Jeannie Mai Jenkins Opens Up About The Struggles Of Breastfeeding As A New Mom: ‘I Never Imagined This’
Jeannie Mai Jenkins is opening up about her struggles with breastfeeding. The Real talk show host recently took to Instagram to reveal that in her opinion, the nursing experience has proven to be more difficult than giving birth to her daughter Monaco.
“Been tackling this breastfeeding thing for two months,” the new mom captioned a carousel of images showing herself using a breast pump. “Listening to a lactation nurse, reading advise online, and getting so much help from other moms (🙏) Hands down, it’s been the most difficult part of this entire mom journey. I already HEARD it was gonna be, but I never imagined this. For me, it’s was even more difficult than giving birth 😳.”
The 43-year-old star continued, “The day I gave birth, the nurse put Monaco to my breast and I got emotional about the colostrum that my breast naturally produced. I couldn’t believe nature took place so fast! I fell in love at first latch. I’ve never felt anything like that bond before, looking down at my body providing for this sweet face. I became obsessed. She said latch the baby every three hours, which will signal to my breasts to make milk, feed Monaco each side, 15 min left, 15 min right, and I will see breast milk increase. Well, not for me 💔 Since then, every 3 hrs looked like this: Latch, supplement with formula since I could only give her an ounce, (IF that), go and pump to signal to body to make more milk, set alarm to take milk thistle pills, sunflower Lecithin pills, drink fenugreek tea, massage boobs, in one hour prepare boobs with a hot compress or towel, wake the baby up, repeat. And two months later, I STILL don’t make enough milk to feed my baby.”
Jenkins, who gave birth to her first child with rapper Jeezy in January, later revealed that difficulties maintaining her milk supply began to affect her emotional health–especially when she began to compare herself to other mothers.
“I had to catch myself because it actually got to my mental, and things started to feel dark. Comparing myself to other moms, frustrated from the ups and down of pumping an ounce one day, nothing the next..and this is ON TOP of all the anxiety this journey can bring. Not complaining, actually here to give moms out there, breastfeeding or not, all the flowers and praise for doing your best to care for your baby-formula or boob. I have more respect for moms than ever in my life. And I have to remember me included 🥴✨🥇Hugs to every mom out there❤️” she concluded.
Sending virtual hugs! We commend the new mom’s transparency about the sensitive topic. Join us in sending good vibes to Jenkins as she continues on her motherhood journey.
