i'm done breastfeeding.

[@nadinekba8989]

Breastfeeding is actually such a difficult journey and it is mentally taxing. It is such a relief to stop when it is difficult but it is also sad. People don’t realize how emotionally involved us mamas get. All the love, you are and amazing Mom Shawn. A great dad Andrew!

[@katherinepennington3562]

Shawn, it is so beautiful to see how much Andrew loves you. You can see it in how he looks at you and in the words he speaks. You have something only God could have built and I hope it will always be one of your greatest joys. Andrew, you are an awesome husband and daddy! Keep leaning on our God who knows our hearts! You two are wonderful.

[@gigidodson]

It has been 45 years. It is still a touchy subject. I had ZERO milk. I felt devastated. It was so hard. Watching every other mom succeed where i failed. By my second and last child i had enough milk to feed 1 feeding a day for 3 months. I got a lot of condemnation the "breast is best " crew was so militant. I still carry that guilt. Feed your kid. Whatever you can. Dont feel this guilt.

[@ninas4968]

Awww ❤ this made me feel so good. I’ve struggled breastfeeding with all 3 of my kids either latch issues or same as you just not enough. I had to formula feed all of them and I’m currently pregnant now and I already know it’ll be formula again. 😕❤

[@paulinemcallister9855]

I had five sons one girl I only breast feed for weeks as was very painful and no milk never had those machines and all big over 9.5 when born were on food earlier like 4mons eat of spoon lots love foodx good job mama😂❤ nanapollyx Scotland 🙏🌻🧚💝🌟💐🌸

[@TM-jx4zj]

Don’t feel the guilt!! I’m sure your children are totally fine and healthy, and they know you love them! Please let it go - that is not the measure of a good mother 💕

[@ShelleyFayles]

🤗

[@sherineill6630]

I had the same thing, I couldn’t breastfeed any of my three children. Shaun don’t feel badly or apologize. FEED your children in any way that works best for yourself and your baby.

[@cherylmark1503]

Breast feeding is a lot. Kudos for doing it with all three kids!

[@hollys89]

@cherylmark1503 Agreed!

[@melissaferguson7630]

Shawn you should be so proud exclusively pumping is intense! I've been nursing for the last 8 years (3 different babies) and oh man I hate pumping! You are a rock star

[@angelmurphy9262]

6 1/2 years here with 3. Thankfully I only had to exclusively pump the forst 3 months then the rest never had a bottle an I was able to exclusively nurse. However,I will say, breastfeeding while pregnant is very hard mentally for me and I wish I could change that 😢

[@melissaferguson7630]

@@angelmurphy9262 hugs mama! Nursing while pregnant was a struggle for me too!

[@angelmurphy9262]

Did u find anything to help? My girl is 20 months an we've weaned to nap and bedtime but she's just not ready and it breaks my heart

[@dawnbutler9649]

Good grief, 8 yrs straight with only 3 kids?

[@savanawilliams6406]

This feels condemning. How about “good for you for breastfeeding that long!”

[@michellewilson9615]

I exclusively pumped with my first for the exact same reason. The fact you did it for 6 months is WILD! That’s amazing!! I made it like 3 weeks and I said - I’m good, she’s good, it’s all good, for my sanity I need to stop. Breastfeeding is hard, no matter how you do! ❤

[@lucysmith6827]

My thoughts, after watching this video, went back to 40 years ago. My boys were breast fed, and although toward the end of the year, it was only mornings and nights, I still look back on that time in an "Andrew East kind of way". Nothing has surpassed the whole dynamic of breastfeeding, except when they became fathers. For myself, it was the singular time I was extremely aware how perfectly God made me. I even started a book of musings and devotions brought on by being a mother. To Andres and Shawn, yes, any future babies should be looked at from the perspective of future adults in your home. I am one of many siblings, and all I can tell you is, that individual time you lose bit by bit with more children, ends up drawing the children closer to one another. It introduces the older ones to that extraordinary love and protectiveness for the little ones, and gives the little ones great experiences of being loved on, and also loving others. Siblings are lifelong friends and teachers of one another. You probably will have more children, so don't EDIT make any definitive statements about it yet. When the time's right to either have another child or not, God will make it perfectly clear to you, so don't worry about it. God bless you and those adorable little East children.

