encouraged me to embrace my post partum body (which is not easy ha)!

    Thanks for all your blogging! Not sure how you keep up with both kids and your blog but I’m so thankful! I read it while I pump 😉

  29. The breastfeeding journey is SO hard! I’m a full time working mom, and I turned into an exclusive pumper when my little guy Walter started daycare and stopped wanting to nurse with me. This is my second child, so I’m super proud of myself for adjusting and sticking to it! He’s 10 months old, and my goal is 1 year…almost there! But my BIGGEST proud mom moment, donating over 500 oz of breast milk with my first son to the Milk Bank of IA!! It was so rewarding knowing I was helping so many presumes and families in need 🙂

  30. Hey Ali!!!
    I love your positivity and “fed is best” mentality! I’m 24 weeks with my first baby and really hoping to breast feed while trying to not put pressure on myself to feel guilty if it doesn’t work out! ❤️❤️
    I have a friend who is a mom who has showed me so much about being a wonderful mom and being confident and comfortable with your own style of momming 🙂
    -Claire

  31. I’m pregnant with my third and can’t wait for this journey! My second child was born at 28 weeks and in the hospital for many months…I missed out on breast feeding him because he was having difficulties. So I will definitely be cherishing every moment with our new little one!

  32. So I am going to be a first time mom in January, baby is still in belly but since I am taking care of myself in order to take care of baby right now here’s where I have felt proud so far. We will soon find out what we are having and I was having a lot of anxiety about potentially having a girl. My mom was (and still is) awful to me and I’m so fearful to become her. I broke down one day worrying about it and opened up to my husband about my fears. He helped me talk through it and provided much needed compassion. Through this I realized that it’s so important to recognize when you can’t do it alone and how important it is going to be to speak up once baby arrives and I need help. So that’s been my most proud moment, being able to admit I can’t always be strong and we are a team that’s going to concur this parenting thing together.

    Thanks Ali for your blog, I know all of your words will be so handy in a few months when our first baby arrives.

  33. I totally relate to this post so much! I have a 8 week old boy and proud to say we are having a successful breastfeeding journey so far. I’m obsessed with bamboobies reusable pads. Are their nursing tanks supportive? I’ve tried so many nursing tanks and end up having to wear a sleeping bra underneath because they give no support.

  34. Proud momma moment….having my sweet little baby girl sleeping through the night by 9 weeks!!! Thank you babywise!!!

  35. I love breastfeeding because I know no matter how many visitors we have, I (selfishly) am the only one that can do that. So I get to escape and have 1:1 time with her every 3 hours.
    I am a proud mama when my husband is working late so I’m alone with my 3 mos old and my 2 year old. When it’s bedtime for my boy and feeding time for my babe, I breastfeed while reading a bedtime book. 🤜🏻🤛🏻

  36. I was unable to breastfeed my son as we struggled to get a latch but the second time around with my daughter has been a big success, she’s 11 weeks old and I’m in awe everyday with the fact that my body is so amazing and can create this nourishment for her!

    Fed is best! Both my children are happy and healthy and I couldn’t ask for anything more

  37. Hi Ali! I gave birth to my little boy, Barrett, on June 1st. He is our first baby, so this whole breastfeeding thing is completely new to me. It is definitely a journey! We have had quite a time. We went through the nipple shield phase, and I was determined to get him off of it. So we are no longer using the shield, but he has a shallow latch and a recently diagnosed tongue tie. Apparently, breastfeeding shouldn’t be painful, but as a first time mom I had no idea. I am determined to breastfeed for a full year, so it would be amazing to win this bundle!

  38. I’m 33 weeks pregnant with my first baby! I can’t wait to give birth and breastfeed knowing it’s best for my little girl even if it’s not easy for me as a working mom. Your blog posts help so much. Thanks for always being so open and honest with your journey!

  39. I exclusively pumped for 8 weeks. There were so many challenges my son was having. Now he’s a healthy 17 month old. I hope to be able to nurse my next baby longer. Love your blog!

  40. Happy International Breastfeeding Week! As I’m about to be a FTM (34 weeks + 6) I want to say I’m proud of my mom for breastfeeding me for the first 9 months of my life! My goal is to make it at least 1 year and my mama is my role model😊

  41. Made it 13 months exclusively pumping for my first baby! Due in October with baby #2 and hope to have an easier time latching to make the second journey much easier on us both! Proud of you, Ali! Love hearing your opinions and recommendations!

  42. Proud to be going 4 months strong with my first and able to freeze 100s of ounces for my little one. Here’s to making it until to 12 months!

  43. I’m proud of my ability to confidently nurse anywhere we are with my second. With my first, I always left the room, went to my car, etc. With the confidence to nurse with a cover anywhere and everywhere, I don’t have to miss out on moments and experiences with my older child. 💞
    #breastfeedingishardenough #mindyourowntits

  44. I am a first time mom and was worried about my son rolling over on time because everyone around his age had babies that already could. Tummy time has been super stressful, but out of nowhere two days ago Brody rolled over! I was floored and astonished! Now his teeth are coming in! Its so awesome how he has changed in less than a week. He is such a blessing to my husband and I! I love your post on the postpartum body! #mommyssticktogether

  45. I was proud of making it 10.5 months of nursing and pumping! Especially when I had to go back to work. It was hard giving up time up in the day but I was proud I was able to make it work.

  46. Honestly the moment I’m most proud of as a parent is the moment my daughter was born. I was so proud that my body could do this incredible thing. It grew a human! And she was perfect! Like how amazing is that?!?! The past 5 weeks have been the most exhausting but, happy weeks of my life.
    My breastfeeding journey hasn’t been the easiest but, we are pushing through and making it work!

  47. I was nervous about breastfeeding, not knowing what to expect.. whether or not my baby was getting enough but I’m proud to say we’re 6 weeks in and going strong! My little girl continues to gain weight and I’m so happy to say that breastfeeding has come to be something that is so natural for me. I’m truly enjoying every minute!

  48. Proud to be two and a half months into breastfeeding my son who was born May 21. With our first, I exclusively pumped for a year since I couldn’t get my daughter to latch. Different journeys for sure but love conquering whatever goal I set given the circumstances.

  49. Hi Ali!

    I have a son who turned two like a week after Molly and I am due with number two in October. We’re having a girl and we’re naming her Riley! Anyway, I think one thing that always pops into my head as a proud parent moment is when I think about how excruciatingly painful nursing my son was for a solid two months! Like every time he latched I wanted to scream (and sometimes did). I had a good supply and he was getting enough and gaining weight there was just something weird going on. It was the worst and when I think back on it I am so proud of myself for not giving up cause I wouldn’t blame anyone who would if they experienced the pain I did. I was able to nurse for a year and see my son grow and thrive from something I was able to give him from my body. I will always be amazed and grateful for that gift. I’m getting ready to do it all over again, but really hoping it won’t be as painful for so long. Thank you for this opportunity possibly win something very useful as well as being able to share with others our proud parent moments. It’s nice to focus on the fact that we are doing things right in this parenting thing.

  50. I just had my first baby a couple weeks ago. The thought of breastfeeding scared me for some reason but I knew I wanted to do it. When my girl was born, she was a champion eater and I was so proud of myself for actually doing it! It’s challenging but so rewarding.

  51. Hi Ali! I am currently pregnant with my first child, and I have thoroughly enjoyed reading your blog during my pregnancy. Thank you!
    My story is about my nephew, Ty. He is nine years old, and I have help raise him since he was a baby. One thing I believe is to be kind to everyone. I do not mind if you aren’t the smartest, or the fastest, or the prettiest, but if you are kind to everyone and everything around you then I believe that you are the best kind of person.
    So my sister was cleaning my nephews room and found drawings. They said “be inspiered (inspired) by helping everyone” “By doing all kinds of stuff: always helping, make the Earth healthly (healthy), and never stop helping.” The last drawing he had drew two people sitting next to each other and it said above “Not making people play or sit alone” My heart literally melted, and at that point I knew Ty would be okay in this world because of his kind heart. I can only hope I am able to teach my child the same kindness as Ty. I think this world could learn a thing or two from children.

  52. We had a hard time getting pregnant (4.5 years 3 IVF) and the trials we had while pregnant, breastfeeding is something that has gone relatively well! I am proud of myself and our baby girl for being determined together to make breastfeeding work for us. I’m of the same mindset that fed is best, this was just something that I was very passionate about making work for us. The time I get to spend with her during nursing is something I treasure and do not take for granted.

  53. Thank you for recognizing and celebrating World Breastfeeding Week! My son is 7.5 months old and I am so grateful we’re still breastfeeding. I nearly threw in the towel because we had so many issues when he was a newborn. He had very severe lip and tongue ties that needed to be released (ugh, not fun!). I also had supply issues. We had to supplement with formula for about two months until I was able to get enough milk to exclusively breastfeed. It took about 5 months until I didn’t feel intense pain when he would latch. It was such a battle but we got through it. Now I’m so grateful we stuck it out! I feel very privileged to be nursing at 7.5 months, I honestly never thought we would make it ❤️🤱🏻

  54. Happy international breastfeeding week to all the mommas!

    I’m proud of myself for hanging in there with breastfeeding…it isn’t easy and I can only nurse from one breast (I apologize to my nursing breast for having to do the job of two each and every day! Lol) but I’m thankful even with the struggles I can do if (I know not everyone can)….even in the beginning when we had to have the help of every lactation consultant in the hospital…had to tape tubes to my breast and also finger feed with tubes (my little jaundice girl just didn’t want to eat)….we did it!

  55. I’m a first time Mom, and I’m so proud of the support my husband has given me throughout this journey! I’m also proud of how amazing the woman’s body truly is, pregnancy is a miracle!

  56. When my first born was 7 months, I took a few photos of him playing in the floor. There was one where he was on his side and propped up on his arm/hand, and allll his sweet rolls were pinched along his side. I saw that picture and got emotional! It was then that I realized because of my dedication to breastfeeding him, I gave him those healthy rolls. I got the picture framed and it’s still hanging on my wall. Makes me smile and feel proud of myself every time I see it. 🙂 and now I’m 3.5 months in breastfeeding my second son and hope to make it a year like my first, too!!

  57. No one ever told me how much work goes into having a baby who depends on you entirely. But every smile every coo every clickig noise when they are feeding well makes it worth it. Thankful for the blessing children are in my life.

  58. Hi Ali! I’m not a mama yet, I’m 8 days overdue and waiting so patiently for my little man to arrive! I’m proud of myself thus far of how strong I’ve been through this pregnancy. When I found out I was pregnant I was so scared and fearful, I cried every day for over a week. I’ve shocked myself with the deep inner strength that would arise every time I faced another appt, test or scare. Us woman are superheroes! I’m also proud of my sister who is a mother of two. She breast fed them both until 18 months! She’s so loving and patient with her girls and is an inspiration to me.

  59. Hi Ali! I just had my second little one in June. Boy #2 for me. Breastfeeding seems to be easier this time around which I’m thankful for. I live in my nursing tanks too! Proud parent moment is recently at a community event my 22 month old got a sticker badge from a police officer, then tried to grab the whole roll, so she gave him a couple more which he proceeded to give to his little brother (only a month old) which was so sweet ❤️❤️

  60. A few hours after my first daughter was born this May, I had to have emergency surgery to repair a large hematoma. In the days following I had three blood transfusions. Some nurses were discouraging me from breastfeeding because I had lost a lot of fluids and was told that my milk may not come in. I was determined to breastfeed and felt confident that I could do it. Baby latched like a champ and my milk came in quickly. I’m proud that I trusted my instincts!

  61. Great blog post Ali. A proud parent moment is when I actually realized “fed is best”. I was so stressed out the first month having my newborn son because he had major latch issues and was dropping in weight. My “you know whats” were cracked, sore, & bleeding. I finally decided that I was going to be an exclusive pumper and that was ok too. I pumped for 9 months to be exact and stored enough breastmilk to feed him for 10 months in addition to donating to TWO families in need. One family their child had a condition called failure to thrive and the other family the mother had a very low milk supply. I was so proud of my body for not only feeding my son, but also being able to gift another family something that is so special.

  62. Proud to have overcome mastitis, 2 fevers, several clogged ducts, latch issues and low supply and now happily (and easily) breastfeeding my five-month-old daughter!

  63. Having two babies 14 months apart has been incredibly challenging, especially breastfeeding the youngest! I feel like it’s always a juggling act, and we’re doing the best we can. I’m really proud of myself for sticking with nursing through all the chaos. Even though these two boys are a challenge, my heart is so full, and I wouldn’t change a thing! ♥️

  64. Happy National Breastfeeding week! I love that you mention A fed baby is the the best no matter how via breast or bottle. I miss breastfeeding my little guy but we made it 14 months!! Congrats on your beautiful little guy ❤️

  65. I love this! I am currently pregnant with my second daughter who’s due at the end of September. I breastfed my first until she was one as well and she will turn 6 right after her sister gets here. It’s crazy to think it’s been 5 years since I have actually nursed a baby and I’m nervous I forgot how 😂 but I’m definitely proud of myself for being as determined as I was to breastfeed the first time around when I was 24. All I ever heard was how hard it was and how it hurt and not everyone could it and that just made me even more determined to prove that I could, I don’t remember how many classes and books I read to make sure I could. In the end I did for a whole year and I was so proud of myself not only because I proved to everyone I could because I knew my daughter was thriving and I had a great experience and bond with her because of that. I also felt like I learned a lot too and I was able to share that with my girlfriends who were pregnant and wanted to breastfeed as well. Thanks for sharing your journey, it’s always nice to hear other moms perspectives! Keeping my fingers crossed this time around goes as smoothly for you and me!

  66. Currently breastfeeding my third little one and hoping to make it to 1 year as I did with the previous 2. I love all the cuddles afterward!❤️❤️

  67. Im proud and completely amazed that I went from 3 cm to holding my healthy baby boy in less then 20 mins! I will say it’s certainly not the way I planned my birth but when little man finally decided to come he wasn’t messing around!!!

  68. My dtr is 2 months older than Lily and my second was due yesterday (still waiting!!!!) so I feel like we’ve been on this journey together. My proudest moment as a parent was when I let go of expectations and realized no one knows what they are doing. Just have to do what is best me and my family. I seriously felt 50lbs lift off my shoulders when I had this moment.

  69. I am proud of being comfortable to be able to breastfeed anywhere, and also travel with my babe. My first babe, we never slept over night anywheres but our house. With my son we travel lots with him and I nurse him everywhere’s!

  70. I’m 7 months along with my first (little girl!) and am maid of honor in a wedding next weekend. The bachelorette party was a few weeks ago and it was almost all mammas! Some who had babies at home and they brought their pumps with them to our little lakeside cabin for the weekend. Others were expecting number two and number one was home with daddy. Either way all these ladies were SO helpful and sweet and I was so AMAZED but what wonderful moms they each were and inspired and excited to become a Mamma myself. I’m proud to be in their circle.

  71. I’m proud that I’ve been able to help my little one gain 3 pounds in just 4 weeks from breastfeeding!

  72. Happy Breastfeeding month. I’m honestly proud because there were some people who didn’t think I souls breastfeed because of all the work it takes. My daughter is 19 months and still nursing (occasionally). I am proud that we have gone this long because it was so hard at the beginning. I’ve also had shocked looks when I say I’m still nursing her but nursing a toddler has a lot of benefits and helps in certain situations. Ali, my daughter and I love watching your insta stories. Thank you so much for being so honest with us. You are truly remarkable.

    Jennifer

  73. I remember being so proud of myself when I first ventured to the grocery store alone with two kids. Tough stuff

  74. Thank you for sharing “Fed is Best”! Actual breast feeding didn’t work for my son and me, so I exclusively pumped for 8 months. There were so many tough days, but I’m so proud of myself for making it as long as I did. On to baby #2! 🙂

  75. I’m a second time mom to a 4 week old and our breastfeeding journey has been so great so far. I had to exclusively pump with my first so I’m thankful that breastfeeding is working out this time. I could use these tanks when I return to work in a few weeks! Thanks for the recommendation and for always being so real.

  76. Hey Ali! Love this post! Just wondering how you got Riley to breastfeed and take a bottle as well? My little guy is around the same age as Riley and will not take a bottle any more. He took bottles when he was between 3-5 weeks old but now when I pump milk and try to give it to him in bottles that he previously drank out of, he chews on the nipple and won’t latch anymore. Any advice is appreciated. Thanks!! 🙂

  77. My little guy is 1 month old and I’m proud of myself for sticking with breastfeeding so far! It is a personal goal of mine to continue for 1 year with him so we will see how it goes. Kudos to all the mommas taking care of their babies and providing for them the best they know how!

  78. I love this! I’m a first time mom and my son is now 6 weeks. I loved watching our bumps grow together. I had my heart set on breast feeding, even though my opinion is also fed is best and we had issues with latching at first I supplemented with formula but kept trying to latch him. We used a nipple shield and that helped but I could tell he was still hungry after feeding him so I would give him a little formula just to be sure and I would pump whenever possible. After 2 weeks I was ready to quit my nipples hurt he was always hungry and with tears in my eyes I told my husband we were done. He was super supportive. But I found myself still trying to latch him at every feeding and one day he just got it. I had continued pumping but my supply had dropped. We kept at it and now we are exclusively breast feeding I still have formula as a back up but I’m super proud of how I stuck out the hard weeks.

  79. Currently 25 weeks pregnant with our first child. My goal is to be able to breastfeed for 9 months to a year. Will stay home with the baby for 8 weeks and then back to teaching. The one thing I’m most stressed about is finding time and privacy in the day to pump at school.

    1. What do you teach? Do you have a planning period when you could lock your door to pump if there are locks?

      In our location without locks, I close the door and use a hands free bra accessory (the front part of a pumping bra, which snaps onto your nursing bra). I put a cover over that, so if anyone comes in, they don’t see anything. Good luck!

  80. Happy breastfeeding week! My proudest moment is nursing my oldest for a year and now still going 5 months strong with my second!! I have thought about throwing in the towel but trying to stay strong through a lot of long sleep deprived nights!

