Everyone knows that giving birth is a painful, difficult experience. That being said, most people don't think about the impact on a woman's body after she's given birth.
The weeks following birth can also be painful for new moms — and not just "down there."
Of course, a woman's downstairs area can hurt a lot after labor and delivery, but there are other body parts affected as well.
One such body part? Breasts. When your boobs start to produce milk, they get swollen and engorged, which can make them feel sore and heavy.
When babies start to breastfeed, it can cause their mom's nipples to crack and bleed, which is just another source of pain.
Most moms don't talk about the negative aspects of breastfeeding, even though many experience them. One mom, Amy Kiefer, is changing the breastfeeding narrative.
She uses her Instagram account to tell others about her journey through motherhood and breastfeeding, and it's touched a lot of people.
[H/T: PopSugar]
Amy gave birth to her second son on November 11, 2017, and immediately began sharing her experiences with her Instagram followers.
One of the things she writes about most is breastfeeding.
On December 4, she shared this selfie with her son and her breast pump. She wrote:
Taking selfies with your {milk} drunk and passed out friend.
Breastfeeding is NOT easy for this mama.
If you're like me and have some early struggles with your little babes, the beautiful bonding part comes later.
That is more than OKAY!
Heck, you might never love it or feel that bonding thing everyone talks about and then more power to you for sticking to the tough job!
With my firstborn I had extreme, toe curling, face crinkled (read: crying) nipple pain. Maxwell had tongue tie and my nipples were wrecked.
We didn't breastfeed pain free until he was 8 weeks and reflecting back I feel like a badass for making it through that mess.
With Trey babe things have been much smoother! I experienced the normal nipple soreness, but we were pain free very early on.
Our biggest problem is my freaking Pam Anderson boobs that super soak him during each feeding. Even with my best efforts (and lactation consultant recommendations) the girls have no quit.
I know most people think it’s a super amazing problem to have, but unless you’ve walked a mile in someone’s mega boobs…you don’t understand it.
It is an enormously time consuming and uncomfortable issue that doesn't exactly fit into our two under two situation.
So heck you guys, don’t be so hard on yourselves, your breastfeeding issues, or your supplies!
Stop comparing yourself to other mamas and just ride your own breastfeeding ride.
Cheer for each other, listen to each other, encourage each other and anyone else that is raising a little person…we got this wild and beautiful mess.
If you're inspired by what Amy has to say about breastfeeding, please SHARE this article with your friends!