[@ellenhaynes2746]

Lactation consultant here! MVP Shawn! It’s a lot and you’ve given your babies a wonderful gift! I was screaming tongue ties in my head tho 😅Thank you for sharing your very personal journey.

[@susanbarnes1592]

This is such a great example of a great impact of KZbin for getting information out there that people often don’t talk enough about with young parents. It’s so important to share the rainbow of experiences because Every couple experiences, breast-feeding and breast-feeding challenges differently. In this kind of content helps them realize that they’re not alone and that there’s a lot of ways to get through this period in life. I think in the past people didn’t talk about these things very much where they talked about them after they happened. What’s great about how open you’ve been sharing your journeys with each kid is it starts conversations and helps people not feel if they can’t quite do it the way loud voices in society claim it should be done, etc. So thank you for being a conversation starter for those who sometimes don’t even know how to talk about a subject.

[@laurenrigby7732]

AMEN! Breastfeeding is such a steep learning curve and it's so hard! It's really a journey and I so appreciate you sharing your story! You are doing a great job mama!

[@martha6886]

This is such an important topic. As a new mom, breastfeed/pumping has been the most challenging thing. Thanks for sharing your story and supporting others on their feeding journey, regardless of what that journey is! ❤️

[@noellewithane6111]

Breast feeding is a full. time. job. 😭 Exclusively pump for months? You're an Olympic champion mother!!! Literally ❤❤❤

[@michelledonovan286]

I was told that breastfeeding also helps to pull the uterus back in place after childbirth. I can remember feeling the pull in my stomach area when breastfeeding my son.

[@ShelleyFayles]

I forgot all about that but I felt the same! That was 22 and 26 years ago!

[@l.s.u35]

Omg that pain... worst then contractions

[@maymay026]

Thank you for posting this. As a mom that is breastfeeding and pumping while at work, it is nice to see someone talk about their struggle and journey. Social media makes it seem like everyone has an overproduction of milk. That isn't the case, I make enough for my baby for the next day while I'm at work. So all the mama's out there working pumping and breastfeeding, you are doing a great job and keep up the good work.

[@mytoussainttelemaque201]

Thank you for this encouragement. I'm in the same position as you.

[@Sammiejammie521]

As an exclusive breast feeder I feel the opposite. Social Media was flooded with women talking about not breastfeeding and how they don’t produce enough. It felt very discouraging, I’m glad I stopped listening!

[@bikingbuggy4199]

I have four kids and we travel all over with them and we LOVE IT! So if more is right, you’ll make it work, but I do have to say that it doesn’t have to be a big trip. They don’t care, they just want to be exploring with mom and dad. Actually, some of our simpler trips have been my very favorite. Save the world traveling for when they’re older and can appreciate it more and do weekends away in a hotel. We use to go to a hotel for the night that was only 30 minutes away because it had a water slide and breakfast, and the kids thought that was the best thing in the world. Making memories together is the important thing, not the miles you’ve gone.

[@megs.9915]

Andrew with the seatbelt at 12:01 reacting to Shawn's accolades absolutely cracked me up. Love your openness and all-around supportive attitude for each family's unique feeding journey!

[@kfotherg4800]

Much love, Shawn. Thank you for being so open. My kids are 15 and 19 and I still get choked up when I think about how difficult it was to breastfeed. Clogged ducts, toe-curling pain, pumping one breast while nursing to try to improve my supply. I never made enough milk for my babies. Always had to supplement. Felt like a failure. I know better now. Fed is best. Love to all moms.

