The journey of new motherhood can often feel like an uphill battle. Add breastfeeding into the mix, and it’s no wonder many first-time moms feel overwhelmed. Recently, Emma Reed opened up on Instagram about her own challenges in a heartfelt and relatable post.
Emma, a co-founder of the Kind Initiative, and her partner, actor Jake Reed, welcomed their baby girl just a few weeks ago. In her post, she expressed the indescribable love that envelops all new parents but also highlighted some “other real stuff” that often goes unspoken.
“This post-labor phase has been tough at times,” she shared. “Recovering from childbirth is no small feat. I’m healing, but breastfeeding? Oh boy.” As someone who nursed for over a year, I can almost feel the pain in my own chest just thinking about those early days of constant feedings. It’s a wild ride—full of uncertainty about how to feed your baby, how much they’re getting, and whether it’s normal to feel like a thousand needles are digging into your breasts.
Emma candidly noted, “While it’s been one of the most beautiful experiences of my life, I’ve faced mastitis twice in just three weeks.” This condition is quite common among nursing moms and arises from clogged milk ducts, often leaving them feeling feverish and flu-like. Emma experienced a fever that soared to 104 degrees, describing it as “the sickest she has ever been.”
“The pain was unbelievable,” she wrote. It was important for her to share these struggles, as she felt a responsibility to inform future moms about the challenges they may face. “So many common issues that arise after having a baby aren’t really discussed, and now that I’m here, I want to shed light on them for any new mama-to-be reading this.”
I remember when I was pregnant, dreading breastfeeding even more than labor itself. The horror stories about the pain and demands of nursing only added to my anxiety. I skipped taking a class, and once my daughter arrived and was constantly hungry, I wished I hadn’t. The lactation consultants at the hospital were fantastic, but I couldn’t take them home, leaving me feeling completely lost.
“If I could give one piece of advice to expectant mothers, it would be to educate yourself about breastfeeding,” Emma advised. She suggested taking classes, researching, or simply talking to other moms. With topics ranging from latches to infections, oversupply to dietary changes—it’s a lot! Entering this journey as informed as possible can only help.
“To all the moms out there dealing with breastfeeding challenges or any physical or emotional hurdles, I want to send you a big virtual hug,” Emma concluded. “You are not alone.”
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Summary:
Emma Reed shares her candid experience with mastitis and the emotional rollercoaster of new motherhood and breastfeeding. Her story highlights the importance of awareness and education for expectant moms facing similar challenges.
Keyphrase: mastitis in breastfeeding
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