Plenty of moms can relate to Jeannie Mai Jenkins’s struggle with breastfeeding. While it might sound and look easy, it’s far from it. The experience is different for every mother and Jeannie opens up being completely transparent and honest with her followers.
The Real talk show host took to Instagram to express her feelings and difficulties with nursing her daughter Monaco.
Been tackling this breastfeeding thing for two months,” the new mom captioned a carousel of images showing herself using a breast pump. “Listening to a lactation nurse, reading advise online, and getting so much help from other moms (🙏) Hands down, it’s been the most difficult part of this entire mom journey. I already HEARD it was gonna be, but I never imagined this. For me, it’s was even more difficult than giving birth 😳.”
Jeannie gave birth to her first child with rapper Jeezy in January and expressed to her followers that she had difficulties maintaining her milk supply which in return started to affect her emotional health. She even struggled with comparing herself to other mothers and their capabilities.
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 downs of pumping an ounce one day, nothing the next..and this is ON TOP of all the anxiety this journey can bring. 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 moms than ever in my life. And I have to remember me included 🥴✨🥇Hugs to every mom out there❤️” she concluded.
The love was outpouring for Jeannie as followers chimed in with similar experiences in her comments section. One follower said "My body never made enough milk either. I took so many supplements and tried everything. My kid was basically raised on formula and he’s perfect. I feel u queen. Ur doing great! Ur a super mama💖"
Another follower said "I didn’t produce enough milk either and felt the same way about it 😢 but now looking back after having my second baby and seeing how healthy they both are from being formula fed, I realize I should not have stressed it because it does not define us as moms! You’re doing amazing Jeannie! ❤️"
We commend Jeannie for being vulnerable and sharing her story as we know many women will be inspired to share their story as well.