My Breastfeeding Journey - Why I Became an IBCLC

By Laura Silvas, RN IBCLC

Feeding my second-born son, Henry.

In April 2016, my lifelong dream of becoming a mom came true. I was overwhelmed with love and gratitude when the sweetest little boy was placed in my arms.

As a labor and delivery RN, I knew all the breastfeeding benefits. I knew it was best for my baby, and this was part of being a good mom, right? But I didn't realize just how hard it was. How much dedication went into this not-so-simple act.

Following a STAT Primary Cesarean Section, something that upset me greatly, I was DETERMINED that my breastfeeding journey would be a success. We made it 15 months with what I now believe was a posterior tongue tie, suck blister, excessive spit-up (due to a milk allergy we only discovered after weaning), mastitis SIX times, oversupply issues, and pumping while away from my baby during my 12-hour nursing shifts.

The issues that arose from my first breastfeeding experience were incredibly eye-opening. I couldn't believe how many different problems seemed to be popping up. The lack of support and education was genuinely astounding. I was disappointed in the medical field. Why were we not helping women prepare more for this journey? Why did we give a new mother her baby, shove a breast into their mouth, and think that the rest would fall into place? When I breastfed my baby, there was no follow-up to ensure it was going well, and I didn't know where to turn when I knew we were battling with nursing.

Flash forward after weaning, and feeling proud of what my baby and I had achieved was an understatement. We did it!! We made it!! However, I couldn't shake the feeling that I had to do more. I knew of other IBCLCs that had started in the nursing profession, so I decided to start the journey to become a lactation consultant too.

In June 2021, our second miracle was born. Things were going to be different this time; I just knew it. I was educated now, had experience, and knew exactly what to do. I GOT THIS. Right?? Well, the joke was on me. My beautiful little bundle seemed to nurse constantly. He always kept his hands in his mouth, and I had difficulty deciphering if these were his hunger cues. He also had a tight upper lip frenulum, and despite stretches, my nipples bled. He nursed for almost an hour and a half throughout the day. I was drained, upset, and confused. I mean, I am a lactation consultant, so what was happening? He was gaining weight, and I had a good supply, so things were not all terrible, but the pain brought me down.

My stubbornness, or what I like to call my determination, kept me going. I stuck with it for four weeks and finally broke down. The stretches weren't working, and this little angel baby had full-blown colic at this point. We eventually got his top lip and very posterior tongue tie clipped. Talk about night and day differences. My nipples finally healed, and I no longer dreaded breastfeeding sessions. I will admit that the stretches following surgery were rough, but I knew they needed to be done.

I genuinely believe that we might not have made it if I didn't have my education and the support of fellow friends/IBCLCs this time around. My baby is now 13 months and still nursing. I've had mastitis once this time (following traveling and a distracted baby). While I still have an oversupply, it's much more manageable this time. I continue to breastfeed exclusively and pump during my shifts.

The illusion of breastfeeding being a magical unicorn journey for me is long gone. The beauty, bonding, and benefits persist, though. I never would've imagined that I would become so passionate about nursing. I love breastfeeding my children and helping other women meet their breastfeeding goals!

If you are thinking of breastfeeding, are currently breastfeeding, or need support, contact us here at Leva; we would love to help you and your baby.