Before I became a mom, there were so many things I thought about: what kind of mom I wanted to be, how I would care for my children, and what motherhood might look like. Breastfeeding, though, wasn’t something I spent much time wondering about. It was common in my family, so it felt like a natural and normal choice for me. I knew I wanted to breastfeed, but I didn’t realize just how much of a journey it would be, or how much it would teach me about my body, my babies, and motherhood.
Today, I've breastfed both of my boys well into toddlerhood (and we're still going!). It has been one of the greatest joys of motherhood, but it has also stretched me physically, emotionally, and mentally in ways I never expected. There have been beautiful moments, exhausting moments, tears, victories, setbacks, and countless lessons in surrender.
One thing I've learned is this:
Breastfeeding was never meant to be something you do alone.
As a chiropractor, I have the privilege of supporting many breastfeeding families. As a mom, I've also been the one searching for answers, asking for help, wondering if I was doing enough, and learning that support often comes from many different places. I learned that it takes a village.
One of the biggest gifts in my own journey has been being willing to lean on others.
Throughout our journey, there were times when the support of other professionals made all the difference including lactation consultants, pediatric dentists for tongue tie evaluations and releases, occupational therapists, myofunctional therapists, and craniosacral therapists. Every family is different, and sometimes bringing together the right team makes all the difference…it certainly did for our family!
I've worked with several lactation consultants over the years. Each one brought a different perspective, different experience, and different tools. Interestingly, what helped one baby wasn't necessarily what helped the other. Looking back, I'm so grateful I sought multiple opinions rather than expecting one person to have every answer. I share this with patients, family, and friends!
I've also been incredibly thankful for the support of my doulas, midwife, healthcare providers, and fellow moms who encouraged me along the way.
My husband has been an amazing source of support, whether he was bringing me water (and snacks!), helping with meals, caring for the boys, or simply reminding me that what I was doing mattered. Over the years, he has seen how beneficial breastfeeding has been for our children (and for me!) and has become a huge advocate for breastfeeding. I’m so grateful to have him by my side and to have him supporting our family. My family and friends have also been a huge blessing. While not everyone initially understood some of my choices or shared the same views about extended breastfeeding, many have come to appreciate and respect our journey and have seen firsthand how meaningful it has been for our family.
One lesson I wish every new mom could hear is that taking care of yourself is taking care of your baby. Breastfeeding asks a lot of your body (but also gives you so much back in return!). While it can be challenging to navigate this, especially in the first few weeks after birth, being mindful and intentional about healing and nourishing your body is important for you…and for baby!
For me, chiropractic care has been and essential part of my motherhood and breastfeeding journey. It has help keep my spine, neck, and pelvis moving well through the many hours spent nursing and carrying babies. Also, both of my boys have benefited from chiropractic care from newborns to now to support their growth and development. It helped them both so much with nursing!
Pelvic floor therapy was another game changer. Between pregnancy, birth, healing, and the countless hours spent sitting in nursing positions, my core needed support. Healing isn't just about getting through those first few weeks…it's about helping your body function well for the long term.
While all of these things can be helpful, they may not all be necessary, and what you need can change throughout your journey. Don’t feel overwhelmed or like you need to do it all. Sometimes, less is more. The most important thing is to listen to your body, trust your instincts, and choose the support that best suits you and your family’s needs. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to breastfeeding, and it’s okay for your journey to look different than someone else’s.
Sometimes the biggest difference came from the simplest things:
Nourishing meals and snacks
Staying hydrated
Resting (when possible)
Breathwork
Accepting help with meals, laundry, or older siblings
Using supportive pillows and nursing pillows (as needed) ● A footrest to improve positioning when sitting or nursing
Baby wearing! (this was more useful for my second) ● Online mom groups and local breastfeeding communities
Letting go of the pressure to "be productive"
Mindset/prayer/meditation
Motherhood has a way of teaching us that productivity can look very different during certain seasons. Sometimes the most important thing you accomplish all day is feeding your baby, resting together, and allowing your body to heal. Remember: that is enough.
Perhaps the greatest lesson breastfeeding has taught me is flexibility. And to give yourself grace.
Not every birth goes as planned. Not every breastfeeding journey is straightforward. Some moms exclusively nurse, some pump, some supplement, some transition to bottles earlier than expected, and many experience combinations of all of these.
Your story doesn't have to look like someone else's.
If breastfeeding is harder than you expected, please know that asking for help is a sign of wisdom—not failure.
If your feeding journey takes an unexpected turn, give yourself grace.
If you need another opinion, seek it.
If you need support, let people carry some of the weight with you.
Remember: You Don't Have to Figure It Out Alone
One of the things I love most about our community is the incredible network of providers who genuinely care about supporting moms and babies. We are fortunate to have wonderful lactation consultants, doulas, midwives, pelvic floor therapists, pediatric providers, bodyworkers, and support groups throughout Northeast Ohio.
At Cleveland Chiropractic and Integrative Health Center, we're honored to be one piece of that village. Whether your baby is struggling with feeding, you need help recovering after birth, or you're simply looking for guidance on where to start or ways to support your family, we'd love to help connect you with the resources that fit your family's needs.
This Breastfeeding Awareness Month, my encouragement to every mom is simple:
Be patient with yourself.
Give yourself grace.
Ask for help. (and accept it!)
And remember—you were never meant to do this alone!
You can do this and you are doing amazing things!
In Health and Blessings,
Dr. Abbey
clechiropractic.com
@clechiropractic
216-952-3830