[@lindadickson9547]

I’m so glad you had Andrew who understood breastfeeding and supported you.❤❤❤

[@essliedavis]

My husband had to bottle feed my daughter the 2 days a week I traveled for work. He would text me when he gave her a bottle and I would already know because I had filled up. The connection is so precious and from God! ❤

[@alyciadunn8192]

I have five babies. My girls couldn’t latch.. no one could help even lactation. I found a consultant who told me that girls had a tongue tie, got them clipped and after much work they nursed fine. It takes work but is so worth it. I pumped for six months with lots of babies and it’s SO hard. My fifth baby is the best nurser, which I prayed so much for… I know your struggle and it is so real. I feel the exact same about the connection with the baby. Turn to your faith and put God in control when it comes to “being done” with children. Your faith is strong let God control how many babies he sends you (NFP). God bless you.

[@mmcginley89]

This video just randomly ended up on my youtube feed and i am so glad it did. We just had baby number 8 and the hardest part is always the breastfeeding. Shawn, you are such an inspiration just sharing this real and raw video of your journey.

[@Liza-yi8iq]

I’ve done both and pumping is by far the hardest. I’m on the fence about weening my little boy right now. Emotionally I’m not ready but I know I need to. Good job momma.

[@hollys89]

@Liza-yi8iq I have to say I feel the same it's such a hard decision

[@TM-jx4zj]

Don’t stress about it. You’ll know when you’re ready 💕

[@elljazz]

If you aren't ready you don't have to stop. The world average is 5 years.

[@haileythomas5357]

Thank you for sharing this message!! I had NO idea how hard breastfeeding was until I had my baby on 11/19/23. We’re still doing it 100% of the time but DANG it’s so hard!! Props to you and knowing how hard it is and how much is out of our control, fed is totally best

[@bearpuns_]

I am a FTM and my baby only latched for about 6 weeks but I have exclusively pumped since day 1. I am now 6.5 months into exclusively pumping and it truly is so much work. Any amount of time nursing or pumping is admirable 💜

[@eeedd89]

I never had any milk it was weird . It was comforting to have low income wic program help pay some formula my baby was so colicky we have the orange one the purple one

[@Imaan-h7z]

What is FTM?

[@bearpuns_]

@@Imaan-h7z first time mom

[@abbyjordan1941]

@@Imaan-h7zfirst time mom

[@sk8ergrl763]

I appreciate y'all discussing this!!! 1. I'm a mastectomy mama and a previvor. I've never breastfeed but I personally don't feel like I missed out on breastfeeding because, I had the extra support from my wonderful husband to help share the load of feeding our boys. 2. Breast are not best, if mama is not around... this can mean something different for everyone. I had an 87% risk of getting breast cancer, so I chose to reduce my risks- preventive bilateral mastectomy... also my mom exclusively breastfeed all of us, and yet it wasn't enough to lower her breast cancer risks- she was 1st diagnosed at 37 died at 52. I want to be here for my children, so I have done all that I can to hopefully give myself a better chance. For some women- PPD and trying to breastfeed can be too much, FED IS BEST! Kudos to yall on your feeding journey! I love your family! Yall inspire me often! ❤ I also personally knew we were 2 and through, done having kids. I had challenging pregnancies and postpartum- so I knew we were done at 2. I'm happy that we can begin the next phase- journeys and adventures with our boys! It's bittersweet.

[@servantwarrior880]

We had five daughters within six years. I breastfed all five girls for at least one year each. It was a lot. I miss it but am glad that phase is over.

[@sally8368]

I appreciate that this is uncut! It is nice to hear the natural flow of conversation - my husband and I have rhythm together, just like you guys. 💕

[@korey1112]

I breastfeed my son for 18 months....what felt good about it all was my breasts finally had a function...it was like they came alive after all these years. The feeling of filling up and then the release....and that precious bonding time. He just turned 16 ....he's a track star at his high school....200 meter and high jump also 4 by 1 relay. He is so strong and healthy

[@shelbychocolate]

I triple fed my twins for 11 months while working full time. It was so exhausting. Idk how I did it and it did so much damage to my mental health. I was so excited to be done but also so sad at the end of an era. So many emotions that you don’t know you’ll feel until you’re there.

