Breastfeeding: The good, the bad and the ugly + what’s working for me.

When C was born, I was totally prepared to begin formula feeding. I had purchased 8 or 9 large tubs of Earths Best Organic formula, I bought tons of different styles of bottles to try out, and I was NOT planning on breastfeeding whatsoever. I knew how much a struggle it would be, I knew that I would have to share my body for an additional 6-12 months, I knew it would have it’s ups and downs. I chose to formula feed all the way up until the point of her coming out of me. It was definitely selfishness that helped make that decision, I already shared my body for 9 months. Another 6 to 12 sounded like straight up madness to me. I was tired, I was sore, I was grumpy, and it did not sound appealing to me. 

Well, the nurse laid her on my chest and asked if I wanted to at least try nursing her. I agreed. She latched on immediately and I fell in love just as fast. 6 months later, those 8 tubs of formula are still sitting in my pantry untouched. I am contemplating either donating all or most of them, or weaning her on to it once she hit 8 or 12 months. Whatever she wants, and whenever she is ready. Regardless, I am hooked on nursing her. Even with all the difficulties that come with it. 

The past 6 months have been a rollercoaster when it comes to breastfeeding my daughter. I had an over supply in the beginning (pretty common), and my stupid a** didn’t pump and freeze when I had the chance. After a while, it began to steady itself out. I had the perfect amount, I was feeling myself let down 6-9 times a day, it was great. I felt great, and so did C. Then out of no where it tanked. Like BAD. My nights were full of tears, from baby as well as myself. I beat myself up and apologized to her incessantly. I could supply her throughout the day for some reason, but once the sun went down, I struggled. I could not even hand express anything, maybe a couple of drops, never anything more than a half oz. That is when I decided I either have to give up on breastfeeding, or try harder to make it work. 

I started doing research. Trying to figure out a way to build my supply back up to the point where she wouldn’t be hungry, and I wouldn’t feel like a total failure. A thought that commonly runs through every struggling EBF mother’s mind at some point. “Why is my body failing me?” “Why is my body not working?” “Why am I not letting down when I hear my baby cry?” “I am failing my baby.” 

That’s when I began learning about Fenugreek, and all of the other herbs out there that will apparently “fix” your milk supply. So obviously I tried it, I bought a bottle of UpSpring MilkFlow Fenugreek + Blessed Thistle supplements. I started off taking 3 or 4 a day. That wasn’t working at all. I moved on to taking 8-10 a day. That was working pretty well, but it was giving me terrible heart palpitations and I felt faint at random times throughout the day. Then I ran out of capsules, without having a back up bottle to crack open. My supply dropped through the floor in the two days I awaited my Amazon order. I called my mom and cried about not producing enough for my little girl. Once again, feeling like Mrs. Failure. 

I had previously heard about LegendairyMilk. It was all over my Instagram feed, the reviews were magnificent, and I had items in my cart for a month or two before this whole ordeal even happened. When my supply tanked for the second time, I pulled my debit card out and ordered it IMMEDIATELY. No more f****** around, I told myself. This stuff has 5 star reviews across the board, it has to work for me.

I ordered three different products to be used in combination with each other. I picked up their Pump Princess Capsules, Liquid Gold Capsules and the Lactivist drops. I have been taking them for about a week straight now, and I have noticed a big difference already. My breasts went from feeling light and empty at any given time, to feeling full and heavy consistently. I have my own little schedule set up. 2x Pump Princess, 1x Lactivist dropper, 4 MilkFlow Fenugreek + Blessed Thistle capsules in the AM. At noon I take 2x Liquid Gold plus 1x Lactivist dropper. Around dinner time I take 1x Pump Princess, 1x Liquid Gold, 2x MilkFlow Fenugreek + Blessed Thistle, and 1x Lactivist dropper. This is WORKING for me. This is the place I have been trying to get to. My supply is finally in good shape. 

I am taking a lot of capsules everyday, yet my stomach isn’t bothered and my heart palpitations have subsided. Moving on to a quick rundown on the Legendairy products, if interested please keep reading!

Pump Princess: Instructions say to take 2 capsules 3x daily. Formulated for milk production, milk flow, mammory growth and prolactin release. Has a smell and taste similar to oregano or some other Italian spice. INGREDIENTS: Organic nigella sativa (seed) AKA Black Seed, organic fennel (seed), organic dill (seed), vegetable capsule.

Liquid Gold: Instructions say to take 2 capsules 3x daily. Formulated for milk production, mammory growth and prolactin release. Has a smell and taste of any general multivitamin. INGREDIENTS: Organic goat’s rue (herb), organic milk thistle (seed), organic shatavari (root), organic fennel (seed), organic alfalfa (leaf), organic anise (seed), vegetable capsule.

Lactivist Drops: Instructions say to take 1ml 3-4x daily directly or mixed with a flavored drink to mask the taste. Shake well before use. Formulated for milk production and milk enrichment. Has a smell and taste of very rancid Jägermeister. Difficult to take without a chaser. INGREDIENTS: Torbangun leaves, Grain alcohol, Vegetable glycerin and Distilled water.

I would recommend these products to any mommy who is struggling with her breastfeeding journey. Everyone is different, and not everyone will experience the same results. You won’t know until you try. EBF can be super difficult, it has it’s dark days, but it’s important to keep your head up and keep trying different things if you are determined to continue. If you are done breastfeeding, that’s OK too! Don’t feel bad or guilty about it. Whatever works best for you and baby is what is important. If it is making you miserable, don’t feel like you have to continue. 

*I was not paid or sent free products to write this review. I just love the results I am noticing, and wanted to share the experience and information with other mums.* 

Thanks so much for reading! – Caffeine & Tiny Feet