Parenting
By Emily Carter
Updated: Oct. 29, 2020
Originally Published: March 1, 2018
New motherhood can often feel like a relentless climb. Throw in the challenges of being a first-time breastfeeding mom, and it’s no wonder many feel overwhelmed. Recently, Jenna Smith bravely shared her personal battles with mastitis on Instagram, resonating with countless mothers who face similar struggles.
Jenna, co-founder of the Kind Hearts Initiative, and her husband, actor Ryan Smith, welcomed their daughter just a few weeks ago. In her candid post, she expresses the overwhelming love that engulfs new parents, but she also wants to shed light on some “real issues.”
“This chapter after labor has been challenging,” she admits. “Recovering from childbirth is tough, and while I’m healing, breastfeeding is a whole different ball game.” As someone who nursed for 13 months, I can almost feel the discomfort of those early days of feeding just by recalling them. You often find yourself lost, unsure of what to do, how much your baby is actually getting, and questioning if the sharp pain in your breasts is normal.
“Despite being one of the most beautiful experiences of my life, I’ve dealt with mastitis twice in just three weeks,” Jenna reveals. Mastitis is a common yet frustrating condition stemming from clogged milk ducts, leaving mothers feeling feverish and achy. Jenna’s fever peaked at an alarming 104 degrees, making this her worst bout of illness ever. “The pain was unbearable,” she writes. This motivated her to use her platform to discuss her experiences. “I feel a responsibility to share these common issues that arise in the postpartum period, so any new mom-to-be is prepared for what may come.”
I remember, when expecting, I was more anxious about breastfeeding than I was about labor or recovery. The horror stories I had heard about pain and the demands of nursing only heightened my anxiety. I didn’t take any classes and, when my baby arrived and was always HANGRY, I regretted that decision. The lactation consultants at the hospital were phenomenal, but I couldn’t bring them home, which left me feeling completely lost.
“If I could offer any advice to soon-to-be mothers, it would be to educate yourself about breastfeeding,” Jenna emphasizes. She suggests attending classes, doing research, or simply having conversations with other mothers. From learning about proper latches to understanding oversupply and undersupply, the amount of information can be overwhelming. So, being informed ahead of time is invaluable.
“Sending a big virtual hug to all the moms out there battling breastfeeding challenges or facing any physical or emotional difficulties, whether it’s with themselves or their child,” she adds. “You are not alone.”
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In summary, Jenna’s heartfelt message serves not only as a reminder of the realities of new motherhood but also as a call to support one another through the challenges that arise.