[@Nadia-sd9ng]

Well done Shawn you should be so proud ❤

[@advicefromsavanna]

🙋‍♀️ exclusive pumper for 9 months due to latching issues with my first also! I never thought of it was wayyy more than nursing- just worked for us as a unit much better over nursing. My 2nd latched great… but nursing just did click with me- so I turned into exclusive pumping and I tapped out at 5 months for my SANITY 🎉 What a journey each kiddo is ❤

[@RyeAnna81]

I tried breastfeeding with both of my boys. My first son got for days worth of colostrum but because my milk didn’t fully come in he was hungry. And I’m almost positive he was tongue tied, but we were like y’all as first time parents and didn’t know or have the right resources to help make it work. My second son nursed exclusively for 2 months and he was constantly on the breast. We discovered at his 4wk check up that even though my milk came in quicker it just wasn’t strong enough to satisfy him, he failed to gain weight like he was supposed to. So I tried to pump and supplement with formula, but I guess the stress of that made my milk dry up when he was 3 1/2 months old. It was a journey and I’m thankful that I did try it. Sometimes it works out and sometimes it doesn’t and that’s ok. You are an amazing mother, Shaun!

[@gabriellesgirl]

When you said no one prepares you for the mental toll nursing and pumping takes - 100%. I have 11 week old twins and have struggled SO much with this. Thank you for this video.

[@shawnatousignant9617]

I exclusively pumped as an under supplier with my 1st and boy was that so hard! In the heart of covid, mixed with probably ppd, anxiety and the unknowns. Breastfeeding, no matter how you do it is extremely tough and not for the faint at heart. And sometimes you never know when it will be the last nursing session, I sure as heck didn't with this last baby. Be proud of what you have done and your kids sure are well loved regardless of how you fed them!

[@naelamaytte]

As a breastfeeding mom of 4 I understand the sadness after stoping you feel like your loosing that bonding with your baby but there will lots of more memories you will be making with your kids in the future and you will look back and see this is just a stage of life and we all do the best we can ❤❤loved this video thanks for sharing 😊

[@megangotimer2337]

Fellow exclusive pumper here for 13 months! It was crazy but worth it for my mental health and my little one. However you decide to feed your child is a huge milestone in parenthood

[@laelakurdali_ricks]

Gosh. Thank you Shawn. As an under producer and baby girl hasn’t breastfed since she turned 8 months (she’ll be 9 months on Monday), thank you for your words. Your words really helped me. I know it isn’t my fault or my body’s but I’ve been so hard on myself.

[@kellyparkerseeley7038]

My body was absolutely timed to my son's schedule. It's really a great natural time management tool.

[@TM-jx4zj]

Just enjoy the journey - you’ll know when you know. And every stage as your children grow up is amazing! I have been through the baby stage, toddler stage, young children, preteen, teenagers, and now one adult and two teens. The best encouragement I had was once being in an airport with one of my babies and a gentleman admired the baby and then commented ‘just wait until they’re a teenager… it’s awesome’ 💕 And it’s true!! Not to say there aren’t hard things then too, but it is just as amazing as every other stage.

[@melissab5634]

Breastfeeding is very challenging, but the most beautiful part of motherhood for me. You've done great Shawn 👍🏼👏🏼

[@chloeporter3669]

My daughter had such a similar tongue tie story! No one understands how traumatic it can be to have to force feed a baby who is acting like you are torturing them by feeding them (on the bottle or on the breast, both were torture for her until her revision). It was so so intense and you should be so proud for making it through that time.

