Breastfeeding often feels like a taboo topic outside of the parent community. The time and energy mothers devote to nursing, as well as the joys and hardships associated with it, are rarely—if ever—acknowledged. But we’re hoping to change that, one story at a time.
In honor of breastfeeding mothers around the world, our Raw Milk series shares real stories and experiences from our community. Here, Mia Roman Ramirez shares about her decision to exclusively pump after giving birth to her son at 33 weeks.
It feels like my breastfeeding journey started during my second trimester. At the very beginning, I was diagnosed with preeclampsia along with gestational diabetes. I went in for my 33 week appointment the day after Christmas and was immediately sent to labor and delivery due to high blood pressure.
I stayed in the hospital for two nights before I was informed that I was being scheduled for an emergency C-section. At 33 weeks and 6 days, the news was overwhelming. So many what ifs were running through my head. In the span of what felt like seconds, a NICU provider, lactation specialist, postpartum provider, and anesthesiologist came in to walk us through different possibilities and outcomes. My mind raced as I realized I’d have a baby in just a few short hours.
As a first time mom, I initially hoped to try breastfeeding and see how it went for the both of us, but since I delivered so early, Miles was born at 3.5 pounds and immediately placed in the NICU. At that point I had no other option than to pump and bring milk to him.
Luckily, I produced a significant amount of milk from the start. Having a good supply of milk was a huge source of mental relief in those early days and continued to be as I carried on my pumping journey. Miles was in the NICU for about a month and I’d alternate between pumping at home and pumping in his room when I would visit him.
When Miles finally came home with us, my supply dropped a ton. Thankfully, I had a good stash at home, but we were going through so much that I started to worry. The worry created a vicious cycle of causing me to produce less milk, then become more stressed. To counter it, I increased my liquid and food intake and started taking family walks to clear my mind. I also started wearing Miles in my Solly Wrap as much as possible. I noticed that wearing him helped my milk supply more than any supplement or effort I could have put in!
The transition back home was significant and required big adjustments for all of us. Because of that, I decided not to try nursing and instead continue to pump exclusively. It wasn’t a decision I made lightly, but I felt like Miles had already experienced so many transitions and didn’t want to add another to the mix.
Since then, I’ve pumped every three hours no matter what. At first, pumping in public felt intimidating. I was nervous what people might say or think. Now, seven months in, I finally feel comfortable.
My feeding journey has been a steep learning curve. My mom hadn’t breastfed, my grandmother didn’t, and I was the first of my friends to have a baby. To find support, I downloaded the Peanut app to connect with other moms in my area and across the world with babies around the same age. I also found a ton of help through social media—there are so many influencers and moms who share helpful tips, tricks, and stories of their own journeys. I genuinely have felt such a sense of community with the people I’ve connected with and it’s been the best support I’ve found in my own journey.
Overall, I’m so grateful for my experience. I love seeing my baby grow from something I’ve created and I couldn’t be more proud of the nutrients I’ve given him. To moms trying to decide how to feed their baby, I’d give just one encouragement: Fed is truly best and you should do what’s best for you and your little one.