  81. I had a really tough (even tougher than normal because let’s be honest, it’s never easy!!) experience with nursing my first little man. I hardly produced at all on one side, had a MEGA boob that was on steroids on the other, and he was a 9+ pound baby that was soooo hungry and unkind to my boobs! After 4 weeks of trying to make it work, I switched to formula. I had major postpartum depression and serious guilt that came with being unable to feed my babe the “best”. When in reality, he was just happy to be getting plenty to eat and had no problems with formula. Major shoutout to my besties from high school (we call ourselves the MILFS 😂) who kept me sane and continue to be the most amazing support group EVER. There are 6 of us mommas and 13 kiddos so it’s a party when we all get together. And thank YOU, Ali, for always being honest and open about your struggles and triumphs. Moms supporting moms is my fav!!

  82. I am proud of my friend who shows a lot of patience with her children by using “I can” statements when they’re not listening. She also gives herself breaks when she’s getting to frustrated or overwhelmed that way she doesn’t take it out on her kids. These are things I definitely want to try when I am raising my own.

  83. I was so proud the day that my daughter got back on the growth curve! We have a wonderful breastfeeding relationship but even though I make enough for her we had to get creative with combo feeding when she stopped gaining weight for two months. She’s now fed, healthy, happy and feisty and about to have her first birthday!

  84. We’ve made it four weeks so far! Our little guy is growing like a weed so he’s definitely getting what he needs but it has not been easy. Proud we keep pushing through and trying new things to make it easier on all of us.

  85. nursing is definitely the hardest part of being a mom! i never knew it would be so emotionally and mentally taxing. starting back to work was hard… but i am making it work!

  86. I would love to win one of the bundles!! I have 3 older kids and we had a surprise baby about 3 months ago. We have a 10 year age gap between our 3rd and 4th. I didn’t breastfeed my others as long as I had hoped for various reasons. So I really wanted to nurse our 4th. So far I have exceeded the time I nursed with my others and I couldn’t be happier!

  87. Breastfeeding has been such a journey for me. My now 10 week old son was born with a tongue tie, which caused a lot of pain in the beginning. I had bleeding, cracking nipples and the only way I was able to feed him without crying was with a nipple shield for the first three weeks. He wasn’t gaining enough weight even though I was doing all I could— feeding every two hours and a feeding would take one hour because he was always falling asleep, so we started supplementing with formula. I had so much guilt from doing this and felt like a failure as a mom because I was supposed to be able to provide all he needed, but couldn’t. I still cry about this now sometimes, but since supplementing, he has been gaining weight and is happy, so that makes me happy. Thanks for sharing that fed is best. I have to keep reminding myself that.

  88. Love this so much!!! I breastfeed my daughter a little over a year and it was a wonderful, HARD (at times) experience but I wouldn’t trade it for the world!! It is honestly one of my most proud mommy moments! Kudos to you for nursing both of your babies 🙂 My SIL just had a baby girl two days ago and I would love to win breastfeeding supplies to help her in her journey! Love ya Ali!!

  89. My proud moment was pushing out my second baby in 3 pushes lol. Also nursing my first baby for a year! It’s hard pumping 3 times a day at work, every single day. Takes a lot of commitment. Currently nursing my 2nd baby, 9 months strong. I want to win one of these bundles for a friend who is expecting soon.

  90. I’m expecting my first baby in febuary, definitely going to breastfeed, I’m very proud of watching my step mom raise my 2 baby brothers and breastfeed both of them the whole time. I’m so glad I came across your Instagram. I took care of your husbands aunts and mom at Terranea resort and they told me how amazing you are. I’ve been a fan ever since.

  91. I love watching your journey and your tips have come in so handy, thank you! I had my first son on May 3rd and was the first of my friends and family to breastfeed. It has not been easy but it has been the best thing. Exactly two months after my little man was born my best friend from childhood had a little girl who was born 5lbs 15oz. She was determined to only breastfeed and the doctors were a little nervous about how much weight she would loose before she started gaining! She was able to get the baby back to birth weight and gaining within a week and she hasn’t given up!

  92. My due date is Aug 4th, so as far as a proud breastfeeding parent moment for myself, I don’t have one….YET!
    But! I will give props to a co-worker, who returned to work 3weeks after a c-section and still managed to pump between clients (in the stock room at that) for her little one! Three weeks in I still feel like you would be in the clouds, she managed to juggle everything! Us ladies are super hero’s!

  93. I’m proud to have made it 5 1/2 months breastfeeding my little man so far! Watching him grow and learn new things everyday make me so proud to his mommy! 🙂

  94. I think I’m most proud of how well my LO and I are working together. From the first time the drs placed him on me and we tried to nurse him, we had a “chat” and I swear he heard me…! From then on we’ve worked together to keep going. It’s been two weeks, and it’s hard, because I’m the only one that can provide what he needs. Makes me feel needed, but also extremely tired, but it’s worth it for the late night smiles and finger grabs… and of course to keep my nugget fed!

  95. My proudest moment as a mom, other than breastfeeding my daughter when she was younger, is the first time we took her to DISNEYLAND! It was the most magical experience. My husband & I took her for her 3rd birthday. I never knew how much watching it all through her eyes, would bring so much joy, laughter & tears (to me)! There’s just something about that first time. It is one of my best memories with her that I’ll forever cherish! I felt so proud to take my daughter to the most happy place on earth!

  96. Feeling proud that I’ve made it to 6 months with breastfeeding! It truly is a full time job, but sooo worth it 🙂

  97. I love reading your posts! I was still breastfeeding my first baby when I got pregnant with my second child. I continued to breastfeed him at bedtime until my milk dried up. I had my second baby 7 weeks ago (3 days before my first one turned 2). I hope to breastfeed my little girl for at least a year. Holding them and breastfeeding them is a wonderful experience for me, but I agree that pumping is not fun at all.

  98. Happy Breastfeeding month! I am a new parent, my little girl is a little over a month old and I love reading all of your posts about being a mama! It’s all been so helpful. I feel proud that I am able to feed my baby with breast milk and that she is healthy. I also believe fed is best but the bond of breastfeeding has been such a beautiful experience! Thanks for all of your sharing!

  99. I was proud that when my husband was out of town I was able to put my two older kids to bed including doing storytime before I had to go nurse my 6 week old for his bedtime. And all where asleep without too much drama at 8.45. Believe it or not that is kind of a miracle these days 😂.

  100. I’m proud to have made it this far! 24 weeks with our rainbow baby girl and so looking forward to the special bonding that comes with breastfeeding.

  101. I am super proud of breastfeeding this time! Fed is best but I feel like I gave it my all this time around and I am proud of that! Our first was a traumatic birth so she was straight to formula. Second I never had a supply and honestly had no idea how to fix it so I exclusively pumped for five months. This time I made appt after appt with Lactation Consultants, pumped after every feeding for two weeks to up my supply, and use Legendairy Milk supplements since I’m fenugreek sensitive. We just hit four months and I am so Happy!

  102. My son is 19 weeks old and I’m proud that I’ve been able to breastfeed thus far. I plan on keeping it up for a year, but who knows where we’ll be at that point in time. All I can do is take it day by day. Fed is best!!

  103. My little boy is 12 days old and breastfeeding has definitely been a huge adjustment for me. I feel like all I do is nurse him and have very little time to do anything else. We’ve been struggling to get him to sleep at night, but last night he slept the entire night, waking up to eat every couple hours but then went straight back to sleep! Proud parent moment for sure!

  104. I am 6.5 months pregnant and looking forward to being able to provide for my son. I know we’ll have a long journey ahead of us, but I’m hoping it all works out! I’m so proud of all my mommy friends who work so hard to make their reality happen for their babes!

  105. I’m so proud of the happy, tender-hearted person my little daughter is becoming. She’s about Molly’s age and we’re going to welcome baby #2 (a boy!!) in less than 6 weeks!! I’m so excited to see her become a big sister 🙂

  106. As a new mom I am loving your blog!!! I appreciate your honesty and all the new mom tips I am getting. I have been breastfeeding for theee weeks now and it’s definitly more difficult than I thought it would be but I like the idea of setting small goals to keep going. I would like to do it for as long as possible but get nervous about when I start back at work. Thanks for you tips and can’t wait to checkout bamboobies!

  107. Congrats on your sweet little boy!! 💙

    Proud parenting moment for me was nursing my daughter for 14 months. We overcame just about every nursing battle there is..mastitis, milk blebs, reoccurring clogs, engorgement, thrush and low supply. Now I have a 3 month old son who has done tremendously well with nursing, so all those nursing battles before paid off it seems!

  108. Hi Ali! My little guy is 3 weeks old and I would like to breastfeed as long as possible. I am nervous about returning to work and pumping and keeping up a supply, and all of that. What have you found that works best for you to be able to do that?

  109. What an awesome, positive post!! I’m proud to have had made it a year breastfeeding/pumping for my oldest son and now 7 months EBF with my youngest son. We have a goal to make it to one year!

  110. I am a momma of 3. My oldest is 3, my middle is 19 months and my youngest is 10 weeks. It’s been such a rollercoaster of figuring out what works best for each kiddo. My first I only breastfed for a couple weeks-dairy allergy and I was so overwhelmed being a first time mom and just wanted a happy baby so we moved to formula. I breastfed my 2nd for 11 months until my milk dried up from being pregnant with my 3rd! And we are on week 10 and going strong. This has been the easiest breastfeeding journey out of the 3! Fed is best and I’m just so thankful for how much I’ve grown as a momma!

  111. Parenting is so hard. I am proud of myself for 3 years 8 months nursing my oldest, for tandem nursing for almost 2 years, for maintaining a marriage despite my 2 crazy kiddos, working together to buy a home before 30, etc etc etc. This parenting gig is tough stuff.

  112. I struggled nursing my first who is now almst 3, and stopped after three months. I was determined to push through this time, and with my second I am now at the nine month mark! I am so proud that I was able to keep going even though in the beginning it was so hard.

  113. I have a 2 week old newborn at home as well as a toddler who’s almost 2.5 and I stay home full time with them. This week has been my first alone with both & I am proud that I have kept them alive and well!!! It has been HARD but I wouldn’t have it any other way 🙂

  114. I am a mom to be so I don’t have any proud moments yet, but as I prepare to take on motherhood I have really confided in the mom community to uplift and prepare me for this journey. Seeing women and moms empower each other through social media, blogging, etc. has made the preparation for motherhood a lot less frightening. I am excited to know there is a community to turn to for help, questions, advice, or whatever it may be when I begin my journey in 4 short months.

  115. Happy breastfeeding. I have nursed all three of my baby girls and will definitely nurse my new baby boy when he arrives. I’m so happy that I was able to nurse them as long as I did. First was 9 months, second and third are 14-15 months. It is such a great experience. One like no other. Thanks for doing the giveaway!

  116. First time mom here I’m proud to be 3 weeks into breastfeeding! And I agree #fedisbest! Cheers to feeding our babes and bringing positive mama vibes to one another! Ali you are such a great voice for all of us mama’s I love reading your blogs!

  117. First I just wanna say I could not agree more with the entire paragraph on storing for when you go back to work. I’m a first time mom and going back to work in 2 weeks and I’ve been so hard on myself about storing!! So glad to hear I’m not alone 🙂 Second, my most proud mom moment has been letting go of those expectations I put on myself! I don’t have to be so hard on myself and comparing myself to other moms!
    Thank you for sharing your story!!!

  118. Proudly nursing my 12 week old son and taking care of my 2 year old daughter! Our kids are days apart each 🙂 May and July birthdays!

  119. Nursing definitely has not been my favorite, so I’m really proud that I’ve stuck with it! Initially it was a huge struggle knowing the feeding of my child was completely dependent on me. Over time we’ve gotten a lot better at nursing, have a freezer stash so she can have a bottle occasionally and feel much more at peace with breastfeeding in general. I’m so glad I stuck with it for my precious daughter!

  120. I breastfed my first for 16 months, he self weaned as my milk supply was dimishing due to being pregnant with my second. My youngest is now almost 14 months and still nurses like a newborn with no end in sight. My proud parent monent(s) is any time my oldest repeats something back to me in the correct context on his own accord. Most days I feel like I’m a broken record repeating myself allllll day, it makes me proud when my almost 3 year old says something along the lines of “we share with our friends” “gotta be nice to brother”. It’s in the moments I know my husband and I are doing something right and we are teaching our children to be mindful kind adults.

  121. I was proud of being a mom juggling two kids when I took them both to a children’s museum and we all survived! I got to wear my 3 month old in the carrier and have a stroller for both kids when needed. Most importantly to me, I kept calm and had special time with my 4 year old during the baby’s nap, then could focus on the baby when he woke up. Having two kids is hard and I often feel like I’m not paying enough attention to either so even though this may sound simple, it made me feel proud!

  122. My friend and I were both in the same two weddings this summer. She was pregnant for both of them! The first one she was about 5 months and the second she was 7 months along. She went on both bachelorette trips and even helped planning showers. She never complained once and she also had a 2 year old to look after too. She rocked it! And in the summer heat! She’s a great example of friendship and motherhood!

  123. Happy National Breastfeeding Week and Month!! I join you in celebrating all Mommas!! The struggle is real and we deserve this !! My proud mom moment was the moment I held my second baby, he is now 3mo and weighs over 15 lbs, and I was able to master the breastfeeding. He latched on like a pro and that truly meant everything to me. With my first son, he’s 2 yrs 5mo, I did everything possible but he just would not latch on. My satisfaction with him was that I was able to pump because I was blessed to have lots of milk flow and I was able to do it for 8mo. Another proud moment.

  124. I am a Mom of 2 boys and just trying to make it through the day.lots of family support has kept me sane, but it’s hard. I enjoy reading your posts for inspiration. My successes come everyday when I feel I did it and made it!

  125. Happy breastfeeding week! Yay to happily fed babies 🙂

    I absolutely love watching our little guy grow and learn. It’s fascinating watching him form his own personalities and discoveries. Our happiest moments of parenthood keep getting better day by day. One of my favourite memories was watching him smile for the first time. Being able to be silly and cause a smile from your babe is just the most heartwarming thing in the world!! We’re far from those days now, but that memory will always stay so close to my heart. ♥️♥️

  126. I’m very proud of myself for going onto the 4th month of exclusive breastfeeding with my baby girl! I was shocked in the beginning of how hard and painful breastfeeding is on your nipples. I also want to do a shoutout to my sister who just nurses her second baby for a year and even returned to work after the babies were just 5 weeks old! She encouraged me to push on.

  127. I am proud I have been able to breast feed my little one four months so far! I start work this next week and have a stash ready for her as I go back! She is healthy and growing like a weed. Such a rewarding feeling to be able to provide her nutrients myself! Thank you for sharing all about your breastfeeding and postpartum body struggles. It really is comforting to have other women talk about it.

  128. Happy breastfeeding week! We welcomed our precious daughter into the world in January and I was so thankful for and proud of my husband in those early days. Breastfeeding HURT my nipples were bleeding but I was determined to make it through the first two weeks because everyone said it would get better if I could just make it through that period. He encouraged me, rubbed my back, made sure I always had nipple butter and water and we made it! I have been lucky enough to exclusively breast feed my girl going on 7 months now and I am so proud and thankful for this journey. I too fully believe fed babies are the best babies and cast no judgement toward how babies get their nutrition. I am just so amazed at what my body is capable of and thankful for the special bond we share and every time I look at her adorable chubby little rolls I can give myself a pat on the back 💪🏼😉

  129. I love this post! I am a working mom and have a 6 month baby girl named Quinn at home. The breastfeeding journey has gone surprisingly smooth and am loving every minute of it. Yes, pumping and the stress around supply can get exhausting but like you said we make it through it! Mothers are amazing and can nourish our babies with our bodies alone. Now that is something to celebrate! ❤️

  130. I love this post Ali! As an L&D nurse I see the struggles of breastfeeding every day. I see moms persevering through their struggles, half asleep, and literally giving it their all. It makes me so proud of women everywhere. As I mom of two little girls 21 months & 4 months I have been able to see the differences between both of them through breastfeeding but it shows me more and more of their personality every day and makes me smile.

  131. I love you Ali. You have been my inspiration since I watched the Bachelorette. You have helped me grow and become so positive in what you do. I love reading your blog and Instagram, everything!!!!! When I found I was pregnant we were literally pregnant at the same time! I was so excited. Especially because it is our first pregnancy and child. We had the same due date, I was so estatic especially because we were having boys. 💙💙 I had my son unexpectedly it was 3 weeks before my due date. But I was still happy no matter. I am breastfeeding and I love it. It was such a struggle because it is my first time and had no idea what to do. It was the biggest struggle but I have over came that and literally love it. When I am holding my son to my breast to nurse, the curve of the little head echoe. Is the best feeling. But lately My son has been denying my breast for the past few days and just wants the bottle. It is breast milk thank god. But I’m not giving up breastfeeding on the breast yet. I’m doing skin to skin. Trying everything, he has been latching now and it’s A lot better . I think because how stressed I am. But I’m trying not to be. If you have any advice for me, that is also helpful let me know. I’m open to Anything. My goal is to breastfeed for a year and for him to latch at least latch till about 6 months.

  132. How cool! Being a first time nursing mama, I love that there’s time dedicated to celebrating breastfeeding. And what an encouragement it is to read through so many great comments about other mama’s breastfeeding journeys!

    My little babe is four weeks old and I’m really proud to say he’s surpassed his birth weight and much more! It feels like a big accomplishment to know that his weight gain has been supplied by me, especially after hearing so many negatives about breastfeeding before he was born. Hoping we can make it another 11 months!

  133. I’m proud to be a mom of two under two and my breast feeding experience was so different for each one. My son was so strong and nursed for about nine months proud moment was his transition to bottle and how he handled it like a champ. My daughter had some troubles because she was born early and didn’t have a strong latch. I pumped and she took that from a bottle. Proud moment with her is just how strong she has gotten and growing despite our struggles!! Loved breastfeeding and the little moments we all had together!!

  134. Wow I love this post so much!! I have an 8 week old daughter who I’ve been breast feeding. And like you were with Molly my goal is 6 months and then if I make that then hopefully a year! This has been no easy road for me, I’ve already gotten mastitis but I didn’t give up. I have a hard time pumping because I then find myself getting super engorged. My daughter Luna has taken so well to breastfeeding that she won’t even take a bottle and hates pacifiers, I’m so lucky in that way but it also is a struggle for me because when I take her places, that’s why I love this whole national breastfeeding awareness!!