[@kayleecorl7486]

This is so reassuring to hear! I struggled with nursing so I went to pumping and made it a little over 6 months. It was SO hard! But you're correct, you need to do what's best for YOU and BABY! :)

[@b19xx]

I really love Shawn and Andrew and their family. I love how Shawn describes that breastfeeding your baby just feels right, it's meant to happen. 🤱

[@b19xx]

I love that Andrew is very much involved especially with all the exhausting parts of parenting.

[@abbiegabrielson6179]

Shawn, to hear you speak about what it feels like to breastfeed, the hormones, the relief after the build-up of milk, and Andrew, the way you described feeding a baby as magic, you both put words to feelings I’ve had but hadn’t even articulated to myself so clearly. Thank you for your truly profound thoughts of breastfeeding and loving your children. Also, loved the shout out to Emily Oster, big fan of her here too 🥰

[@ash.leeann8166]

A Gillespie practitioner can help through craniosacral fascial therapy will help! The tie even surgically lasered can re-repair itself but this will ensure that it doesn't. I'm so sorry for your breastfeeding struggles, it's a journey for sure. I'd also look into getting your family tested for MTHFR gene mutation, tongue ties are common in those with MTHFR.

[@alainajaeger9109]

I did the same 6 months pumping until I went back to work..Whew it is a full time job on its own. Moms are amazing ❤😊

[@sandraisaac8497]

Thank you so much for being vulnerable about talking about the struggles of breastfeeding...everyone talks about the amazing parts of it but never the hard parts...I fell into depression over not being able to breastfeeding and how I must be failing at being a mom right off the bat because I wasn't producing...And my baby was starving

[@030566]

It also has to do with the needs of the child. My son was a premature child. He needed to eat every two hours and I couldn't keep up. Even though I tried. :)

[@ashleydvorak8207]

same here!

[@carleehodgins]

Shawn you are amazing I was never able to breastfeed longer than a few weeks. Still to this day it hurts me. But my baby was fed and I wasn’t stressed. My second baby was so easy to nurse I gave up because the balance of 2 under 3 at the time. My 3rd time was so hard I had postpartum hives and allergie flare ups. She wasn’t gaining weight. Formula was the best thing we had to do

[@chantals579]

Props to you for breastfeeding three kids till 6months. I’m on my last breastfeeding journey and slowly weaning off now that she’s a year old. It can be so mentally taxing and for someone who hasn’t been thru it might not truly understand and appreciate how much work it is. I don’t think my husband to this day understands how hard it can be especially when there are other kids who want your attention. I’m sad to be almost done with this stage but also look forward to being more present with all my kids and not stressing about going places while having to worry when I need to breastfeed.

[@vloggergirl9387]

I love that she is talking about post partum and being so open about it. It used to be so taboo and the fact that women are speaking out about this is so awesome. sometimes you just need to know your not alone in all this.

[@missykettula2752]

My first nursed great but my supply dropped at 3 months and I couldn't get it back. 2nd I did exclusive pumping because I was so fearful I wasn't producing enough ..but I went way over board and pumped for triplets. My 3rd wouldn't take any bottle but got thrush at 2 months and we struggled for 6 weeks and I had to force him to take a bottle and we found 1 specific kind and then grew amazing. Each kid is so different and those mamas that have perfect nursing babies every time are blessed.

[@texnewmexneen]

So true, breastfeeding is no joke! My 4th baby was the most difficult to nurse…and because of that, he was our last lol! I cried so much and still made it to 10 months with that baby after nursing my 3rd baby past one year.

[@Natashalive5050]

I exclusively pumped for 1 year and next child exclusively breastfed for 18 months still going. She won't take a bottle at all. It's so hard. Both are challenging in its own ways. 😊

[@torisilver9488]

The movement you're saying Bear does is exactly how my son was. He has CMPA (cows milk protein allergy). We switched his milk to non dairy and he changed pretty immediately! We now still use the prescribed milk but feed him dairy in his foods and currently having no problems. ❤(Hes 9 months now)

[@marcellabrooks4736]

Thank you for sharing. I am exclusively pumping right now and it feels great to have ppl recognize the difficulty !

