Hi friend! Today's show, episode 77, is a roller-coaster ride of emotions, knowledge, and empowerment!

I recently had the pleasure of chatting with Sarene Leeds, the lovely voice behind the Emotional Abuse Is Real podcast.

(If that name rings a bell, it should! She welcomed me on her show back in June in a two-part series about betrayal trauma and narcissism in my first marriage. Tune in HERE and HERE for those episodes!)

Sarene shared some serious wisdom about the challenges of breastfeeding and why it can feel like climbing Mount Everest sometimes. As we gear up for National Breastfeeding Month in August, this conversation couldn't be more timely or essential! Listen in now!

LISTEN ON: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | Pandora | Any Player

Let's Talk Breastfeeding Struggles
Sarene shares her personal journey with breastfeeding her neurodivergent daughter. Spoiler alert: It was challenging, to say the least! From trouble latching to being puzzled by indifferent lactation consultants, Sarene details what many of us have experienced first-hand or through the mom grapevine.

I mean, who among us hasn't felt like a zombie during those early days of motherhood? Sleep deprivation hits hard, and when breastfeeding isn't going as planned, it just feels like a double whammy. Sarene delivered her daughter at just 4 pounds and 13 ounces. Right from the get-go, breastfeeding was a struggle. Shoutout to Sarene’s mom for stepping in with a "breastfeeding boot camp" at her home—talk about family support goals!

Prefer to listen to this episode on YouTube?

The Emotional and Mental Toll
Breastfeeding isn't just a physical challenge; it's a marathon for your mental and emotional health too. Feeling like a "failure" despite knowing deep down that "fed is best" is such a common, gut-wrenching struggle. Sarene’s story is relatable to so many of us, as she recounts the stress of trying to nourish her child. Yet, despite the challenges, Sarene's story is also one of resilience and making peace with her journey.

And here's a gem for you: Sarene’s mom formula-fed her too. An email to Sarene revealed that she, too, was formula-fed in the '70s when breastfeeding wasn't as popular. This revelation was a turning point for Sarene and such a beautiful reminder of the different paths motherhood can take.

Support and Resources For the Win
One key takeaway from our conversation? Surround yourself with an amazing support system. Whether it’s your own mom, a trustworthy lactation consultant, or even a perinatal mental health professional, having empathetic support makes a world of difference.

Sarene also emphasizes the importance of journaling through your experiences. She kept a special "mommy journal"—not always filled with sunshine and roses—but it was her therapeutic outlet.

[And if you want to check out that parody article she references in the episode, find it here 👉🏻 The First Weeks of Parenthood Aren’t Pretty (Despite What Instagram Says)!]

Breastfeeding Tips and Resource Roundup
So, what golden nuggets did Sarene share for other moms out there?

  1. Set Up Support: Secure a therapist or a mental health professional even before your baby arrives.
  2. Journal Through It: Document your journey, because sometimes spilling it onto paper is the best therapy.
  3. Find Your Tribe: Seek empathetic lactation consultants and lean on your family or friends.

And as a community, let’s rally around these moms. Share your stories—let’s normalize the struggles alongside the triumphs. Because let’s be real, mamas, we're all in this together!

Listen to this episode on Spotify.

A Little Bit of Light-Heartedness
On a lighter note, I love that Sarene comments on the new bottle-feeding emoji? It might seem small, but it’s a big win for inclusivity and recognition. A little emoji can go a long way in validating diverse parenting journeys.

Wrapping It Up
Be sure to catch the full episode and take a peek at Sarene’s podcast, Emotional Abuse is Real. This is the first episode in a four-part series, where Sarene and I discuss parenting a neurodivergent child, self-care, postpartum doulas, and so much more.

Connect with Sarene Leeds:

If you relate to Sarene's story I'd love to hear about it! Simply reply/comment below.

Until next time, remember, you've got this, mama. ✨

Hugs,
Krista

Listen to these episodes next: