Jeannie Mai Opens Up About Struggling To Breastfeed: It’s Even More Difficult Than Giving Birth

Jeannie Mai Opens Up About Struggling To Breastfeed: It’s Even More Difficult Than Giving Birth

Jeannie MaiContinues to openly discuss the emotional ups & downs of her motherhood journey.

In an instagram post from recently, The Real host gave followers a glimpse into her most recent experience in motherhood, discussing the difficulties she’s had producing milk for her new baby and the mental toll it’s taken on her.

Jeannie Mai JenkinsSince having her first baby, she has been extremely transparent about her journey to motherhood Monaco, She shares her 44 year-old husband, rap artist, with whom Jeezy.  A few days ago, the 43-year-old tv personality revealed to followers that she was struggling trusting people or wanting to socialize since her baby’s birth, and asked for advice from moms about how to stay positive through the many emotional stages of motherhood.

Recently, JeannieShe spoke out about the difficulties she faced in producing breast milk, despite following all instructions from doctors. Here is her post:

“Been tackling this breastfeeding thing for two months. Listening to a lactation counselor, reading online advice, and getting so much support from other mothers. Hands down, it’s been the most difficult part of this entire mom journey. I had a gut feeling that it was going to be difficult, but I didn’t see it coming. For me, it’s was even more difficult than giving birth”

She continues:

Monaco was placed at my breast by the nurse the day I gave birth. I felt so emotional about the natural colostrum my breast produced. I couldn’t believe nature took place so fast! I fell in love instantly. I’ve never felt anything like that bond before, looking down at my body providing for this sweet face. I was obsessed. She suggested that I latch the baby once every three hours. This will signal to my breasts for milk production. I will then feed Monaco each side, 15 minutes left, 15 minute right, and watch my breast milk rise. Well, not for me”

She goes on to discuss how she’s only been able to produce an ounce of milk at a time since giving birth, despite taking various supplements and stimulating her body as instructed to help milk flow.

She continues:

Since then, every three hours have looked like this: Latch; supplement with formula because I couldn’t give her an ounce (IF she had any), go and pump to signal the body to make milk more, set alarm to take sunflower Lecithin and milk thistle tablets, milk thistle pills, milk thistle pills, milk thistle pills, milk thistle pills, milk thistle pills, milk thistle pill, milk thistle pills, milk thistle pills, milk thistle, massage boobs with a towel or hot compress, get up, then repeat. And two months later, I STILL don’t make enough milk to feed my baby.

Jeannie wraps up the post speaking on having to “catch herself” when trying to compare her motherhood journey to other mothers, and not entering a dark place stating:

“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.”

Though she shares about the trials and struggles she’s experiencing in motherhood, JeannieShe insists she is not sharing to be a complainer, but to praise all mothers for making it through these difficult times.

She continues:

“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 mothers than ever before in my life. And I must remember me. Hugs to every mom out there”

Can you relate to Jeannie’s struggle in motherhood? Leave your thoughts and comments for Jeannie!