[@kelseycorreia9829]

Thank you for sharing your journey with us. Each mom's story is different and even with each kid, so thanks for being honest about that. And sharing that there are resources for moms, because a lot of moms can feel like you did with Drew, like you don't know anything, but need help. It is amazing how God designed women's bodies to carry and take care of babies. Praying for you in the remainder of your post-partum and for you both and your kids to be healthy and taken care of. God Bless You. Happy Memorial Day.

[@hollys89]

Thank you for sharing this part of your journey with us it truly is the most personal and emotional aspects of raising your baby! I was fortunate and blessed enough to produce so much milk that I pumped as well as nurse my boys and donated it to the NICU for newborns and my 3rd (last son) ended up having to be there for entirely too long (14 weeks 6 days) being a preemie it's so amazing how Andrew makes his feelings of gratefulness support and admiration for you so openly! I appreciate you both so much for all that you (and now the kiddos) do for so many! I'm sure this was hard video to make but you're helping so many of us without even knowing it! Thank you have a great day

[@nicolettewright]

Shawn, let your husband love on you. When he's reaching out his hand to you because he sees that you're taking a pause, hold his hand. You're verbally saying you're ok, but you clearly don't look it, and that's perfectly ok! Also, when he rubs your back. Very happy to see how supportive he is to you. Andrew, listen to Shawn! I know you enjoy that infant baby stage, and baby smell, but those infants grow up, AND FAST! Like Shawn said, do you want to add another human to your family for life! Don't stretch yourself too thin. You have to be present for each one of those kids, not only as infants and kids, but as teenagers and adulthood. I'm a new subscriber, and your family seems lovely. I wish you all many blessings🙏

[@Themissy_helms]

I had to exclusively pump for 9 months with my first because she had cardiac issues and was an emergency c section and struggled to latch. But wanted to give her breast milk! Women are sooo strong. We are so strong.

[@MegaTelenovela]

I love how you explained breastfeeding is a God thing and think you are most likely still not emotionally done breastfeeding Bear. You are going through a hardtime juggling mentally with all 3 kids. I have 2 yo still breastfeeding and nowhere near ready to be done. I commend you for doing what's best for you and your family's wellbeing. My husband and I want more children but not ready for that yet. I know Colleen Ballinger exclusively pumped for 6 mo for her twins. It's so hard.

[@fletcherchambliss1590]

I was terrible at it with my two kids. I felt like such a failure. Don’t let the haters get to you. You are wonderful to do what you did.

[@heathergingrich6170]

I breastfeed till I had to go back to work and then he got both till I was dried up. That was also 6 weeks after he was born and 42 yrs. ago. I still remember that feeling of holding him and just being calm in the moment with him.❤

[@jennoel8599]

My baby has never latched, so I’ve been exclusively pumping for 3 months. I’ve felt so lame for only making it 3 months. Even reading these comments saying “I made it 6-9 months” makes me feel bad. To everyone out there: ANY AMOUNT OF TIME YOU BREASTFED (yes, pumping is breastfeeding) IS AMAZING. I am now weaning off because I have D-MER. I get extreme anxiety when I let down. So if you need to stop for your own mental health so you can be better for your baby, then that’s fine! Whatever you are doing for your baby is PERFECT ❤❤

[@andreasummers1955]

I decided to stop pumping when i return to work next month (my baby will be 3 months by then). I hate pumping. I feel like a cow, it’s time consuming, and I can’t imagine pumping at work.

[@heatherlynn_5555]

I’m currently exclusively pumping and I’m in month 4. It sounds like my journey is a bit of a mix between your 1st and 3rd. It is so challenging but also so rewarding to be able to nourish my baby even though nursing didn’t work out. Thanks for sharing your experience!

[@SaraGraves-d7r]

Thank you for your honesty! I know it will help other mothers who are having the same or similar feelings. You're a great mom and Andrew is a great dad and support partner to you! KUDOS!