  135. I am proud I made it 18 months with my first daughter now I’m hoping to make it that far with my second daughter who was born last week!

  136. Such a great post!! I’m watching my niece breastfeed right now and I’m in awe of the whole process. Women’s bodies are amazing!!

  137. I’m proud to have breastfed my oldest daughter for 4 months, my son for 18 months and my brand new baby daughter for the past week!

  138. I think I’m just proud that I had the privledge to nurse my son for 21 months. 7 of those months being pregnant with my second child. I was dreading the weaning process but my son was amazing! He basically nursed until I started drying up. And then he wasn’t interested anymore. He didn’t have any melt downs or anything. So much easier than what I had originally antipated.

  139. With my first son I wasn’t able to breastfeed, he was in NICU and then I just couldn’t bare the pain it caused when I would try to feed him. I cried my eyes out and felt like a horrible mama because I wasn’t able to breastfeed. But he turned out just fine in the long run. Now I’m pregnant with my second son and I am going to try again and hopefully things work out for the better this time. Fingers crossed!!! ❤️

  140. I’m proud to have breastfed my first daughter exclusively, while working full-time, for 8 months! Baby number 2 is coming this October, and I have been eyeing the Bamboobies washable nursing pads. I, too, think I’d like to switch from the disposable ones this time.

  141. I am Super proud of also nursing my second baby! My son just turned two in July and he was breastfed up until he was 13 months and now my baby girl was born May 30th and we are going strong exclusively breastfeeding with her. I am A working mom so it’s challanging but we get through all of the challenges.

  142. Wow, how can you chose just one proud mommy moment when there’s so many to be proud of! Proud to have had birthed two healthy boys! My first nurses for 2.5 years! Hoping the second will be that long as well. The real moment that sticks out to me is not how kind and nurturing my oldest is but having that self realization on How amazing the woman’s body is to grow such a beautiful thing, but learning to not be so critical and harsh on ourselves if nursing doesn’t start right away, or we don’t snap back right like how some of the celebrities post about or people who are pushing weight loss products! We are woman, hear us roar!

    Thank you also for your post about your postpartum body! I definitely went and stood infront of my bathroom mirror and just appreciated my body for what it is! Also helps when your husband tells you he loves you no matter what you look like!

    Happy breastfeeding awareness month!

  143. Hello! Momma of two here, I have a almost 21 month old and a almost 3 month old! Breastfeeding #2 has been such a breeze, I struggle with making time to pump! But I just gotta tell myself I can do it!

    Love hearing your story and appreciate you sharing your journey!

    Happy National Breastfeeding week & month!

  144. Hi Ali, thank you so much for sharing your journey with breastfeeding. It’s truly inspiring! I am due with my first exactly a week from today and am a little nervous about breastfeeding, but after reading your journey, I am so encouraged to embrace this journey ahead for me. I also didn’t know much about all the different products out there to make breastfeeding a better experience. Thank you for sharing your favorite products! I am checking out the companies website right now.

    Much love to you and your beautiful family!

  145. My baby is in the NICU, so every moment I get to breastfeed is a special moment we get to share together since he isn’t at home. Each time we increase our feeding time it’s a win, so breast feeding has become a really important part of getting my baby healthy and home.

  146. Congrats on your new little bundle! We are pregnant with our 3rd. Due November 2! I’m proud of the kids my first two are growing into and can’t wait to see them welcome their new baby brother.

  147. My son was placed in the NICU and required phototherapy. His stay luckily was only for a week but because his bilirubin was still high we had to supplement formula on and off with breast milk for two months which made breastfeeding very difficult. Once we got the clear I stared exclusively pumping for him. Around 7 months my supply was down to 1-2oz per pumping session and just not enough for our little man. It was such a difficult decision for me because I was determined to give him my milk. I had to think positive though to get me through it, I said WOW you made it to 7 months, look at you Mama, winning! I continued to tell myself that and I eventually felt at peace. We all do the best we can! Thank you for sharing your journey! Xx

  148. Thanks for posting about this! Your blog has been really helpful through pregnancy. My baby just arrived at 36 weeks unexpectedly, so could really use some more supplies! We were not totally ready. I was just so proud when she started gaining weight after the initial loss in the hospital because this breastfeeding thing is hard and it reassured me that I was producing enough and she was getting bigger and stronger!

  149. Well.. I’m proud of myself because every night no matter what and how tired I am I’m feeding my little baby girl and then I look at my partner who is sleeping like a baby next to me with he’s worthless nipples.. it takes a lot not to kick him.. 😂😂😂

  150. Happy Breastfeeding Day!! I currently have a 6 week old baby boy named Charlie. He was 3 weeks early and had a hard time latching. My proud moment was when we learned to latch and we no longer needed the nipple shield!

  151. I love nursing and the special bonding it allows between my baby and I. I nursed my girls until 22 months and 18 months. It will definitely be a bitter sweet day when I wean my son but that is a while from now since he is only 3 months old.

    Another nursing tank I was introduced to and am loving is the Undercover mama (it clips onto your nursing bra so no additional tank is needed over your bra and I can still wearing my normal clothes and nurse without flashing people when I nurse)

  152. I was so proud to have exclusively pumped for my daughter for the first 6 months of her life. I am even more extremely proud of my sister. She breastfed her first born for over a year, and is now 3 months in with her 2nd daughter. She is my inspiration, and I can’t wait to try breastfeeding again when I have my next baby with her support!

  153. I experienced high blood pressure during labor and was put on medications that slowed my milk coming in. It took a long time to get any substantial milk and I had to supplement because my little one wasn’t gaining weight. We still supplement but I am also still nursing. This journey has been difficult and it’s even harder when others are around and seem to be judging you for how you’re feeding your baby. But I’ve stuck through it and am thankful I’m able to provide what I can to my daughter. She is happy and healthy and that’s what matters most!

  154. I was thrilled to be blessed with a breastfeeding relationship with my now 6 month old son. But even further than that, donating over 245 oz of breastmilk to fellow mamas was one of my favorite moments. My son was struggling with dairy in my diet, and I was excited that all my hard work to save the milk didn’t go to waste! It was rewarding to help others as well as continue breastfeeding!

  155. Happy BF’ing!!!!

    I am most proud of the fact that I nursed my last baby for 14 months. It was a LOT of work, but my goodness was it beautiful! Currently, I’m expecting again in January and hope to nurse. Our bodies are AMAZING!

  156. I’m due in the next few weeks and am hoping to and looking forward to breastfeeding my son. Thanks for your post and sharing the products you’ve used!

  157. Happy National Breastfeeding week! My baby is 8 months and we are still breastfeeding! It’s been a rollercoaster but I’m very happy have made it this far.

  158. Proud to have milk supply to breastfeed her during and after her cluster feedings! First baby, and she is almost three weeks old! Every day I learn something new as I navigate motherhood.

  159. Breastfeeding was such a challenge with my first and because of the struggle, I switched to formula pretty early on. This time around, with my second daughter (who shares Riley’s birthday by the way), we are still going strong and I absolutely love sharing this with her!

    Thanks for always keeping it real and being such an inspiration 🙂

  160. Hi, Ali! I love your blog posts. I feel like I can relate so well, as I have a 19 month old son & just had my daughter 1.5 weeks ago! I enjoyed breastfeeding my son for 14 months, and hope to do the same for my daughter. Thank you for being so real and honest!

    -Allie

  161. Currently a proud parent feeling our sweet boy squirm around at 30 weeks!! 💙 So excited to meet him and start our own breastfeeding journey! Praying everything works out to where we have the opportunity to do so!

  162. I have had two very different breastfeeding journeys. With my daughter, she couldn’t latch well and I was always in so much pain and stressed and depressed that breastfeeding wasn’t this beautiful relationship I had envisioned it to be. But, I switched gears and exclusively pumped for her for 6 months! And I’m proud of that.

    Now, with my son, it’s completely different. He latched right away and hasn’t slowed down since. I have thoroughly enjoyed this season, and am grateful to have both experiences. They both have taught me to appreciate myself and my body and what it is capable of, given any circumstance. Fed is best, and however that works for each woman, or each baby, is all that matters! <3

  163. I exclusively pumped for my first for 9 months and had enough stored up to feed him for 11 months!
    Exclusively pumped for #2 for 14 months and also donated a large supply to a local Mom throughout the process!

  164. I’ve had a very difficult time with breastfeeding. It hasn’t been wasy for me. There were so many nights I would find myself crying because I felt like a failure. Everyone makes breastfeeding sound like the most natural, easy, and beautiful thing. It’s beautiful, but it’s not easy for some people. My first child I was only able to nurse him for 1 week. My second child I nursed him for 4 months. I am currently pregnant with my third child and hope to make it to at least 6 months this time. I’m proud that I didn’t give up with either child. My first son didn’t latch and therefore I pumped as long as I could. I feel for the women that struggle with this. Other women have never gone through the ups and downs and don’t understand. To all the mamas out there just keep doing what you’re doing and what’s best for you and your child. Don’t let anyone get you down! All you can do is try your best everyday and the rest will come.

  165. My best friend is a new mom and is struggling breastfeeding. She dedicates every 2-3 hours to pumping or feeding. I’m just really proud of her and would like to show my support to her

  166. The hardest thing for me was when everyone told me to quit because my guy wasn’t gaining weight, being a stay at home momma i decided to supplement using formula and BM and after three months and he finally doubled his weight i decided to exclusively breastfeed. I never gave up and my guy is now 10 and a half months and still breastfeeding exclusively. He dose not sleep more then two hours at a time ever. At night he wants to nurse every two hours and as exhausted as I am if my baby is hungry i try to give him what’s left of my drained breast. I tried a bottle and he just loves the Boobie, he is a happy 21 lb boy now, walking with his walker, talking up a storm and pointing. Loves stacking toys. Etc.

  167. Our little one is just 7 weeks old and I have been blessed to be able to exclusively breastfeed him! It has been a harder adjustment into mommy-hood than I anticipated but I’m proud of allowing myself to let go of my unrealistic expectations and learning to just enjoy my babe while he’s so little. (It’s still hard some days though!!)

  168. Proud of nurturing my baby and readying myself as much as possible before they arrive. This is our first babe and I’ve loved every minute of this pregnancy.. Looking forward to the birth experience and the journey of motherhood!

  169. I can relate to your journey with 2 children so close in age. My grandson just turned 2 and his baby sister is due Sept 2. He hugs her and kisses her and says “Annie out”. His mama is awesome and nursed him over a year. I laughed especially at your multi use comment about whipping out a nursing pad when a burp cloth isn’t handy! Quick thinking, mama! 😁😍
    I’d love to win your giveaway for my DIL, Nellie.

  170. I’m proud that I had both babies epidural free as I never thought I could do it and it’s made me feel strong and believe in myself. I’m grateful I breastfed my son for 14 months and very grateful to be able to breastfeed my 1 month old daughter. Lastly I’m proud that I’ve survived the first month with a newborn and almost two year old.

  171. I am not a parent yet, but I am 29 weeks pregnant with my first baby!

    Due to an autoimmune disease I have, my pregnancy is considered high risk. I am proud of myself for doing all that I need to do medically to ensure a safe and healthy pregnancy for my daughter. It hasn’t always been easy, and monitoring is about to pick up at 30 weeks, but I am going to persist! Can’t wait to have my rainbow baby in my arms.

    Thanks for all the breastfeeding tips! I just updated my registry a bit based on your recommendations 🙂

  172. Despite my milk supply not coming in fully for a solid week (and my daughter therefore refusing to latch after the first couple of days), we worked through it (with help from a friend who is an IBCLC!)… I ended up being able to successfully breastfeed her for 14 months and am so thankful for that special time with her!

  173. I thought my breastfeeding journey was going to end so early. I got Mastits 2 weeks PP and my supply went to nothing. I tried Legendairy Milk products and Max is 3 months old and we are still going strong! They increased my supply and also made my milk super fatty.

  174. Honestly. I am 1 week away from breastfeeding my daughter for 6 months and I am so proud of myself and her! After all it is a two way street hahaha… I got mastitis the first week of breastfeeding and almost gave up but with a little perseverance we made it and now I absolutely LOVE IT!

  175. Recently I traveled solo with my 2 year old and my 3 month old. We managed to fly to and from our trip, and more impressively we didn’t make any big scenes in the airport or plane🙌🏼 Really, I am more proud of my kiddos, but I was pretty proud of keeping a level head, relaxed, and flexible (though, only by the grace of God was that possible). We had a great time and managed a few little hiccups well.
    With breastfeeding and traveling, nursing pads and shirts are a must for me. Love seeing all of your posts and products you like

  176. I just had my fourth just a few weeks after you had Riley! I’ve breastfed all my children but this time has been my favorite. I’ve consciencely tried to have a better attitude and not stress about how much milk he’s getting or if I should pump or if my supply is getting lower now that I’m exercising, etc. you know the normal mom anxiety! I’m proud of myself for doing my best while feeding him and am really enjoying my time nursing so far! Thanks for your post. I’ve been on the fence about reusable breast pads by I think they sound amazing! I think I’m gonna try them.

  177. I had my daughter on May 21st. She’s my husbands and my first child. I initially wanted a drug free/ all natural labor but was getting really scared as my due date approached. Doctor told us I would have to be induced if I didn’t go into labor after a week so on May 20th at night I was induced. After a few hours I asked for an epidural and was feeling upset with myself (that competitiveness you were talking about) but remember what a friend told me. “You don’t have to be a superhero for anyone. Do what you need to”.
    She was born 9lbs 10oz and beautiful. I was eager to start breastfeeding but quickly started crying. It hurt so much! The lactation consultant said the latch was good but my nipples were just sensitive. The other nurses said I must be doing something wrong which made me very sad and angry.
    For three weeks I continued to cry every time she fed since the pain was horrible. I wanted to give up but I also wanted to feed my baby, give her all she needs, and Bond with her. I was determined.
    After the three weeks, it stopped hurting! I enjoyed being able to soothe her when she was hungry and see her gaining weight, being healthy, and smiling. Now, my 2 month old wears 6-9 month clothes and I just went back to work yesterday. I’m pumping when I can.
    Breastfeeding is definitely my proud mama moment.

  178. I’m proud of with my first child when I was able to donate 1200+oz of extra pumped milk to one of my friends who adopted a new born. The complicated and difficult process of navigating breastfeeding and pumping and all that goes along with it really came full circle for me as I gave her all this amazing nutritious food for her baby. I wasn’t able to do as much extra pumping with my second child so looking back I see how awesome it was to be able to do that.

  179. I successfully nursed my daughter for 1 year and I am 2 months in with my son. We had such a difficult breast feeding journey but I am very happy with our outcome!

  180. Hi Ali! I’m about to be a first time mom- due in September and am really excited! I’ve been trying to learn more about tips and tricks about breastfeeding because it is really overwhelming to me! I am however really excited to try it and be connected to my baby! I am really proud of my friends that have breastfed all of their babies. They are such an inspiration to me! Thank you for posting maternity and post maternity tips- from a first time mom, I appreciate it!

  181. I am so proud to have breastfed my first baby boy for over a year and looking forward to my next breastfeeding journey with baby boy #2 due in October! Both of my babies are IVF miracles after years of trying and breastfeeding was something I thought I might never get to experience while suffering through infertility but I am SO thankful that was not the case! My first son was in the NICU for a week and my favorite breastfeeding memory with him was the first time I was able to hold him and nurse him again after days of him being hooked up to wires and feeding tubes! Such a special bond<3

  182. I’m proud I made it through mastitis and infected nips :/ we had to supplement with formula because my supply tanked while I was recovering and pumping exclusively— but proud I got my supply up and have been BF my baby girl for 3 months straight now

  183. I am 36 weeks pregnant so not yet breastfeeding but have had sveral proud moments as a parent already. I have had an extremely tough pregnancy so far and am proud of myself for the inner strength and resiliency I’ve had to see it through to the end with positivity. It has given me a surge of confidence and I feel like if I can survive that, I can get through anything! Thanks for all of your encouragement and real talk Ali! It has helped me a lot in this journey so far!

  184. My most proud moment as a parent has to be when we lost our second daughter at 16 weeks pregnant, our four year old was beyond strong. She loves to tell people she has a sister in heaven and one growing in my belly.( I’m currently 35 weeks pregnant with our third daughter.) she loves both of her sister. When she gets stickers from police officers she has to ask for two so one can sit with Gracie. Seeing her thrive through the pain is truly heartwarming and has helped my healing process.

  185. Great blog! I delivered baby #2 5 days ago so thank you for this great post and recommendations. My most recent proudest moment was I introducing baby to my 3 yr old and he immediately said my baby brother is here and asked if he could kiss him. Oh my heart just melted and yes I cried. So much love. Hope all is going well with your beautiful family!

  186. My proud moment has been getting through the struggles of breastfeeding. We are almost to the three month mark and we finally have it down! My daughter has been so patient and forgiving. It’s a blessing to be on this journey with her!

  187. Our baby boy is 3days new. 🙂 He latches right away and the most rewarding feeling is when he gets a good burp after latching. My milk is almost in, I can feel the heaviness, so I hope that even though the start of this feeding journey is slightly painful, that I can support his needs with breast milk for as long as he will take it and as long as it will come in. Thanks for a wonderful blog post. Sure helps a new, first time mom and I am excited to go purchase some boobies supplies on my own and hope for a win in the giveaway 😙 thanks

  188. I just recently gave birth to my 3rd daughter premature and I had no luck breast feeding the first two. This time around the amazing nurses and staff at the hospital were dedicated to giving me the tips and knowledge I needed to be successful in breast feeding and I am kicking butt 🙂 I have more milk this go around than I know what to do with and my little girl is striving because of it ! Love reading your blog !! Thanks for sharing ❤️

  189. Nursing is mentally harder than anything else about it for me. My baby girl won’t take a bottle anymore. 🙁 Im so glad we made it through our first road trip to visit family out of state!!

  190. Love reading your blogs and stories!
    I was fortunate enough to nurse both of my babies for 15 months. I’m currently pregnant with my third and hope to do the same!! Happy Breastfeeding Awareness Month! 🤱🏼

  191. My proud parenting moment is watching my girls sibling bond being created. The first thing out of my oldest mouth every morning is “baby” and then she goes on her search to give snuggles to her baby sister. It’s the best! My two are the same age as your two!

