I’m Umm Zaki, a licensed nurse, and the voice behind LiquidGoldHub, and I want to offer you a warm welcome. My name, an Arabic term that lovingly refers to ‘mother of Zaki,’ paints the first stroke of my motherhood canvas. You’re going to find out about a journey that has deeply transformed me and that I’m eager to share with the world.

My world changed dramatically when my son came into my life in March 2021. As a new mother, I was thrown into the maze of motherhood with a burning desire to exclusively breastfeed my son from day one. But that dream hit a wall when I realized I didn’t have a drop of milk following his birth. No, it wasn’t as smooth sailing as I’d hoped, and I want you to know every twist and turn of this trek, not to lament, but to light the way for other mothers walking a similar path.

I’m here not just to narrate my story, but to provide support and guidance to other mommas and soon-to-be mommas. Whether you choose to direct latch or exclusively pump, the goal is to nourish, and I’m passionate about helping you increase breastmilk supply to meet your little one’s needs.

Now, it’s important to note a disclaimer: I’m not a professional lactation consultant. What I share is drawn from the wells of personal trial and error, the pearls of wisdom gleaned from experience. Consider me a friend who’s walked the walk and is here to offer a hand.

The Journey Begins: Facing Unexpected Challenges

From the moment I knew I was going to be a mother, I was set on one thing – exclusively breastfeeding my newborn. Like a seed planted firmly in the ground, this decision was deeply rooted in my heart. I’d seen countless moms do it; so naturally, I believed it would be my story as well.

But life has a way of throwing curveballs, doesn’t it? After the immense joy of welcoming Zaki into the world, I was met with an unforeseen struggle – my bosoms wouldn’t yield even a single drop of milk. There was also another hiccup; my little one didn’t know how to latch properly. It was like hitting a wall, and the dream of breastfeeding began to seem like a distant wish.

I can still recall the cold hospital room, where my first test as a mother presented itself. Nurses offered formula milk as a temporary solution, but it felt like I was being pushed towards breastfeeding, a goal that seemed increasingly unattainable. Confused and disheartened, I didn’t understand why they wouldn’t just let me use formula – until I realized it’s because they believed in the power of mother’s milk as much as I did.

Amidst the turmoil, an unexpected glimmer of hope came from the resident doctor. Her confidence that a new mother’s body is designed to produce milk somehow reignited my resolve. It wasn’t much – but when she coaxed out the smallest bead of milk, it felt like a triumph. That tiny victory was all I needed; my hope was renewed, and I was ready to tackle the two-headed challenge: improving Zaki’s latch and stimulating my milk production.

Ready for what came next, I steeled myself for the uphill battle. And trust me, it was just the beginning of a journey that wouldn’t just test me physically, but would also demand all the mental and emotional strength I had.

Turning Points: My Breakthrough Moments

I remember the morning that offered me a glimmer of hope amidst my breastfeeding woes. After countless efforts, fueled by a mix of desperation and hope, I glimpsed the first signs of breast milk. It was a breakthrough moment that set my resolve afire. I was determined to turn the tide and I’ll tell you, that determination was the fuel I needed.

In my quest to exclusively breastfeed, I learned that it wasn’t just about patience; it was about the strategies I employed. I’m going to share with you the different approaches I tried to increase my milk supply, believing that if it worked for me, it could very well work for others. From experimenting with my diet to finding the optimal feeding positions, every small adjustment felt like a step towards victory.

Those early days weren’t devoid of challenges. They were brimming with emotional highs and lows, moments when I felt on top of the world and times when I questioned everything. But through sheer perseverance and a bit of creativity, I found my way. Now, I’m here to tell you it’s okay to ride that emotional rollercoaster. It’s all part of the journey.

Achieving exclusive breastfeeding felt like conquering a mountain. It wasn’t a journey that I walked overnight, but with each passing day, I moved closer to my goal. Each drop of milk was cherished, and with my son Zaki thriving, I knew all the struggles were worth it. This hard-earned success didn’t just feed my son, it nourished my soul and my motherly instincts.

Sharing My Knowledge: Tips and Encouragement

I’ve walked the path you might be on now, and I’m here to light the way with what I’ve learned. Remember, I’m not a healthcare professional, but I am a mom who’s been in the trenches of breastfeeding challenges.

In my experience, increasing milk production is a mix of science, art, and, let’s be honest, a bit of luck. It’s about finding what works for you and your baby. Maybe it’s a certain diet, specific supplements, or just the way you hold your little one during feeding.

Latch issues are common, and they can be heartbreaking. If you’re struggling, you’re not alone, and there’s no shame in seeking help. Sometimes, it can be as simple as changing positions or being patient, but other times you might need the guidance of a lactation consultant.

I encourage all mommas and mommas-to-be: the journey is yours. Choose what resonates with you—it could be direct latching, exclusive pumping, or a combination. Your goal is to nourish your child, and however you achieve that is perfect for you.

Ultimately, what’s most important is that infants receive adequate nutrition and care, whether through breastfeeding, formula feeding, or a combination of both. Each woman’s situation is unique, and the decision should be made based on what works best for her and her family while prioritizing the health and well-being of the baby.

Let’s build a supportive community where we can share tips, victories, and maybe even some laughter about those spit-up-on-everything days. You can always adjust your approach down the road, so don’t worry too much about having it all figured out from day one.

Beyond Breastfeeding: A Peek into My Life

I’m more than my breastfeeding journey; there’s a whole other side of me I’d love for you to know. Just like any mom out there, I’ve got a bundle of hobbies and parts of life that keep me buzzing.

Motherhood reshaped my outlook, and it’s been a wild ride that’s affected more than just how I feed my child. It made me reconsider what’s important in life, and how every moment counts.

Why am I telling you all this? Because your breastfeeding experience, however it pans out, is just one part of your amazing journey as a parent. And while it’s a significant part, there’s so much more to you and your story.

If you ever feel like your entire identity is being swamped by the demands of parenting, remember that it’s okay to have your own hobbies, to have moments where you are just ‘you’, not just a parent.

I’ve often found solace in connecting with fellow mothers and sharing our stories. It’s comforting to know that, in the wee hours when we’re all awake feeding our babies, we’re not alone.

I’m eager to hear from you too. Your stories, your trials, your victories – they all matter. Feel free to reach out, share your experience, or simply connect over a shared love for… well, anything really. This space is as much for you as it is for me.

Thanks for walking a bit of this path with me. Let’s keep the conversation going, and support each other, every step of the way.