  192. Congrats on your newest bundle of joy! I totally understand your words about being stressed out about pumping and breastfeeding and when to do each. I had such a hard time with my first because I didn’t have the information I needed and I didn’t realize how HARD it was going to be. It didn’t help that the hospital pushed formula even when I said I didn’t want it. It started a vicious cycle that I was not able to get away from. I ended up pumping for 6 months until my milk dried up and then switched to formula. I felt like such a failure! However, with my second I was much more heavily armed with information and a fierce desire to exclusively breastfeed. I totally understand that competitive nature! I was GOING to make it to 12 months, come hell or high water. I had so much milk that time around that I was able to nurse my son to 16 months and also donate over 100 oz to a mother in need. It was amazing. With my 3rd I was much more relaxed with myself and my “timeline.” It showed because our breastfeeding relationship was the easiest. It flowed naturally and I had the least amount of problems. Around 10/11 months I was ready to quit because he was such a champion nurser. However, he wasn’t ready and we ended up going to 16 months as well. Now that I’m pregnant with my 4th I feel like I’m more prepared but also more relaxed at the same time. I would LOVE to win this bundle to help out this time around.

  193. I am proud of myself for nursing (albeit a little sloppily) in a carrier today! Something I was never able to do with my daughter who is 2. I’m also a Labor & Delivery nurse, and I am proud of all mothers for the strength it takes to go through labor & delivery, and also the strength and courage it requires to have a c-section! All birth is beautiful and hard!

  194. Your so right about living in nursing tanks! 😂😂 it’s pretty much all I wear lol… I think my proudest thing is just overcoming the problems I had with breastfeeding at first mainly just a poor latch and now me and my little one are so much happier and he can feed so much easier!

  195. Wow! Love that this whole month is dedicated to breastfeeding. I’m a brand new mom! My son is just six days old! At first breastfeeding was so hard and I didn’t know if I could do it. With the support from family and the nurses, I wanted to stay strong and do it for my son! When I got home from the hospital is just got worse since my milk came in and was just painful! Again, I hate being defeated and losing so I kept pushing through it. It’s only day six but I feel so empowered and excited that it’s getting easier. Now only if I can not be scared of the pump! Hahahaha…. Happy Breastfeeding Month!

  196. Something I’m proud of as a parent…we made it 8 months exclusively breastfeeding! No signs of stopping anytime soon, which I’m super happy about!

  197. Happy National Breastfeeding week!! I am proud that I was able to breastfeed my first little one for 8 months and due in 6 days with my second little girl!! I love the relationship you develop while breastfeeding!! Nothing is better than staring down at your baby and have them look back up at you!! ❤️❤️❤️

  198. Happy National Breastfeeding Month. The thing I am most proud of is pushing through all the Breastfeeding low points to continue on this journey. Breastfeeding and cloth diapers are saving us enough money to allow me to stay home with our sweet baby for longer then the typical 12wk maternity leave and that is worth every bit of sore nipple hahaha

  199. Proud of my friend Courtenay that has a 3 year old and an 11 month old. She works as a nurse and takes care of her kiddos and is crushing it.

  200. I nursed for 13 months and loved it! I do stay at home so it was easier for me than you working moms, I don’t know how you do it but you are rockstars!

  201. Hi Ali!
    I absolutely love reading your blog, as I am about to be a first time mom to our baby girl in a month! Your blog has been such a positive and encouraging read as I am getting ready for motherhood! Thank you for covering so many topics on here! I am currently working on packing our hospital bag, so I may be referencing your old post on essential items – my Nordstrom Anniversary Sale pj’s arrived that you recommended and they are SO soft and comfortable! Thank you!

  202. I went through mastitis at month 1 and almost quit breastfeeding. The pain was horrible but I got through it and even though my milk supply was affected I have continued breastfeeding and building my milk supply for when I go back to work. #milkwarrior

  203. Thank you so much for sharing your journey and being so vulnerable, Ali! I’m a first time mom of a 7 week old sweet boy. I’m proud to say he is eating like a champ and gaining some healthy chunk. I’m proud of his little chubby cheeks and the thigh rolls he’s beginning to form because breastfeeding was so HARD at the beginning! I had bleeding, cracked nipples, plugged ducts, a low supply, and had to use a shield. There was a point that every time I fed him I would be in tears from the pain. He wasn’t gaining his weight back quickly enough so I had to pump and bottle feed and supplement with formula for about a week. I’m happy to report that he is now exclusively breast feeding and has surpassed all of his weight goals! It is such a miracle knowing our bodies not only created this human but is now sustaining them. I went through a time where I thought I was failing him as a mom because I couldn’t give him what he needed, but I now know that is not true at all! I know that however he receives his nutrients is great, and I am so thankful for formula since it allowed my baby boy to get what he needed when I wasn’t able to provide it for him. I am also so thankful for my amazing lactation consultant and the encouragement from friends that told me I was not alone! If any of you mamas are struggling, please know that you are not alone, keep up the good work, and do what is best for you and your baby! 🙂

  204. Fed is best!! – LOVE.

    We just got home from a week+ hospital stay after our 8 week old (now 10, two days older than Riley!) contracted infant botulism. It is super rare and we don’t know how she got it. (No I did not Feed her honey!) we went from exclusively breastfeeding to exclusively pumping and feeding her on an NG tube everyday. I’m thankful I had a good supply before and am proud every day I continue to pump. EP is the hardest and I give so much credit to the women who do this for months on end. We are on week 3 and I hope I can continue long enough that she will be able to return to oral feeding and off of her tube completely!

  205. My proudest moment as a mom was when I hit a point battling postpartum anxiety where I knew I needed help to get healthy for my family. I reached out for help right away, and I am on the other side of it now and a better wife and mom for it. I’ve also started writing a blog about it to help other mamas. I believe this was one of my strongest moments as a mama.

    Thank you for doing the giveaway! Love you and your blog!

  206. I have a really good friend with three beautiful little ones that she lives for. All three have been breastfed with the youngest (8 months) still feeding. Even at my wedding which she was in she snuck away to pump for the little one to have in the morning. Many over her SC stories show how she doesn’t take a day off of feeding to make sure her baby will be happy and healthy.

  207. I had a beautiful baby girl who was born on 7/3/18 and born 3 weeks early. She originally latched at the hospital before we left, but when we got home she stopped so I ended up pumping and bottling it for her. I still tried to breast feed her every time she was hungry. It was around a week and a half of her being home and I used a nipple shield and she latched on. I remember crying tears of joy because I was so happy. This was definitely a proud moment for me, I remember after she latched in the middle of eating she stopped and smiled and my heart was so full in that moment. It all depends on the day if she will latch or not, but I’m so blessed my milk is coming in so I’m able to give her my milk.

  208. I am proud I survived two C-sections! Even though it was not my birth plan and broke my heart 💔, but much like fed is best so is born no matter ur baby comes into this world as long as it is healthy and happy!!! I am so proud of 2 of my best friends like myself are breast-feeders and I am also incredibly proud of my other 2 best friends who weren’t able to breast-feed and the bottlefeed!!!

  209. I remember feeling so proud the first time watching my daughter walk. I still have a hard time believing that little person grew in my belly so to see her start to walk was crazy!

  210. Thank you for all your advice and stories! I have a 2 year old little man and 6 week old little guy…so I can RELATE sister!! My mom win of the week was when my husband was working late and I was reading a Curious George story with my toddler on my lap while nursing my hungry baby who is going through his 6 week growth spurt! What a fun (yet exhausting) memory! Keep up the great work, moms everywhere!!

  211. I nursed both of my daughters. And loved every single minute of it. Both of my daughters have been able to nurse their babies and love it as well! UTSA sixth a beautiful thing. But I also agree FED IS BEST! 😍😍

  212. My son is 2 weeks old today and breastfeeding has been very though for me as a new mom! Trying not to give up as everyone says it gets easier…

  213. I have to say I love following you on insta! Our little boys are only weeks apart and he is also my second child, so I feel like I can relate to everything! I’m really proud of myself with this second pregnancy on how I’ve come to love breastfeeding my baby, and I don’t feel embarrassed to do it in public!
    Thank you for always sharing your stories and being so open with us all!

  214. I’m pretty proud of myself at this moment. We just moved from Nassau county NY to the North Fork- the wine country- in NY. My husband is FDNY in Brooklyn. We have a 23 month old and a 3 month old. I am breastfeeding the 3 month old currently. He doesn’t take a bottle so it’s all on me right now! Well my husband had to go to Oregon for a wild fire, and I’m here alone with the two kids. I have managed to get us out of the house everyday, keep the baby fed, and keep everyone happy. I cried when he left thinking I couldn’t do this on my own with no family around- my moms in London- but I’m doing great! While I miss him, I’ve been able to do this, and I’m so proud! The kids are also sleeping and napping at the same times which is a miracle!

  215. I’m so proud of my friend, Bonnie, who is already killing the mom game even though her baby girl hasn’t actually made her big debut yet. She has handled pregnancy and all of its ups and downs like a champ. I can’t wait to see her with a baby in her arms!

  216. I have two boys—a 5 year old and 6 weeks old—and my proudest part of this is handling two kids much more easily than I thought I would. There have been tough times for sure, but my 5 year old is so helpful and has become so independent it definitely helps.

  217. Proud that I gave breastfeeding a good chance since my baby had latching issues and proud that I can pump and continue to give him good nutrition

  218. Ive recently learned that my six week old baby has a dairy allergy in my breast milk. So I’m proud of myself for eliminating all dairy from my diet so I can continue breastfeeding him. It hasn’t been easy, but we’re figuring it out! 🙂

  219. I am proud of carrying around my little baby boy that is due in September. 🙂 He will be my first and I’m nervous about all of the unknowns of breastfeeding: will it come easily, how does pumping work, is it going to hurt?! Going to take a class this month to learn more!

  220. My proudest mommy moment is by far breastfeeding. I am a second time mom but this is my first time as a breastfeeding mom. I really tried with my first born, but I constantly had people in my ear saying that my breast milk wasn’t enough and that I was being selfish forcing him to survive on my breastmilk alone and that I should strongly consider transitioning to formula because I was not enough (the sad part it wasn’t a physician or professional telling me these things) and my husband struggled to support me because he couldn’t fully understand. So after less than a month of trying to breastfeed I succumbed to the judgments and fully transitioned to formula. I became super depressed and angry that I wasn’t enough and that family didn’t believe that I was capable. I will make it clear that I 100% believe that FED is BEST but you are raised and surrounded by judgments that state otherwise creating such negativity about the topic. Well, now my second child is 4 months old and we are breastfeeding is strong and I could not be more proud of myself for ignoring the comments or judgments around me. Instead I resource my midwife team, my family physician and my lactation consultant who have 100% supported my breastfeeding journey and help me talk through challenges and successes. My little man is already double his birth weight and loves what I have to offer and it makes me feel so blessed and proud that I could do this for him and myself.

  221. I’m proud that I didn’t give in to my husband and family members pushing me to use formula. I’m a first time mom and breastfeeding has been challenging. However, Since I’m producing I must give that to my child. No one understood that, they just saw an exhausted and frustrated at times new mom. They still don’t understand how a tiny thing can eat so often. I’m thankful and grateful that my body has allowed me this opportunity. To all you moms, you are killin’ it whatever form of feeding and parenting you choose. There is no one right way. It’s whats right for you that is the right way. Much love!

  222. Woo!!! I’ve been looking for the right nursing tanks and bras for the future so THNK YOU!!! I am over 34 weeks pregnant with my very first and so very excited to welcome Jaci Joanna into the world in September. What I am most proud of during my motherhood/pregnancy is that my husband and I have continued to stay connected while focused on our sweet girl. He always wants to touch and speak to my belly, which has really added to our connection. I have also continued my full time corporate job, even though my traveling has stopped. Being able to work from home when not traveling has made me feel like I can actually do the whole “work from home and be a mom” thing! On top of that, I have been very blessed to continue my workouts most days with either Body Pump, yoga, or just walking our pup. I canno wait to share those walks with our baby girl when she arrives!! What a blessing motherhood will be!

  223. I’m expecting my first and trying to be as prepared as possible for the BF journey!

    Proud of all the mamas out there – the comments are so moving (and educational) and so is your blog, Ali!

  224. We live parallel lives. I have a daughter (20 months) and a new baby boy (10 weeks). I breastfed my daughter until she was 14 months and I was 6 months pregnant. It was SO hard. It hurt. And it was time consuming but I’m stubborn and ended up loving it. Now that I have my boy, it’s easier and I have more milk but that’s a whole other issue. Sister is becoming interested in the boob again bc I’m nursing brother but I’m holding her off because nursing one with a toddler is SO hard and my husband is gone a lot.

    I’ve been wearing target nursing tanks. Live in them at night. I need to try this new one. Looks awesome.

    Thanks for your Instagram page and blog. Your posts make me feel somewhat normal and that I’m not alone because you are in the same (crazy) stage of life I’m in. ❤️

  225. Thanks for the recommendation! As I am pregnant with my first, I am so overwhelmed with all of the options! Can’t wait to try these.

  226. I am proud of myself as a parent for carrying this little guy inside my belly for the last 8 months and staying healthy when I’m already considered obese, doing everything within my power to stay calm and relaxed during the pregnancy, and being so so so excited I was chosen to be his mama.

  227. I was able to breastfeed my son for 9 months. I almost lost my Supply when he was 3 months old, but we fought through it and got it back for another 6 months before I lost it again. I was so upset that our journey was over, but I’m so thankful for the 9 months that I was able to provide for him. I’m 6.5 months pregnant with my second baby now, and I’m hoping that we can make it to the one year mark!

  228. I am proud that I was able to give birth at 17 and more recently at 30 and that both times I have learned and grew as a person and have been the best version of myself.

  229. As a brand new parent, everything is new and scary to me. At 11 days old we ended up at emergency because our little guy had a fever of 103! They did a bunch of tests (including a catheter and a lumbar puncture) and our boy barely made a sound. I was so proud of how strong he was at such a small age. He has taught me so much in the month he’s been in this world and I’m so grateful that I get to be his mama 😊

  230. So glad to see you like these products. I just ordered the tank top and it should be here today. I like that it wasn’t made from synthetic materials. I was so proud the other day when two boys included a “little kid” in their game (when I could tell they weren’t wanting to at first). Give me hope they’ll be great big brothers soon!

  231. I am so proud of myself (and my baby girl) over the fact that we are champs at breastfeeding! It was a struggle at first, my milk didn’t come in for 5 days and she was having issues latching so we supplemented with formula until my milk came in! After that, it has been smooth sailings and at almost 11 months old, she is still obsessed with the boob! Loving this journey with my little girl!

  232. I am a mommy to the cutest little 10 month old boy. I had a very hard time when I first started breastfeeding my little one (including being allergic to disposable nursing pads) but I stuck with it and now I have breastfed him for 10 months and my goal is to make it to a year! I am super proud of this accomplishment and hopeful to do it with me next!!!

  233. We battled infertility before having our son, and it was really important to me for our child to meet his great grandparents. We planned for a Christmas trip since I’m long distance from my family. In late June, we got the call that my grandfather wasn’t going to make it, and my parents graciously offered to help us make a trip down for our four month old son to meet him. I was distraught that after so much effort, we might be too late because of my body. I had to work all day Saturday and then again Monday afternoon, so we flew down after work and back right before work. I had a trial lesson with a new student right after we got home. I’m proud that we made it down for a day, flew with an infant for the first time, that I made it through the lesson, but most importantly, that our son smiled at my grandfather, who opened his eyes to meet him.

  234. When my son was born we started out with some struggles breastfeeding. The nurse gave us a nipple shield and we’ve spent the last 4 weeks trying to wean off of it. We are finally able to accomplish entries feedings without the shield during the day! I am so proud of our perseverance and of my little guy for learning and helping his mama make this change.

  235. I had the goal of nursing my now two year old for a year too and I made it! It wasn’t always easy with nursing strikes and bottle refusal and pumping at work etc….but we did it! Baby #2 is due anyday and I’m hoping to make it another year if breastfeeding 🤞

  236. Thank you for all of these suggestions for nursing gear! Just recently found out I’m expecting with baby number 2 and I am SO determined to make my breastfeeding journey this time around a little bit easier than it was with my first. Winning one of those nursing bundles would be so awesome! I feel proud parent moments each day, but I think what stands out the most to me is how much my little one has stared talking and speaking for herself this summer after receiving early intervention services for a speech daily! I just love hearing her cute little voice everyday 🙂 thanks Ali!!!

  237. I am proud every moment I spend/have spent feeding my sweet boys…. I may argue differently at the 3rd middle of the night feeding, but his cute smile makes up for it😜

  238. Nursed and supplemented with formula with my first (4lb preemie, low milk supply). My second was not a great nurser in the beginning, poor transfer and my nipples were constantly cracked and bleeding despite many trips to the lactaction consultant to determine the cause. The transfer issues resulted in low milk supply again so I switched to exclusive pumping. SO HARD with a 20 month old to pump 8 times a day but I did it! Now she’s great at nursing and we nurse during the day and I just pump in morning and at night. We went from supplementing 2 or so bottles a day of formula to 100+oz of bm in the freezer. Fed is best and my first was on formula since day 1 and such a healthy girl, but I’m proud and happy that my breastfeeding journey has been going so well lately with my second daughter. Cheers to all the moms feeding their babes however they can!

  239. I love following you and your blog Ali! You are so inspiring! I’m proud that when we brought our 2nd to the ped last week she was above her birth weight at 7 days old..they were very impressed! I seriously struggled with our first and her gaining weight so feel relieved things are starting off differently this time around!

  240. I’m two weeks postpartum with my son and let me say, breastfeeding ain’t easy. So much respect for all the women who take the time to learn and try.
    It’s been such a learning curve for both me and my little one. Washable nursing pads have been so great for me. Soft on my sensitive nipples and I love that they are machine washable. Ive been eyeing up the Bamboobies nursing bra as it looks like it will accommodate me late busy and smaller band size. It’s been a struggle finding good quality ones that support but don’t squish !

  241. I’m proud of making it almost 2 years nursing! It hasn’t always been easy but it is totally worth it. Thanks for the inspirations!

  242. I was so proud of when my son came into the world, he is 3m olds now. I had a natural birth with no medication, I loved every minute of it and I loved him instantly and with my daughter 2y olds now I was in so much pain after an epidural I couldn’t feel the love I have for her….I even had postpartum depression last time. BUT I am so proud to say I don’t have postpartum depression this time around!!!!

  243. Last October I watched my older sister go through a super difficult delivery with my nephew and then a rough few days in the NICU. She’s one of the strongest people I know and the best mommy!! My nephew is THE cutest and probably what sparked my baby fever and now I’m expecting my first this December! So glad I have my sister to ask EVERY little question I have through this process! I can’t wait for our babies to grow up together! 🙂

  244. I’m 11 weeks into 🤱! It was a rough start at first – we had to work on his latch and got thrush which was really painful. But we pushed through and am so glad we did! Breastfeeding my baby is one of my favorite parts of the day now because it’s just one on one time with him. I’m going to miss these moments when I go back to work next week! Wish me luck on the pumping journey!

  245. Hi Ali! Congratulations on your breastfeeding journey with both of your children. While I am proud of many moments, my entire breastfeeding journey is what makes me most proud. My daughter and I had a bumpy start with our journey from latching issues from an overly tight frenulum, many clogged ducts, and a bout of mastitis. But we stuck with it and persevered! I went back work 4 months postpartum to a very demanding and high-stress job, and pumped at work for a year-and-a-half in between meeting, calls, and while doing work. It’s been one of the hardest and most challenging journeys, but ultimately more rewarding than I can put into words. Vivian and I were lucky enough to have some extra breastmilk to share, and we donating almost 1,700 ounces to the Mid-Atlantic Mother’s Milk Bank for medically fragile babies. I also believe that fed is best, and we as mamas need to support each other and build each other up!

  246. I am breastfeeding our 3rd daughter who is just a week old! I love Bamboobie nursing pads! Don’t know what I’d do without them! I am currently proud that I am nursing a newborn with having a 5 yr old and 2 1/2 yr old along my side most of the time just watching aka distracting us!

  247. Happy breastfeeding month! I had my daughter shortly after you had Riley so I feel as though I’m going through the process with you! Which is nice to not feel so alone. I was able to breastfeed my son for a year and I’m hoping I can breastfeed my daughter for a year too! I also agree – fed is best! Thanks for sharing this post! I’m finding it difficult to buy nursing tanks and bras as my breasts are much bigger this time around! I hope I win! 🙂

  248. My baby cousin had her sweet baby girl, Scarlet unexpectedly and much too early. Then when her milk came in she pumped and saved her milk that was meant for her own baby for her expecting sister to use. Right now at 1 week PP she is able to supplement her babies feeds with Scarlet’s precious liquid gold and it is helping her baby girl thrive and gain weight as she is recovering from c section and establishing her milk supply.

  249. It’s SO uplifting to read posts like this and not feel as alone in the BF journey! There were many days I would tell my husband that I didn’t know how much longer I could do it between the 24/7 eatings and nipple pain, but I pushed through and am so happy I did. I love breast feeding now, despite some new challenges. My little one just turned 4 months, and I have a new set of obstacles being back at work now and pumping (although I try to feed her at least once during the day since she’s at my work’s daycare which I’m so grateful for!). Clogged ducts, trying to figure out when I’m going to feed her between meetings at work and work itself, getting the “Mothers Rooms” reserved when I need to pump, getting ready in the morning and in at a decent time, making sure bottles are ready, etc. It feels like another full time job and BF is always on my mind in some way it seems! Lots to navigate and coordinate, but I honestly love the bond and journey so it’s 100% worth it!! Thanks, Ali! <3

  250. Thank you for sharing. I just had my second daughter in June and I struggled producing with my first. I had to supplement with formula and only got to nurse for 8 weeks. This time I’m able to nurse her exclusively. I just went back to work at 6 weeks and I’ve taken the time to pump so I can continue to give her breastmilk while I’m away. It’s been amazing physically seeing what my body is capable of.

  251. Way to go, mama!! I have a very similar mentality and breastfeed my first 2 until they were one as well. It was not easy but a goal I set for myself! I now have 2 week old twins I’m breastfeeding as well. I’m definitely trying to give myself some grace this time and see how long we can continue the journey!

  252. With my first boy breast feeding didn’t come naturally. We had 20 to 25 mins feeding sessions and I had matistis 3 times. I almost gave up after the third case. But then my son had a check up and found he had a really bad tongue tie. After that things got a whole lot better nurses until he weaned himself off at 13 months. Then with my second son I made sure to ask about a tongue tie and they found a worse one at 2 days old son and we got it fixed. This round has been a little easier.

  253. I’ve been exclusively pumping for about a month as a milk donor! My beautiful boy Israel was born at 19 weeks, and my supply came flooding in a couple days later. Some days it’s so difficult and frustrating, but it gives me so much joy to know I’m helping other babes and mamas with Izzy’s gift.

  254. Pumping right now.. my son is 3mo and it took us 8wks of using a nipple shield, and catheter to feed.. I pumped after every feeding in the beginning.. it was exhausting but SO worth it now that we both have feeding down! The reusable nursing pads are life savers!

  255. My baby boy is 12 weeks old, he has had nothing but my milk since he entered into the world. I have had mastitis twice in that time period, but knowing this is what is best for him, I have kept trucking along! Cheers to all the other mommas out there!

  256. Thanks for the post on breastfeeding. I’m a doula and mother of 4 (all breastfed/breastfeeding) so this is a strong passion of mine. I’m super proud of myself for my perseverance with my first baby. It was Challenging to say the least. You’re newest addition is so incredible sweet and love following along on your journey

  257. I’m a soon to be parent, so I guess I’m proud that I really want to breastfeed and am going to a breastfeeding class to make sure I learn what I need to do to hopefully make it successful! I’m praying it all goes well!

  258. As a lactation consultant and first time mommy to be… My proudest moments have been working with new moms and helping them along their breastfeeding journey. It’s truly gratifying giving new moms the guidance, support and encouragement that they need to be successful. Being a mom is hard work & I truly love helping moms to make feeding their babies a little easier & less stressful. Hopefully I will soon be a breastfeeding mama as well. Happy Breastfeeding Week ❤

  259. Proud to be nursing my 2nd ( a week old!). I struggled with supply with my first and put myself through pumping hell & ultimately borrowed milk from my best friend who had over supply. Still proud of myself for having the courage to ask her for help and sticking with breast milk as long as possible 🙂

  260. I am proud that I was able to give birth to our second baby with no pain meds! Labor & delivery is hard but so worth it!

  261. My baby is 2 months old and I just returned to work! I’m proud that I’m making it through this week… pumping sooo long

  262. Pumping every day in the car at work, on my lunch break and on the way home to keep up a stock of breast milk for my baby. Despite wanting to give up so many times we are almost at the 6 month mark (which was my original goal) and I think I’ll continue until she is a year!

  263. I am so proud of my sister who wrote a children’s book hitting a lot of the comments that you made. When she became a mom, she saw that so many mommas were critical of their own decisions that they made about being a mommy! Her book highlights the fact that if you love your child and are doing what is best for your family, then you are an awesome mommy!!

    The book is called ‘Some Mommies’ and I recommend it to anyone who wants to share that message!

  264. I’m most proud of my mommy friends that stuck through breastfeeding when it was the most difficult and also a mommy friend that wasn’t able to breastfeed but was able to ignore some of the negative comments she received from other moms.

  265. I’m super proud of going back to work after having my babe. I really struggled with if it was a good decision, if I was a bad mom because of it, etc. but I’m in week 3 and I am so confident that it’s best for me and my baby.

  266. After mastitis, tons of pumping, and poor weight gain for baby, I’m finally back to exclusively breastfeeding and she gained 9oz in the past week! Proud 🙂

  267. I am so very proud of my sweet friend Sam for going through a 36 hour labor to have her baby boy! She is a warrior woman 💪🏻👱🏼‍♀️And I am so proud of the Mom is

  268. Hey, I just love reading you blog. Love that you share what y’all u do to help other moms out! I’m 33 weeks pregnant and struggling with gestational diabetes. I have a set of twin girls that are almost 5 and didn’t have this with them. I was lucky and was able to breastfeed them. I’m hoping to do the same with this little one! Just like you said not trying to put too much pressure on myself. I would love for a chance to win this package! Thank you again!

  269. I’m proud of making it to 18 months BF with my first daughter and then 20 months with my second (she did not ever want to stop :)). We definitely had our ups and downs and I was always stressing about not making enough, but looking back I am so glad I had that experience with both of them. I love your blog posts and really appreciate you supporting all Moms, however we feed our babies! I would love to win a bundle of goodies for my SIL who is due any day!!

  270. Hi Ali! I am also a mother of two, a 2.5 year old boy, and a 6 week old girl! I wasn’t able to breastfeed my son, which I often beat myself up for. I pumped for 2 months and then just couldn’t supply enough, so we stopped. When my daughter came I told myself I’d try, but not stress about it. BECAUSE FED IS BEST!!! Luckily my daughter has been breastfed exclusively since birth, and I am so happy to have this bond with her!!! I’m so proud of myself for sticking with it, because it sure ain’t easy! 💕💕💕

  271. In the course of having my two children, I’m proud of the fact that my children are happy, well adjusted individuals, who are respectful of others. Especially because we’ve been through daddy developing epilepsy, a couple mental illnesses developing in the family, and overcoming some emotional childhood issues in the midst of giving birth to children and raising them. It’s been a really hard and difficult period of transitioning into parenthood but both my husband and I are thankful, happy, positive, and hopeful for our future.

  272. I have never felt more proud than when my baby was placed on my chest for the very first time. I didn’t even feel proud of myself, I felt proud of my baby boy. If we really think about it, these babes are warriors. The moment I laid eyes on my little guy I wanted him to always feel proud of himself for who he is. He is now 2 months old and as the days go by, I feel proud of the challenges that we are faced with daily and overcome as a family now of 3. It’s takes mommy, daddy and baby (and our 4 legged brother) to communicate and take time to be present and understand. Nursing has been the absolute hardest and most rewarding thing I have ever done in my life. I constantly think to myself how amazing the concept is, and how grateful I feel that I GET to nurse my baby and it works for us. Lots of times in the middle of the night I will see snaps and posts from some of my other mama friends, while I am also awake and haven’t slept, and I feel SO proud of them for being persistent and caring for their babes. Parenthood has brought so much pride – for my baby, myself and husband, and for all other parents out there trying to figure it all out. I never truly understood it until I became a mom, and I wish I would have been there more for my friends who became moms before me. We are all rockstars. 🤘🏻 Thank you for all of your encouraging posts, Ali!!

  273. First of all, I love reading your blog posts especially the mommy ones. It makes me feel like everything I am doing is the right thing even though some days I feel like I am doing the complete wrong thing. Also, Riley and my little boy Lucas are only days apart so it’s cool to see videos and read all about him.

    I am a first time mommy and decided right away to try breast feeding. My mom could never produce enough when we were younger so I didn’t get my hopes up for being able to do it, but I knew I wasn’t going to not try. When Lucas was born he struggled latching so I was given a shield which seemed to help him a little, but not so much me. I ended up overproducing, got mastitis, and my frustration level was through the roof. I could have quit and been done with it, but decided to keep going as nothing is better than being what your child needs for nourishment. The bonding and knowing that you are providing your child with the best milk possible made me not give up. We are all healthy and great now. The experience of breastfeeding is unlike anything else. It has been nice to read what you use and have liked to make the experience more bearable towards the beginning. I will have to try all of those things.

    Again, thank you for your honesty all the time. You are a strong momma and you are also doing an amazing job! God bless!

  274. Being a first time Mommy, I have so many proud moments with my sweet 3 month daughter. But even more proud moments watching my sisters be Mommies to all 5 of my niece and nephews. However, I am the first in my family to be able to produce milk to fully nurse my sweet girl. My mom nor my sisters were able to do so. So first, I am so proud that I am able to do so by Gods grace alone! I believe breast is best! And I want to teach my children that it’s best. But even more so, my niece and nephews are learning the benefits from nursing. I found my sisters toddlers nursing their baby dolls so that they can feed like Auntie Lil.

  275. My son was a preemie with a few feeding issues along the way so he was unable to latch properly. I pumped exclusively for a while, but ended up letting my husband take over with supplimenting at night after a while! What am I proud of? Pumping! It’s hard work! What else am I proud of? All mamas. No matter how you feed your babies!

  276. Surviving every day makes me a proud parent. I have 3 boys under 2 (one month old identical twins… today actually! ) and it’s HARD! My husband and I just try to focus on little wins and keep each other positive… even if we may be a little bit crazy. But we have 3 awesome little guys who seems to like us so far so that’s a win!

  277. Oh, man, I’d love to win this giveaway! I’m currently pregnant with my 5th baby and have breastfed my first son for 9 months, exclusively pumped for my preemie for 10 months (he needed formula supplement for extra calories), and my fourth son for 12 months! I am so proud of my breastfeeding journey because it wasn’t always easy or beautiful. My second son is a twin, but his brother was stillborn. Fighting through my grief and the worry of my other son in the NICU, planning a funeral and caring for my step daughter and oldest son at home while still trying to provide him with breastmilk was the most difficult thing… but I did it. I still deal with PTSD and anxiety, but each and every day I try to breathe and thank God for another new day. To this day, those first few months of fighting through my heartbreak is my most proud mothering moment!

  278. I decided to breastfeed my first son the moment I knew I was pregnant. Working full time and then going to college in the evening took a toll on my supply. Even though I was only able to do 6 months I was proud of myself for going that long! I can not wait to do it again once I am pregnant the 2nd time. I wouldn’t change anything or have it any other way.

  279. I’m so proud that I’ve carried my girl for 38 + weeks! So ready for her arrival and to start the journey of breastfeeding!

  280. I proud I was able to exclusively pump for my daughter for 18 months (since she would never latch). I always set small goals like 3 months, 6 months, and so on. I too was competitive with my self and just kept pushing. Pumping exclusively was one of the hardest things I’ve had to do and commit too.

  281. Currently nursing my third baby But would love to win this giveaway for one of my best friends who is expecting her first child in October. Her mother died two years ago on Christmas morning from a massive heart attack completely unexpectedly and I cannot imagine bringing a baby into this world without the help of my mama. So I’ve been doing all I can to make this pregnancy a great experience for her.

  282. I’m proud of the fact that I have an amazing 4 year old girl that’s confident, kind and loving! She’s going to make a great big sister to her lil sis that is due to arrive August 28! I plan to breast feed again, but if it doesn’t work, then it doesn’t work! And I’m ok with that. Thanks Ali for supporting fed is best!!

  283. Made it 17 months with my first and am going strong at 9 months right now with my second. I love the bond it gives us!

  284. Breastfeeding is definitely hard. From baby being tongue tied and having to get that fixed and doing tongue stretches every 4 hours for a full month so it didn’t grow back together, to being on the nipple sheild until this past Monday where my lactation consultant told me to go off of it cold turkey with her and she will latch if she is hungry. Well, it was a hard few days but she hasn’t been on the sheild since Monday!

  285. I’m a first time mommy and proud that I have been able to nurse my daughter for a month now and am also producing enough to have a stash in my freezer!!

  286. My son turns one in two weeks and he is EBF. I’ll start weaning soon, but I’m proud of making it this far! Momming ain’t easy 🙂

  287. Thank you for being such an inspiration and being so honest about motherhood and all the amazing (and of course struggles )that come with it. I have babies similar to your ages. I’m really thankful for being able to breastfeed my 4 month old baby boy while having a jealous little energetic almost 2 year old girl. It’s definitely not easy as you know so it’s a blessing to able to manage and have two healthy happy babies.

    Thank you for your blog and your posts again, they really are motivating and help to see that there are others are there that are going through the same thing.
    You have a beautiful family 😘

  288. I am proud that I’ve breastfed my baby boy for three months so far. Despite many obstacles and wanting to give up, I persevered thanks to God, my sister’s advice and the help of a lactation consultant. ❤️

  289. I breastfed my first two babies until they were 17 and 19 months old with no problems. I had my third 3 weeks ago and we are dealing with extreme nipple pain and possible tongue & lip ties. I’ve also already had mastitis! This journey is way harder than the first two but i refuse To give up. The transition to 3 kids is exhausting but i love Being their mama. ❤️

  290. I’d have to say one of my proudest moments was being able to donate 325 oz of liquid gold to a local working mom. With my first son, I ended up EPing and hated every second of it. The stress drove my supply down so low and we were lucky enough to find a momma to spare 180oz to get us to my 6mo goal. When or second son arrived, I was determined to pay that forward. Being able to surpass it, made me feel amazing and I know that momma cherished every drop just as I did. We made it 13.5 months before he set weaned and now we’re expecting again, a little girl. I’m determined to surpass those milestones yet again.

  291. I never thought breastfeeding would be as hard as it is. Throughout my entire first pregnancy I just thought it was natural and would be so easy. When my son was 3 weeks old and just barely above his birthweight, I had to start supplementing. I was devastated but he was fed and once I came to terms that he wouldn’t be breastfed (and that formula was just as good for him because he was eating and growing so well) I was much less stressed. I continued to breastfeed him and supplement with formula daily for an entire year.

    With my second son, who is now 3 months old, I went into nursing him knowing that it was okay to give him formula if he needed it and I made a promise that I would not stress about it. I’m not sure how or why but I have an oversupply of milk now and it honestly is so exciting. I love that I’m able to stash some milk every day in the freezer for when I return to work.

    Shout out to all the mommas out there, formula or breastfeeding. You’re doing what is best for you and your baby!

    Breastfeeding is HARD. And it isn’t for everyone. Fed is best! ❤❤

  292. I always love reading your honest blog Ali especially when it’s about honest motherhood!

    My proud Mommy moment…two actually…I exclusively pumped 1 year with my first kiddo when I couldn’t get the breastfeeding down. And now I am nursing and pumping with my 1 month old! Although days are a little harder this time round with 2 beautiful girls, I love being a Momma!

  293. Happy breast feeding week. So proud of my niece Nicole Wilbur as a 1st time mom. She’s done an amazing job. She had a premi and did everything she had to do to ensure the health, growth, nuturing and bonding with her little Mila. Breast feeding was very important to her and for her baby. Little Mila is now 2 months and is doing amazing ❤️

  294. I breastfed my daughter for about 6 weeks, my son the same. My third though I was determined to do longer. I made it 6 months and was so proud! I am pregnant with my 4th, and if I am able to breastfed I will do it as long as I can. It is such an accomplishment! It is not an easy thing!

  295. Proud moment- currently breastfeeding my 4 week old and keeping my 31/2 year old happy and entertained! Being a mom of 2 is no joke!

  296. I’m proud of myself for pushing through the 3 week growth spurt with my son and EBF him for 13 months. I pray my journey with my little girl on the way works out well and I’m able to breastfeed her for at least a year as well!

  297. I’m nervous as hell to breastfeed, but ready for the challenge! Only two weeks left until baby is ready to chow down on my boobies!

  298. My 2-month-old son really struggles with severe reflux, and I’ve given up dairy, soda, all red sauces, several vegetables, and a few other things so I can continue to exclusively breast feed. I’ve thought several times about switching to formula so the burden would be lighter and I could no longer have to deprive myself of so many things I love, which would be helpful for my mom sanity. While we’d all do (and do without) just about anything for our babes, I’m still giving myself props for sticking with my goal to EBF in spite of the challenges we’re facing. 🙂

  299. Hi!!!! I am proud of the fact that I was able to breastfeed my daughter for 8 months before I had to supplement! Though I have to give credit to my friend Erika who helped me reach that far with giving me some of her extra supply! She is a truly amazing friend! I wanted to make it a year but I am happy I made it as long as I did!

    I just had my son Friday and I have to say that this time around I am proud that I am more confident going forward now. I am just thankful I can feed him!

  300. My proud mommy moment was when I was so tired and it was 3 am, and she was only a week old. I laid my daughter on the bed and stared at her. I remember thinking how lucky I was to have my sweet miracle with me. ❤️ I remember that moment so clearly, and she’s 3 now!

  301. I’m due in October with my first baby, I plan to breast feed. I would say it’s extremely nerve racking not knowing if you will be successful or not. But I have had lots of role models who have breastfed exclusively, some who have tried and ended up having to bottle fed and some who just formula fed. It makes it more comforting knowing that all the babies where healthy no matter what so to relax and be proud your baby is fed.

  302. I would love to win, I did not enjoy nursing my daughter but I just had my son on the 29th and am taking a much more relaxed approach and actually enjoying it (minus our 1.5-2 hr sleep we got last night 😭😂)

  303. Yay!! I’m so excited! Us like you had a little girl and now we are expecting a little boy! I loved breastfeeding the first time around and I love your positivity to everything about being a mom! It’s hard, plus who has time for judgement! If you do than bring your booty to my house and clean! Haha!!! Loving the giveaway! Fingers crossed! Xo!

  304. Cleaning up pee from my potty training toddler while nursing my newborn and she stayed latched the whole time. #proudmommoment not all super heroes wear capes.

  305. Proud friend moment: I had a baby boy in May and we have friends who were expecting a baby boy in late September. We had been so excited to raise our boys together and she had been seeking advice from me about breast feeding in anticipation of her little one. Unfortunately, her sweet boy was born unexpectedly at 28 weeks. He has been such a fighter and is still in the NICU fighting every day. My friend was still determined to breast feed her little one despite the hardships of a premature baby in the NICU and not being able to actually latch him. She pumps every 3 hours (including in the middle of the night) to make sure she can give that liquid gold to her baby. She is such a strong mama and her son definitely gets his strength from her!

  306. my 1st didn’t latch and we had lots of issues so I pumped for a few months. But our second girl (her name is Riley!!) is 4 weeks today and today is the first day she has nursed all day and hasn’t needed me to supplement with pumped milk!!

  307. I really connected with the part about trying to figure out the best time to pump! It’s nice to know I’m not alone. Since I am a new mom and my son is only 7 weeks old my proud mom moment is that I take a shower every day. Haha! My proud daughter moment is that my mom stayed with us, she slept on the couch for the first two weeks after my c-section to help me with the baby! I kinda just wanted to give her a shoutout/brag about how awesome my mom is! I hope I’m just like her when I grow up!

  308. http://mywinningfight.blogspot.com/2018/07/they-say-fed-is-best.html

    I am currently (literally) taking a “break” at work to pump. I have been exclusively pumping for about 3 months now, and Theo is almost 5 months old. Earlier this week I had a break down about feeling like I gave up breast feeding too soon, and that I wished Theo would still be nursing. I have to figure out how to accept that what we are doing is OKAY and he is getting all of the nutrients he needs from my milk via bottle during the day, and formula at night. I hate the pressure on moms to breast feed and the stigma attached to formula!!!

  309. I’m currently pregnant with my first so there aren’t too many moments yet… but I am very proud of myself for trying to be the healthiest and most active I’ve ever been to ensure my little boy is getting everything he needs and more to make his debut into the world! I can’t wait for all the proud parenting moments ahead ❤️

  310. I’m due with babe #2 next week! They stopped making the tank I used with my 1st. I just ordered one of these tanks to bring with me to the hospital & after trying it on I already want to buy more!!! I bought a bunch to try & sent almost every other brand back! This one was by far my favorite so it’s good to hear you’ve been using it for a bit & still love it!!! 🙂 Thank you!!!

  311. Most proud of carrying and delivering our son, then nursing for 16 months. Now, I’m 36 weeks with our daughter.

  312. pm

    I’m due with babe #2 next week! They stopped making the tank I used with my 1st. I just ordered one of these tanks to bring with me to the hospital & after trying it on I already want to buy more!!! I bought a bunch to try & sent almost every other brand back! This one was by far my favorite so it’s good to hear you’ve been using it for a bit & still love it!!! 🙂 Thank you!!!

  313. Hey Ali!

    Thanks for sharing! I just had my first babe on July 5 and have so enjoyed reading your blog over the last several months! Being a mom is the best, but it’s also really intense and overwhelming at times, and I’m so thankful for your candid views on all the ins and outs of parenting! Making me feel like I’m not alone when I read:) Honestly, I’m proud of our whole family as we’ve had a pretty crazy year with multiple serious family emergencies, two job changes, and three moves, all since February! My husband and sweet baby girl (and my fur baby too, can’t leave her out;) are so resilient and they inspire me every single day to see the good in the world despite circumstances! There is always so much good to soak up if we just look for it, and the first few weeks of my daughter’s life have been the perfect reminder of that.

  314. Up be a first time mom in December and looking for all the recommendations I can get! Just added the reusable nursing pads to my registry!

  315. First, I love how real and down to earth you are. Two, congratulations on your sweet one.
    I just had my third child (a surprise baby boy). I was told I wouldn’t get pregnant again without help. The month we started foster care I found out we were pregnant. My son is two weeks old today and I am so blessed. God is good.

  316. I’m so proud that as a working mom 30 plus years ago I exclusively breastfed both of my girls(it was a time I still cherish) and now as I look forward to being a grandma I can’t wait to support my daughter. What a great gift this would be💕💙💕

  317. With my first baby I was only able to breastfeed for two months, I just wasn’t making enough. But was very grateful for those two months! Pregnant with #2 now and hoping I’ll be able to go much longer this time 🤞🏻.

  318. Kuddos to you Ali, and all the mommas out there who have successfully breastfed. I have 2 daughter’s and I wasnt able to get them to latch on and it was so painful. I moved on to bottle feeding both. I. currently expecting my 3rd baby and I cross my fingers that this time I’ll be successful. I love your blog and everything you share.

  319. You have done such an incredible job with your babies and they are beautiful! I love the fact you think ‘fed is best’ however a baby is fed! I didn’t breastfeed my daughter but maybe 6 weeks. I didn’t have encouragement or anything to ask about what to do. Now, I’m pregnant with twins in February and I’m determined that to do my best and breastfeed them as long as I can! I would love to win one of your giveaways! ❤️

  320. My little nugget turned one month old yesterday and I’m proud that I’ve made it one month of nursing him! I was always very adamant that I would never nurse but that changed quickly when I learned of all the benefits but I also remained very aware that it doesn’t work out for everyone so I decided I would give it my best try and see how it went. We are one month down and just taking it day by day. This is my proud mama moment so far, although I’m sure there will be many more to come!

  321. I am about to be a new mom (4 days from my due date) and I am praying that I am able to breast feed! I know it is one of the most difficult, but rewarding journeys. I have heard such great things about the this brand and I can’t wait to try them!

  322. Happy breastfeeding week!
    I am so proud that I was able to exclusively breastfeed my premie baby boy for a whole year! Our journey had a rough start as I started to contract at 25 weeks and went into full blow preterm labor at 33 weeks! We made it to 35 weeks and baby boy decided he was ready to come despite medical tests with 99% certainty that he would come for 2 weeks. We had a week stay in the NICU and fought our way from only pumping, using a nipple shield to only breastfeeding in just 3 weeks!! I couldn’t believe we did it! I am also a nurse and certified breastfeeding counselor but I know how hard breastfeeding is! I was so proud that we were able to only breastfeed! What a blessing it was! Can’t wait to breastfeed again with baby number 2!!

  323. So proud when I was able to breastfeed my son for 11 months! …a lot longer than I originally thought! Thanks for posting/writing about “real” mommy moments!!

  324. So proud that after 3 weeks of having a really hard time breastfeeding and having my baby lose weight, something just clicked. She figured out her latch and my supply increased and we haven’t looked back 🙂

  325. I’m due this week with my first baby, and am proud of getting through this pregnancy struggling with gestational diabetes!!! It’s been a long road but excited to meet baby boy and hopefully we have success with breastfeeding!

  326. I’m proud I was able to breastfeed my first even through a tongue and lip tie and lots of other complications. I am now pregnant with my second and hoping to be able to do the same. I totally agree though. I refuse to place the same amount of pressure on myself as I did the first time! ❤️Thanks for the cute giveaway!!

  327. Happy national breastfeeding week! My proud moment started with my delivery of baby number 2 when I was able to have a vbac. After a failed induction with my first, we held off and on her due date my second sweet baby arrived! Breastfeeding started out much easier with her but in the 4th month with return to work we are stuffing but still doing it! I am taking lots of supplements and pumping extra and hoping to see a change real soon!

  328. I’m so proud of myself for successfully breastfeeding my youngest son. With my older son I was not able to breastfeed, and I was unsure of how things would go with baby number 2. We stuck it out though, and he’ll be 8 months old on Saturday.

  329. Now being a mom of (almost) 3 … due with my 3rd in two months .. I have to say that it makes me more and more proud of my own mom. As kids we see our parents through different eyes, but once you walk in their shoes, you truly appreciate all they did (and still do) for you! 😊

  330. I’m a first time mom with a 6 week old little boy. I knew I wanted to breastfeed and knew it would be hard, but when reality hit and he was here, it was HARD. He had a great latch initially, but after his circumcision it was a struggle. We tried to get help from the lactation consultants and nurses while in the hospital, but it wasn’t until we had a full appointment with lactation a few days later that we finally figured things out. I was so proud of myself (and my husband who helped A TON) for not giving up! Now he is eating constantly haha and gaining weight like a champ!

  331. Love your blog💙 I’m a new momma with a baby girl that is four weeks old! Proud moment was fighting through the first few days of breastfeeding when baby girl was not matched properly but the nurses at the hospital didn’t realize. So when they checked her they assumed it was all good and all I had ever heard is that breastfeeding hurts and is hard etc. So I assumed I was supposed to wince every time she latched and be completely terrified whenever three hours later rolled around. I battled through and finally told a nurse about it when I went for a check up with my girl. It turns out she was latching incorrectly and with a few adjustments we made it work. Both of my sisters and my mom gave up breast feeding due to issues and I was so proud that both the baby girl and I battled it out to get to a point where we were finally working together. Now I can’t seem to pump because I love the bonding time so much! Who would have thought! Xo

  332. Proud parenting moment was being able to breastfeed my son for a year and now I’m four months in with my newborn!

  333. As an expecting, first time mama to be, I am proud of the healthy pregnancy I have had so far.

    Thanks for the motivation Ali!

  334. First time pregnant so trying to get all the info on the good products. Also a resident physician with lots of loans so affordable definitely helps!

  335. Totally agree that “fed is best” but I’m super thankful I was able to nurse my daughter for just over a year!! It took a tribe and a lot of work, but we made it. She just turned 2 on Friday and I have another one on the way soon. Definitely not putting as much pressure on myself this time, but hope I’m able to successfully nurse for as long as possible!

  336. I am 8 months pregnant, so I have not become a mom yet, but I wanted to say how proud I am of my brother (who is a father of three). On Sunday, he took three kids (under 5) by himself to a water park, which was 1.5 hours away. He was able to not only get them all packed in the car by himself, but then changed them all into bathing suits/gear and they all had a blast! He did this so that my sister-in-law could take a day to pamper herself, she got a mani/pedi and went shopping. I know this blog is really for mommies but I wanted to give the daddies a shout out too! I was very impressed!

  337. I related to this post SO much! I’m so proud to be nursing my second baby now after breastfeeding (and pumping) my first for 15 months. My son is 23 months now and my daughter is 3 weeks so I relate to you so much with the toddler and newborn stage! So nice being more confident this time around with nursing, pumping, and everything. Thank you for sharing your experiences!

  338. Happy breastfeeding week! I’m due in October with my second son and these items look amazing! A huge proud moment I had as a mom was being able to keep my milk supply up enough to feed my son who was in the NICU for a king stay. I was set on breastfeeding and couldn’t be with him around the clock, so I pumped every 2-3 hours when I wasn’t with him. I was able to keep my supple up enough to continue breastfeeding him for almost 8 months (something I didn’t think was possible while having a baby in the NICU)

  339. I am proud that I have been able to nurse all 4 of my babies for a year and about to pop out number 5 and hope I can with her as well. Through the pain and commitment it takes to breastfeed I am thankful I made it as long as I did.

  340. I’m proud of the mindset I went into breastfeeding. I was hopeful it would work out for me but realistic that it doesn’t work out for all moms. My daughter was about to need formula and it’s like she saw it as a challenge and then started breastfeeding like a champ and we’ve been doing so ever since.

  341. Yay to Breastfeeding Month! Mamas are Warriors!!! I nursed both my kids— both got breastmilk jaundice…. did you know thats a thing?! My breastmilk caused their jaundice. But, after a few days of formula (and me pumping to keep my supply) I was able to start breastfeeding again! I’m proud I didn’t give up and had that time to bond with them!

  342. I exclusively pumped for a year with my firstborn due to him being extremely premature. Breastfeeding my second (four months going strong) seems like a breeze by comparison!

  343. I am going to be a first time mom come September and am alittle overwhelmed with all the nursing/breastfeeding stuff. I am going to try my best and your posts have been helpful!! I have been following your since the bachelor and have loved watching your family grow!! 😊

  344. I felt like super woman when I finally conquered nursing in public. I could never get the cover right, I felt uncomfortable so I know I looked unsure. It was a complete game changer when it all finally came together. Breastfeeding is hands down hard, selfless but so worth it!

  345. Hi Ali,

    My proud moment is NOW!
    I just had my second baby girl and have been so successful at breastfeeding! My first time around I was not able to, my daughter couldn’t latch on. I remember being so upset, I went to a lactation nurse every week for 3 months! I was stuck pumping, which I did d exclusively for 6 months.
    When I was pregnant with my second I prayed and prayed that she would not have issues. She’s now 2 months old and is doing fantastic!
    My only issue now is stressing out not having my nightly glass of wine, lol!
    Thank you for you blogs, pics, everything! You are truly an inspiration and I love watching your growing family.

  346. Thank you for sharing! I need some good tanks for baby 2 coming in October! I am proud that I was able to nurse my daughter for a year while dairy free! It was so hard but worth it!

  347. Hi Ali,

    I just want to start off by saying how much I love your blog!! Sometimes I don’t always have time to read it right away, but I always make sure I go back and catch up on all the posts I missed! Your kids are absolutely adorable and I love how real and honest your posts are.

    I have a 2 year old daughter (just turned 2 on July 25th), her name is Penelope, but we call her Penny. We are also expecting our second child January 2019. We are so excited and can’t wait to complete our littlr family. Breastfeeding my daughter was definitely a struggle, but I, like you, really wanted to make that year mark. It was hard, but I’m so happy to say I did it!! That was a moment I was really proud of!! I hope that I can make it a year with this upcoming baby because I would feel like those would be 2 huge accomplishments for me.

    I see that there are already a whole bunch of comments on here and I usually am one of the last comments and I know you are a super busy mom and working woman. I’ve never got a comment back, and that is totally okay because I know that you don’t have time in everyday to reply back to every single person on here that loves your blog, but one day I would really love a quick reply back!!

    Keep blogging and making people like me happy and excited to read all the great things you have to say!!

    Thanks Ali!!

    Kayla

  348. I’m so proud I made it over a year with my daughter! Really hoping I can do it again when the new baby comes in October!

  349. I am 1 week postpartum and I have a NiCU baby who was born 6 weeks early! I am exclusively pumping for her until they think it’s time to introduce the breast, but being able to pump so she can get those nutrients and specifics she needs from me is very rewarding!

  350. I am proud I was able to breastfeed my first son for 8 months. He was born at 8.5lbs and stayed in the 90+ percentile on weight so he ate ALOT! and even at 7-8 months he woke up every 3-4 hours to nurse. I was extremely hard on my self since he was my first but I am also at my average a small 105lbs, so trying to keep up with feeding him and staying healthy for my self was hard. I lost a lot of weight and never had energy. I am proud that I tried though. I am due with my second boy this month and I still want to breastfeed him also but this time around I feel less pressure on myself and I know if it gets too hard I can also supplement, because my health is just as important.

  351. Happy International Breastfeeding Week! As a mom of a now 3-year-old and a baby girl due Oct. 10th, I have had many proud moments in my parenting journey. When my 1st baby was born, the first few weeks were the hardest. Between establishing breastfeeding and hospital visits, I became proud of our accomplishments and goals we reached. Bamboobies products were a life saver! The first few weeks were definitely the hardest for breastfeeding, but we ended up making it to 2 years! I am looking forward to becoming a mommy again and hope to breastfeed again.

  352. I just made it to the one month mark with breastfeeding. I am super proud of myself because it has not been easy. Thank you for the information on the tanks etc.

  353. I am proud of how I have managed to still have a life while also being a mother. I have spent plenty of time out running errands and doing things I enjoy with my son, I drove from Georgia to Minnesota with my son, and now I am back at work as a teacher doing what I love and coming home to my baby each evening. It hasn’t been easy, but I don’t feel like I lost myself to motherhood, instead it has been a wonderful addition.

  354. So proud my daughter has decided to breastfeed exclusively with her first child. I want to be as supportive as I can. These products sound wonderful

  355. Feeling blessed that I was able to breastfeed both my kids for over a year. One 15 months and the other 18. 🙂

  356. I’ve breastfed my babe for a year & am still going. Nursing her on her first birthday was a beautiful moment I was so proud to share with her. You are right- it’s such a beautiful experience even when it’s hard (like so many parts of being a mama).

  357. I am a first time mom to be and I cannot wait to start my journey of breastfeeding my little girl here in just a few weeks. I am pound of all those mommas out there, whether they choose to breastfeed or bottle feed! I have had a bit of a rough pregnancy, so I am proud to have been able to stay positive and strong for my little girl!

  358. Love this! I am so so proud of breastfeeding my first born for a year! I went in with a similar attitude as you… I was first aiming for 6 months and then once I made it there I told myself I could do it for another 6 – as hard as it was, working full time and pumping, I did it! I am now breastfeeding my 5 week old… it is so much harder this time around because he may have a cow’s milk allergy so I’ve been on a dairy free diet. Given this, it would be so much easier to just do formula but I’m not ready to give up!

  359. I am proud every time I look at my daughter. We are expecting #2 in September (little boy this time) and can’t wait to see what joy he will bring

  360. I was proud of my sister in law when she had to have a tough conversation with her mother-in-law (not my mom, she’s my husbands sister). Her MIL was really overstepping her boundaries with her kids and she had to have a hard conversation with her about it.
    I would love to win! I’m currently pregnant with my first and would love to try the Bamboobies products!!

  361. I had my first child (baby Beckham) 6 months ago. I had to go back to work 6 weeks post partum to afford my student loans. We had just finally figured out breastfeeding without a nipple shield and got settled in a routine. It was so hard to leave him! I felt so guilty even though I was pumping like a mad woman to provide for him. I felt guilty he was getting my milk from a bottle. I lost all my pregnancy weight in 2 weeks and actually got to where I thought I would lose my supply. So I started eating and drinking constantly to keep producing. 6.5 months and we are still going strong with pumped milk during the day and nursing in the evening/night time. I’m so thankful to be able to provide for him. It’s truest like a second full time job but so worth it!

  362. Currently 37 weeks pregnant with my first and trying to set myself up for breastfeeding success and your post could NOT have come at a better time. Thank you for sharing this info!

  363. Absolutely love this post and so many more!!! It’s nice to have someone real explain the good, the bad and the ugly through the pregnancy and motherhood journey. I’m currently pregnant with my first little one and beyond excited but slightly nervous as well. Your posts have been unbelievably motivational for me along this journey. These REAL posts make me realize the real ness of what’s about to come and not just the pretty side like instagram portray about motherhood. I’m going to be breastfeeding when this little one makes their arrival. I may not be able to share a proud mommy moment at this point yet but I can say I’m proud to be apart of your blog and learning so much from you along the way. You’ve given me so much to look forward to but also the realization that it’s not always going to be easy or perfect but that’s ok! My body may not go back to the way it was prior to having a baby but that’s OK! This journey is a blessing and am so thankful and proud to be able to experience it ❤️

  364. I’m proud of how easy and effortless everyone thought my twin pregnancyand delivery was.

    It was nice to have nurses and staff coming intomy room telling my family i was a superstar ands how calm i was during my delivery. It was hardwork but i successfully delivered 2 boys a few weks ago

  365. Being a first time momma, means being scared of a lot of things like the fear you won’t be able to nurse your little one or he or she won’t latch right, or the fear of being mom shamed for not doing things the “right way” so my proud moment is letting go of those fears and accepting my relationship with my 3 week old for what it is… ours and ours only! We had been trying to conceive for 3 years and after a successful IUI we finally welcomed our little Riley girl (I was so excited when you announced your little ones name :]) on July 14th this year!

  366. I’m proud as a parent that I kept on breastfeeding! I almost gave up several times but my sister encouraged me to stick with it! This is my first and he is 5 months old! Breastfeeding ain’t no joke! It was hard at first and is time consuming! But I’m really glad I stuck with it!

  367. I’m proud of myself for getting through a 37 hour labor and bringing my little man into the world! It was not easy but I’d do it all again.

  368. Proud of my friend Bárbara who just had her baby this week and is trying to get the hang of breastfeeding! I know she will do a great job! I’m due and November and am hoping to breastfeed as well.

  369. So thankful for friends who aren’t afraid to embrace our mess, eat our leftovers and offer such wonderful advice. It truely takes a tribe of people to raise all these little people.

    Thank you for being open and honest about your pregnancies, birthing/nursing/mommying experieces. You are a wonderful mother and I love reading your blog post, seeing your pictures and watching your stories!

  370. I’m most proud of committing to breastfeeding through my LO having a dairy and soy sensitivity which required me to cut both out completely. I’m also proud I stuck with it for 13 months including returning to work full time with pumping. It wasn’t easy but definitely worth it!

  371. I’m a soon to be first time mom and the proud moments are limited, but overall I’m proud of what my body has gone through the last 6 months, and all the milestones my baby has reached.

  372. I’m so proud to be breastfeeding my baby girl who is 4 months old tomorrow! Pumping 3x/day at work is challenging but I know I’m doing all I can for her! Being a mom is the hardest and best thing I’ve ever done. 💗

  373. Whenever I visit my daughters who have each just given birth to their first child, I burst with pride. To see them both take on this important role of motherhood with such joy and love completely fills my heart. I feel I have raised them to be the awesome people they are today and this is reflected in their babies. I feel like the luckiest person alive as I am now a Nanna to my precious Cody and Stella. Yayyy for me as I now have a healthy grandson and granddaughter whom I love so much.

  374. My proud moment happened just the other day. We went to the lactation consultant to weigh baby to see if exclusively breast feeding was helping him gain enough and it was!!! Haven’t had to wash a formula bottle in over 2 weeks and it is amazing! Can’t wait to keep going!

  375. We recently had number 7. Frankly I’m proud of myself when we all
    Make it to church dressed and on time. Haha

  376. I am the proud momma of 7 week old Wyatt. I am so proud of myself for getting through a few days of purple crying and reflux!
    Any mom that breastfeeds and deal with this knows how violent the digesting process is for baby! I see you mommas, I see you! It hurts us to watch, but we must be strong for them as they grow

  377. My proud moment came when I successfully breastfeed my daughter for 15 months. As a working mom, I never thought I’d be able to make it that long, but it was so important for me to try. I cried when our journey ended, but I also felt so proud of both of us. I can’t wait to try it all again when my second baby comes in October.

  378. I’m proud of my transition to mothering 3 kids (6,3,and 3 months now). It hasn’t been easy, but they are so worth it!

  379. Love reading your blog!!!
    I have a 5 week old and breastfeeding works like a dream at times and then at other times it’s like trying to tame a lion!!! I’m so thankful to be able to do it but at times I’m unsure of how long I can hang in there!! Hardest time was when we had to have her in children’s hospital because she caught a virus at 2 weeks old, the feeling of helplessness and not feeling like I could even comfott her with breastfeeding was very hard as a new mom. Thanks for always being so honest and giving a real life perspective, instead of making it seem like everyday is just a easy walk in the park.

  380. I’m expecting my first baby in 2 weeks and plan on breastfeeding. I’m really looking forward to it but a little scared at the same time. I know there is still so much to learn and experience. I would love to win this giveaway to try these products. It would be perfect timing!

  381. I was in labor for 61 hours unmedicated, and the first 2 weeks of breast feeding were more painful than that. But I kept at it. Then going back to work, I practically drive fir a living so I had to pump while driving for a year. It was an emotional roller coaster but so glad I pushed through.

  382. Super proud I was able to nurse my first daughter, Cora, for a year and am now breastfeeding our second daughter, Ivy! SO much work but so worth it. I love those quiet moments, just the two of us. 💕

  383. I’m proud of myself for exclusively pumping for kiddo number two because she never latched properly and now for being blessed to nurse kiddo number three after seeking help from a consultant. I wish I had the help with my other kiddo years ago. Never be afraid to ask for help!

  384. Hey Ali, as a soon-to-be mom (seven months pregnant) reading all these comments about breastfeeding, I have to say I’m so proud of all you mamas for all you do. I have so much respect for everyone just for trying and getting up every morning. “It’s the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do but we made it 11 months,” a colleague told me about breastfeeding. That alone sums it up–the love of a mother for her baby. No matter what my breastfeeding experience will be, I know there are millions of women who’ve gone before me in this journey, and that alone will give me strength through mine 🙂

  385. Happy National breastfeeding Week from a labor and delivery nurse! I absolutely love my job and one of my favorite parts is helping parents latch their new bundle of joy for the first time. I love educating about breastfeeding and helping parents begin their journey. I say parents because although the mom does the majority of the work I believe it can be a team effort and that support persons can play a vital role in the support and success of a breastfeeding mom.

    I breastfed my first daughter despite bleeding and chapped nipples. I was disappointed I didn’t make it as long as I wanted but knew I gave it my best. We made it about 7 months before mysnupply ran dry.
    I then had a daughter with Trisomy 18. We found out at 13 weeks that she was considered incompatible with life. She surprised us and our medical team by surviving until term, surviving natural labor (which was a huge shock) and gifted us 5 beautiful hours. I chose to honor her life by DONATING BREASTMILK. I capitalize that because it can make a huge difference for NICU babies whose moms milk may not come in. I donated around 800oz and although it was a lot of work I was so proud I could honor my daughter’s life by supporting others and hopefully relieving some stress for other parents. I chose to donate to the Mothers Milk Bank in San Jose California. They are non-profit and the same company my hospital uses for donated breastmilk.

  386. First time mom, plan to breastfeed but also worried about supply, I have to go back to work 8 weeks after birth. Trying to also start a stash. I purchased a Naya Breast pump, which breast pump did you go with Ali?

  387. Happy Breastfeeding Week!!!
    First off thank you so much for this chance to be able to win some breastfeeding stuff . I am currently 36weeks pregnant with a boy and we also have a baby girl who will be turning two at the end of the month. My proud moment/s are Pretty much everyday, as a mom the little moments are the greatest gifts, seeing my daughters growth on a everyday basis seems to amaze me!!! Kids are the most incredible gift we can get!!!!

  388. Hello everyone! I am 31 weeks pregnant with my first. I’ve been very proud of myself for how active I’ve been throughout my pregnancy. My OBGYN was concerned with my weight when I first became pregnant, but I’ve been eating right and exercising and am proud to say I haven’t gained any weight so far! I feel great and am so looking forward to meeting my little man in October

  389. I’m so proud of my sister (also an Ali!) who just had her second baby at the end of June and is already working a few days a week. She is an amazing woman who inspires me everyday to be a better mom, wife, friend and person. We live 3,000 miles apart, but talk 3x a day and can’t go through any eventful experience without calling/FaceTiming each other immediately. I’m 36 weeks pregnant and couldn’t imagine this journey without her. We’ve been doing this parenting thing without our own mama here to guide us and I’m so proud of where we’ve come without her. I think she’d be pretty proud too. 💜

  390. I was fortunate enough to be able to nurse my daughter until she turned a year old. 7 of those 12 months I was working full time and constantly pumping at a messy desk hoping someone wouldn’t walk in on me. My daughter was born just a few days after Molly, so I’ve loved following your journey becoming a momma! Thanks for all the inspiration.

    1. Proud of my sister in law Sarah for persisting even when it’s been a difficult learning process for mommy and baby!

  391. I just had my baby girl 3 days ago! I’m a first time momma and your post couldn’t have come at a better time. The feeling I get knowing that I’m feeding her makes me so proud and happy. It’s the most incredible feeling.

  392. Thanks for the post, Ali! I am currently expecting my first, 18 weeks today. I will admit, I’m pretty anxious about being able to breastfeed. I’ve heard it’s not easy!

    A few years ago I was out with friends at a bar and had to go to the bathroom before leaving. When I opened the door there was woman by the sink who starting perfusly apologizing, “I am so sorry you have to witness this! I didn’t want to take up a stall, there’s only two. I’m so sorry I’m trying to cover up!” She turned towards me and had a breast pump hooked up to her chest. I said, “Are you kidding me! I think it’s awesome that you’re here and I think it’s awesome that you’re doing this for your baby. Rock on!” I high-fived her in my way out.

    We have to support each other or we’ll never make it 🙂

  393. I’m proud of the fact that when I had my son I had to use a nipple shield, then was on triple nipple cream, and then resorted to exclusively pumping and made it to 6 months with a nice freezer stash. This time with my 2 week old daughter I didn’t plan to breastfeed and put myself through that again, and she latched so easily in the first hour after birth that I’m back at it again. I’m recovering from my second C-Section, balancing nursing and pumping, and a newborn and a 2 year old.
    Cheers to all the mamas out there who do it all no matter how tired we are!

  394. Thank you for this post! Can wait for my little one to arrive and experience breast feeding if it’s possible for me!

  395. My husband wrote this about me:

    My wife Shana Russey is the greatest, most selfless, and most caring wife, mother, and nurse that I know. After our now 2 year old daughter was born, we traveled internationally and on the first day, the breast pump she brought burnt out because it was not designed to work using the electric available in the Polynesian Islands where we were at the time. For the next two weeks everytime she needed to pump she used manual hand pumps that she had brought as back up. Now that’s dedication to breastfeeding that deserves to be rewarded! When our son is born in a few months, she plans to breastfeed again and would certainly benefit from this bundle gift pancake as she continues to work as a nurse, and take care of our family as an amazing mother and wife.

  396. Super grateful I was able to pump and nurse my first daughter for 14 months. We are pregnant with our second and I’m hoping and praying for the possibility to be able to push through another year of nursing with this one. It’s definitely one of the hardest things I have ever done, but I really did love it and found it to be worth it in the end. Sending love to all the moms out there getting their sweet babies fed however that may be! You are incredible!

  397. Happy National Brestfeeding month!!! This post is amazing and I love how real you are in all your mama post! I’m a mama of two boys and nursed both and I’m 25 weeks with our baby girl and due beginning of November and I’ve been searching for good nursing tanks because this boobs of mine have grown two sizes then I would like lol and my milk hasn’t even come in yet. I would love a good quality nursing tank especially since I’ll be having a csection and I’ll be inside majority of the holidays. I can’t wait to look them up and get ordering! Thank you for sharing!

    Ps my 7 yr old is name Riley Hunter hehe so I love your boy name…

    Keeping doing what your doing I enjoying your stories and seeing your sweet family!

  398. I’m a first time mom and my little guy is coming up on a month. We have breastfed from day 1 and my little guy is a rockstar. We have definitely had our rough moments and I’m so happy I’ve stuck with it and with all the research I’ve done.

  399. I love Bamboobies nursing pads, but I had no idea they sell nursing tanks and bras, too! I’ve been on the hunt for good nursing tanks for approximately 17 months.. since I had my son! I planned to breastfeed him until he was 12 months old, but he had other plans. He’s mostly weaned during the day, but he still wakes up multiple times at night to nurse. I just can’t take away the magic of the boobies yet. I’ve been wearing normal tanks that are literally falling apart and it makes it so hard to nurse night after night. I NEED these!! 😊 You’re an inspiration, and I love following you and your family!! ❤️

  400. I’m proud of my birth stories. Birth is an amazing experience and I’m grateful to have had two absolutely wonderful births. I used hypnobirthing techniques and I truly believe that helped me get through contractions and pushing . Both of my babes came super fast with the second one entering the world in three pushes. I’m so proud and amazed by what my body can do and continues to do by breastfeeding my little guy.

  401. I struggled with breast feeding with my daughter. To see her be able to do it so easily and pump to stock up was just amazing. She is pregnant with her 4 th child and would love to try these. She is a stay at home mom and would be awesome. Thanks for the info!!

  402. Happy breastfeeding week!!
    My proudest moment was delivering my first daughter and seeing her for the first time. My second baby girl is due November 13th. I am so in need of new nursing bras. Would live to win a bundle!! Love following you and reading your journeys through parenthood

  403. I was proud that I made it to 9 months. I had to exclusively pump from the beginning and it made for some long days but I was glad to get to that mark and happy to know what’s possible for my next babe!

  404. I’m proud of the fact that even though I really really wanted to nurse my first child, she refused to latch! And so I pumped exclusively for 19 months! Now with my second, he latched instantly. I appreciate nursing so much more than I would have. Compared to pumping like that ever few hours, even at night, and washing all the stuff, and trying to smooth the baby, eat, and shower once in a while too, nursing is SUCH A BLESSIG. I’m so grateful to have experienced both sides.

  405. I’m proud of finally finding a work-life balance and adjusting well to having a second child! It’s tough work being a mom, but it’s also important to take care of yourself!

  406. I am proud of nursing/ pumping with my daughter for just about a year- she weened herself even though I wasn’t ready. We started our journey off in the NICU and the first six months of her life I had to pump after every time I nursed to “empty” so she could finish out of a bottle- so exhausting! But I am so proud that I did it! Mamas are TOUGH!

  407. Thank you for sharing your nursing experiences with us and celebrating world breastfeeding week!

    Your words are so true – breastfeeding has been one of the most challenging tasks of my life but definitely what I am most proud of. My original goal of 1 year has extended to meet my son’s needs. I used to cry and struggle, counting down the days until I could stop and put the pump away. His first birthday came and nothing magical happened. He still needed me and that’s ok. 21 months in with no signs of weaning and I am proud. I feel lucky to have a successful nursing relationship and hope to encourage others to continue as long as they feel comfortable.

  408. Thank you for sharing your nursing experiences with us and celebrating world breastfeeding week!

    Your words are so true – breastfeeding has been one of the most challenging tasks of my life but definitely what I am most proud of. My original goal of 1 year has extended to meet my son’s needs. I used to cry and struggle, counting down the days until I could stop and put the pump away. His first birthday came and nothing magical happened. He still needed me and that’s ok. 21 months in with no signs of weaning and I am proud. I feel lucky to have a successful nursing relationship and hope to encourage others to continue as long as they feel comfortable.

  409. I’m thankful to be nursing my third baby. My first two were a struggle- one being a premie and the other just a stinker 😉 my third seemed to come out ready to eat. We both have enjoyed the nursing experience and I am super thankful. She is likely our last so I am treasuring each day with my sweet babe.

  410. I’m proud of simply getting through every day of the last 3 years because being a mother is hard. I have an amazing, healthy 3 year old son. I lost beautiful baby girl a year and a half ago to a very rare birth defect. We chose to continue with the pregnancy and I miss her terribly. And now I’m 7 months pregnant with a healthy baby girl. It’s been a roller coaster of love and grief and hormones so I’m proud I made it through.

  411. I am still breastfeeding, although only once a day as I don’t produce a lot of milk (only 1-2 oz). I am proud that I am going on month 11!😁👶🍼

  412. I’m an expecting momma due in November, so I don’t have any proud Mom moments just yet..but I’m alway proud of my own mom for the selfless love and constant support she shows to me and my family and I can only hope that I can show this same amount of love to my own sweet baby boy. <3

  413. I’m a L&D nurse and am always proud of all my mamas making the best decision for their babies and family. I was able to nurse my daughter for a year. She is 4 now. And now nursing my son who is 7 weeks. It’s an incredible bond and I am so happy to be able to provide.

  414. I’m a Mom of 21m old girl, Morgan and pregnant with baby boy #2, due in November. I’m most proud of my little girl learning things I’ve taught her. My favorite is when she says, “please” and “thank you” without prompting her.

  415. Being a mama IS hard! Thanks for being so real:) I’m about to have my third (38 weeks) and so nervous this time if I’ll be able to handle breastfeeding while “refereeing” the other two! My oldest is 3-1/2 and nursing came so easy for us – we lasted a year. My second is 1-1/2 and he was colicky and always so hungry that I only nursed for 5 months while supplementing once a day. I’m proud of both of my journies because I tried my best and did what worked for us. I suck at pumping and totally not looking forward to that! Thanks for doing this giveaway!

  416. My first pregnancy, i nearly gave up breastfeeding i had so many struggles. But i had committed it my mind that while there are no issues with the bottle, i wanted to give my baby the best and save us money so I knew i couldnt give up. My 2nd mom used to be a lactation consultant so without her i may have given up. But i am so proud of myself for sticking to it and staying true to my heart for thr sake of my little bundle. Its so hard to know if your doing the right thing as a Mom, esp a first time one, all you can do is your best and sometimes have to block out all others opinions and listen to yourself and do what you feel is best. we gotta be kind and stick together, us Moms. 🙂

  417. I love this post! My daughter spent the first month of her life in the NICU so she was unable to breastfeed right away. When she came home, I was happy and proud that I was able to breastfeed her for a month without any trouble from her and then I stopped because of work but continued to pump for another couple months. I’m a huge believer is Fed is Best. I felt so much guilt when I stopped breastfeeding, but I felt more like myself and was able to better care for my child. Now as I get ready for baby girl number two, I will play it all by ear. I just have to keep reminding myself that fed is best!
    Thank you for sharing your journey and these tanks! I used many of their products early on and have loved everything so far.

  418. I powered through mastitis last week! I’m in a very similar place as you right now, Ali. I have a 2 year old and a newborn. It’s an adjustment! And I’m totally with you on not stressing so much about milk and getting to a year with #2. Whatever will be, will be!

  419. For me, small goals were important. I didn’t know if breastfeeding was for me. But when I had my son, I wanted to try. I wanted him just to get that initial colostrum. Then that worked. Then I wanted to make it 6 weeks. Then 3 months during my maternity leave. Now I’m at 6 mo and do not want to give up. It’s the coolest thing that a woman can nourish her child from her own body. It’s incredible and I do not want this journey to end even though it is so demanding and time consuming! Hope I make it to a year!

  420. I love this post Ali! Thank you for always being so supportive and positive in your blogs. I’m proud of my breastfeeding journey, and also supporting other mamas in their feeding journeys (whatever that may be-FED is best!).

  421. My sweet friend Sam is such a beautiful mommy! (I get to become a Mom this winter.!) after her 2nd baby she knew she wanted to be the best mom she could be for her kids and her husband and took charge and came up with a plan along with her Doc. to treat postpartum. It’s something I’m already so worried about and she’s so encouraging about this topic that can be so difficult to discuss!

  422. You never know how much you can do as a mama until your breastfeeding your baby in one arm & wiping your toddlers butt with the other!! 🤣🙄
    Mamas are superhero’s!!
    The days are LONG but the years are SHORT. It goes by so quickly!💙💗💙

  423. I’m pregnant with my first. I have so much respect and admiration for all you moms out there, especially ones with more than 1 kid or those who work.. I’m barely holding it together and the baby isn’t even here yet!

  424. Proud, but would have done it different. Baby girl had a tough time latching, found out she was tongue tied. Had that fixed, bit still was a challenge…had to use a nipple guard, and s and s feeder where i pumped, put milk in tube around my neck, fed the small tubes through the nipple guard and then nurse….long story short the first 6 months were awful. I stuck with it, had a lot of pressure from family ( both hubbies and mine) wasnt until she was about 7 months i was able to nurse without a guard. We succesfully nursed until she was 15 months old. Proud i stuck with it, but also sad as we feel we missed out on her infancy as we were so stressed with the feeding. End result today, a beautiful, strong and healthy girl!

  425. I’m proud to have two amazing kids, third one on the way, work as a teacher and pull off all the jobs at home too. While spending quality time with everyone… it’s a lot of work but so happy and proud to have this crazy life!

  426. I love reading your blogs!! Thank you so kid for always sharing your stories!

    I am proud that I survived postpartum with my first son. I got Bell’s Palsy 5 days after birth (the day my milk came in), which you can imagine sent me into severe depression. Somehow, I pulled though, fought the Bell’s palsy battle all while trying to figure out nursing…and let me tell you nursing was a huge struggle for me. I got mastitis 1 week after I got Bell’s palsy. So not only was my face half paralyzed, but now my boob was in excruciating pain. I ended up getting mastitis twice and I got yeast… it was just awful. Needless to say it was a really trying time… and somehow I fought through it all and nursed my baby until he was 16 months old. I was so proud I made it through all my struggles but stuck with nursing. It wasn’t easy, but when things got better.. nursing was the easiest and best experience ever.

    Almost 3 1/2 years later, my husband and I decided to try for another baby…I’m scared to death, but have faith things will be better this go around. I am 5 months pregnant. I would love to win this bundle as I agree with you, all the nursing essentials are so important to have!!! ❤️💗

  427. We just found out we’re pregnant with twins! That’s my proud mom moment! I’m looking into all the thing necessary for baby. Thanks!

  428. Ali, fantastic IG post… Fed is best! With my little one, who’s 3 months old, I’m proud of the fact that I’ve conquered my fear of breastfeeding in public. While I do so with a cover (more power to those who are comfortable without one!), I had to remind myself that if I’m able to eat in public, baby should be able to as well… and without the judgement of others.

  429. Our baby girl just turned 9 weeks and breastfeeding has been a journey. I prepared by going to classes and reading books, but what I have found most helpful so far is the network of friends and lactation consultants that have provided support and encouragment through each struggle or exciting progress during our journey. It has been wonderful!!💕

  430. I breastfed my first born for a year. I, too, set a goal to make it a year and probably put more stress on myself trying to reach that goal. My little one didn’t want to nurse around six months, so I went to pumping exclusively.

    I just had my second child, and I’ve set the same goal of a year. I hope and pray I can make it. I met with a lactation nurse yesterday to learn how to get a better latch with him so I won’t keep getting mastitis. It’s amazing how easy the nurse makes it seem! I wish I could have her by my side all the time for those frustrating moments.

    Breastfeeding is definitely a beautiful journey with many bumps in the road, but so worth it if you’re able to do it and can carry on. Thank you for sharing your journey with us!

  431. Hi Ali,

    I am becoming a mama in March of 2019 and trying to learn as much as I can about the best products out there for my journey ahead! Love learning about your journey and what things work for you. Would love the chance to try our this product if I win this bundle! But either way it think I will go browse on their website and save a couple things. Thanks for sharing your experiences. Xo

  432. A proud moment I had as a parent was nursing my daughter (who is now 2) until 16 months old! I wanted to quit so many times, but powered through. I hope to do the same with my son who just turned a week old yesterday!

    I am also a proud mama of the family I have created with my husband. We are enjoying our new life as a family of four! 💕

  433. I nursed #2 for 14 months. #3 has been so much harder but we’re making it! Proud of however long we can do.

  434. Would love to win, as I’m breast feeding exclusively, and pumping. So, sometimes I have to breast feed on the go, he will not take a bottle from me, if it’s someone else, it’s okay, but if it’s me, he’s gotta get it from the source, lol.

  435. Hiiiiii! I am 12 weeks postpartum with my first little one! I am a nurse and started back to work on Tuesday, so my most recent proud moment would be that I’ve prioritized finding the time to pump while at work! Sounds silly, but so much harder than I thought it would be! Hoping as well to make it to the one year mark, but also won’t beat myself up if I can’t. Have a great day!!

  436. Proud mom moment.
    Telling my 9 year old that he is going to be a big brother.
    He was so excited!
    plan to breastfeed again with this next one. due in september!

  437. Hoping to gift my sister in law some nursing things! First time mom and just spent the week with her while my brother was away.. so proud to watch her keep track of the constant breastfeeding..she’s got the system down 🙌🏻

  438. I’m proud of nursing my first baby for 18 months. It is definitely a dedication. I’m having my third baby in a few weeks, we shall see how it all goes down with him!

  439. I am a first time mom and have been breastfeeding my six week old. I didn’t realize just how much I love that time with my daughter until my in laws were visiting last weekend and wanted to bottle feed her, so I would just pump during that time, or I would feed her under a cover. By the end of the weekend I was missing my baby so much and couldn’t wait to get her back in my arms and on the boob!

  440. I’m not a mom. But my niece JUST became a first time mom this past Saturday. Baby girl came 2 weeks early due to her heartbeat was getting low. So naturally new Mom was worried. No need as this baby girl, Indy, is beautiful and healthy. And definitely loved. So I’m entering my niece because I love her and want to make her feel more special and important as a new mother.

  441. I Was most proud when we overcame bad latch issues, swollen ducts and acid reflux which we are still working on. We both have been patient with each other and overcome the hurdles to continue to breastfeed.

  442. Proud of all my friends who have set amazing examples by juggling kids, careers, and relationships the best they can with the honestly that while not easy, it is possible.

  443. Proud mommy moment 💕
    It’s hard to pick just one but most recently would be two nights ago! I’m 38 weeks pregnant with #3 and started having contractions and went in! I have a 2 1/2 year old and a 1 1/2 year old! We had no one to watch the kids until about a half hr of being there and I had to start walking around. The kids hadn’t eaten dinner yet and I could tell were antsy but they were troopers and my son (the oldest) was taking such good care of his little sister during all this and any time she’d get fussy he’d try and comfort her! He’s such a good big brother! It was almost like they both knew something was going on and especially my son!

  444. Although I exclusively pumped with our twins, I’m proud I made it 8 months, even when our preemies we’re located at separate NICUs in the city.

  445. Hi Ali! You are beautiful! My LO is 3 months old today! I had to exclusively pump with my first born because she was not transferring enough milk and refused the breast. This time around we were having the same issues but I was determined to make breastfeeding work for both of us because exclusive pumping was SO much work and I wanted that bond with her. It took almost a month and much help from professionals but she has mastered breastfeeding and we have a great nursing relationship! I couldn’t be happier! I’m also happy I don’t have to bring that dang pump everywhere I go!! 🤗
    P.S. I LOVE the Bamboobies breast pads and I would love to try their other products out!

  446. Proud mom moment for me was do an all natural birth. It was the most difficult thing I’ve ever done but also the most wonderful day of my life. Our daughter is such a blessing! 3 months of breastfeeding so far and just returned to work. I’m pumping now and not enjoying it but my goal is 6 months so halfway done!

  447. I have a 3 month old little girl and my husband and I just left her for an entire week for a family reunion cruise that was planned well before she was. Now that we are home I can proudly say I managed to keep my supply up while on this vacation which included pumping every 3-4hrs during the day in public restrooms in hotels, restaurants, breweries, and museums!! It was tough and definitely added a new complexity to traveling, but definitely worth it knowing I can still nurse my daughter as I wasn’t ready to give that up yet!

  448. I am proud that I have nursed my baby for over a year and have been able to provide information and encouragement to other nursing mammas ❤

  449. I’m proud to still be pumping for my daughter even though she never latched properly and I had a bad case of mastitis last month… it’s not easy!

  450. I was proud to be a parent when I was able to breastfeed my son without any assistance for the first time. I knew we were going to be a great team. 🙂

  451. Proud that I’ve nursed my 2 boys for over a year :). My first one I nursed till 14 months. He is 3 now. I’m still nursing my 15 month old and we just found out recently that we are pregnant again! We are pretty overwhelmed, but excited. I am definitely not ready to wean my 15 month old yet, so I’m hoping he just weans on his own before our new little one comes.

  452. I’m proud that I nursed my first baby girl for 13 months and now my second baby girl is 11 weeks and going strong! I agree the hardest part is pumping and all the worries that come with it. It’s not easy pumping as a teacher. Trying to get a session in while eating my lunch in 30 minutes or during my short conference time is hard. But despite all that, we made it through with the first and plan to do the same with my second. A friend introduced me to the bamboobies reusable pads with my first and I fell in love with them, and I just started using the nursing tanks with the second baby! They are awesome!!

  453. A few days ago we had a special day for my kiddo before his little sister arrives. He got to pick all the activities and meals for the day. It was a blast and we made some amazing memories. At the end of the day he proclaimed, ‘This was a pretty great William day.’ And my heart was so full!

  454. I am a first time mom and due literally any day now;) no official parenting moments yet, but I am so excited about my decision to breastfeed my baby and begin this wonderful journey very soon!

  455. Thank you for sharing!! I’m a first time mommy with a baby on the way in just 4 short weeks! I’m so excited to start my journey with breastfeeding.

    Happy National Breastfeeding Month! What an awesome thing to celebrate!!

  456. I’m proud of the bond growing between my two littles. Being a Mama is SO tough sometimes, and I’m constantly questioning and second guessing myself. But when I see the way my 3.5 year old and 11 month old laugh together, play and love on each other, it helps me realize that while we’ll never have it totally figured out, we must be doing something right!<3

  457. I’m proud of all us mamas, those that are able to breastfeed, those that exclusively pump, and those who use formula! All mamas deserve praise their hard work and efforts. We know it’s not easy. I breastfed my now two year old 15 months and am pregnant with another one on the way this October. Breastfeeding can be an amazing thing, but to all those new mamas that are struggling, don’t give up!

  458. I’m proud of nursing my oldest for almost 20 months, as well as my newest journey with my eight week old!

  459. Thanks fort sharing Ali! I was just looking at this brand of nipple covers. I’ve read great reviews on them and am glad to hear you like their nursing tanks as well. I am 36 weeks today with my first and I also don’t like the thought of all that waste. My sister has two kids, girl that is 5 and boy that is 3. She has done a great job with teaching them kindness. I am proud of my niece and nephew for who they are growing up to be, but know that it is a reflection of my sister and whats he has done to raise them! I’m happy my little girl will have some great role models in her life soon enough.

  460. Just coming up on 6 weeks of breastfeeding and I’ve set small goals. I want to get to 4 months and if I can get to 6 months I’ll be thrilled

  461. Proud I’ve made it 10 weeks of breastfeeding with my babe and that I didn’t give up despite all the pain and tears in the beginning… it does get better! My son grew from 5lbs 11oz at 1week post partum to 9lb 10oz at his 2 month visit! 🙌

  462. Soon to be first time mom here. I’m nervous about becoming a first time mom and know what to do when the time comes to feed my little babe. It always amazes me when I see my coworkers who seem to do it all- pump for their little ones and hold down a hectic job as nurses. I look to them for inspiration and guidance throughout this journey into motherhood! We all should support each other, no matter how our babies are fed!

  463. Felt my proudest when my friends started coming to me for advice about breastfeeding. Now on my 3rd nursling!

  464. I’m proud of my decision to breastfeed one child for a year and bottle feed the other from 3 months on. One is entering 5th and the other 7th grade now and are perfectly happy and healthy! #fedisbest

  465. First baby and have been EBF for 12 weeks now! Striving to meet my 6 month goal and set a new mark when we get there! Love reading your posts.

  466. I’m proud of myself for making it past the 7 month mark of exclusively breastfeeding of course now w a little food in the mix. 🤱🏻🤱🏻🤱🏻

  467. I’m a first time parent to be, and I won’t lie, women in my family have had bad breast feeding experiences (my mom said she couldn’t produce enough milk for me; my sister gave up after her son still wouldn’t latch), …but I’m willing to try! We’ll see how it goes, and luckily, at least I won’t have judgement from family if I can’t make it work (my mother in law adopted my husband, so she never breastfed). Wish me luck! I’ll have to look into these tanks 😊

  468. The hubs and I just sorted through myboumped milk since our little guy was born in May. I have just over 1500 ounces frozen with no end in sight to breastfeeding and pumping. That’s my proud moment!

  469. I was a mother of two young ones when my younger sister became a mother. She and I are best friends. She is such a fun-loving, easy-going person that I knew she’s be fantastic at it-even while in nursing school. She’s one of the best moms I know, making thoughtful choices for her son, all after finishing her degree and getting a nursing job! I’m so proud of her!

  470. Totally agree fed is best! I am proud that even though my daughter has a dairy and soy allergy I’ve continued to ebf her by taking them out of my diet & doing as much research as i can to make sure I am eating properly for her. She is 4 months and my goal is 1 year!

  471. My lol one is only 2 weeks old. But he’s really curious when awake. Looking around. I’m so proud as a parent to hear everone say how beautiful he is and how awake he is. 🙂

  472. Remember with my first curling my toes crying every time she latched but was so proud we ended up making it just shy of her second birthday!! Second one is going strong at 2.5 months and just thankful for my baby and me time!!!

  473. I will be a FTM and I have fallen in love with your blog!!! I just purchased from Bamboobies and plan to purchase more!

Shop Ali's Feed

Click an image to shop
@ali.manno