[@krystalrembert-wallace2779]

I’m pumping at this very moment and I’m on month 10 of exclusively pumping. Thank you for seeing us❤

[@lindablanton3090]

You two have worked so hard to do what you felt was right for your babies. And Andrew was so supportive. You are great together.

[@ashlearitson9088]

Thank you for pointing out what a privilege it can be to breastfeed through challenges. All of those resources at your fingertips, the community support, and employer support is not available to many parents. As a NICU nurse, I see this all the time! Thank you, thank you for pointing that out! ❤

[@kenfuller9443]

You guys are awesome!! Love you guys

[@micash5]

Exclusively pumped with my daughter for a year, even after I went back to work at 8 weeks. It’s very challenging! You did great, Shawn! ❤

[@LAnnMcK]

No matter how many kids you have, you figure it out. If you had four each parent sits in the middle of a plane seat with a kid on each side. My husband and I had three under 4 when we traveled international for the first time with all of them. The traveling wasn't hard because we worked as a team. Tiring, yes, but not hard. I always tell people don't make decisions the first year or two after having a baby. It's such a big transition. Decisions are best made 18 months to two years later. Drew will be in school full-time, Jett will be in pre-school, and Bear will be the only "baby" at home. Adoption is also an amazing option, and it's so needed! You've had a hard few months, enjoy the next 6-12 without discussing adding another family member.

[@jeanjackels6384]

I had the same. First had latch issues so I pumped for him and supplement with formula when I started to dry. 2nd nursed no issues and had extra. 3rd was nursed until I went back to work then pumped, formula at the end because I dried up. Agreed... fed is best, fed is what is important. As long as they get what they need to grow.

[@ninas4968]

I love y’all ❤ thank you for being so honest. My 3rd baby was also the hardest just all around in every way.. currently pregnant with baby #4 and I’m praying for an easy baby. 🙏🏼

[@dianamedley3456]

Great job 👏🏻 I exclusively pumped for both of my kids for 13-14 months and it is nooo joke. I am grateful but also definitely sacrificed mental health wise for a time. It’s such a journey!

[@sarahjenkins5591]

Blimey well done, so hard!😊

[@passiveincome_presentmama]

First of all, you are a rockstar. Shawn and your perseverance through the breastfeeding journey and Andrew your support of her through it seems to be exceptional. I exclusively pumped for a year with my first born and EIGHT years later… I’m five months in exclusively pumping my second and I have wanted to give up on numerous occasions, but the self-inflicting guilt EATS ME ALIVE. Thank you for bringing awareness to ALL this journey has to offer. Thankful for you ❤️

[@ginagambill2828]

Everything is going to be alright Shawn. You’re doing what you’re feeling is best and you have 3 beautiful children and a wonderful husband who loves being a father and wants to help in anyway he can is just amazing. You Shawn deserves a gold medal for being the best mother you can be so make sure you take care of yourself in every way possible because it’s so important. I think that the East family is the best family on KZbin. I love you guys…take care.

[@BurningDaylightGA]

I can't possibly love your message here more. I have two precious babies, and my breastfeeding journey with each was so different. I hope that even one parent takes comfort in your comments and experiences. With love, a fellow mama bear.

[@b19xx]

It's so funny. I love how Andrew is "pushing" for a whole team of minis. I want to tell Shawn that no matter how many children you have, you WILL have enough love for each one!

[@christinahughes7393]

Watching this as I nurse my 3rd - 6wo and 4 days post tie revision. This has been one of my hardest as well and it’s refreshing to hear that others had a different experience with each baby also. You did such an amazing job!!!

[@thewellnessprocess9728]

This has been so healing for me to hear! I had such a hard time breastfeeding my son, I was so desperate to do it and felt so bad when I couldn't anymore. It's comforting to know that other women go through the physical and emotional struggle too! Thank you so much for sharing! God bless you guys!♥

[@AmySimmonds-luv4Jesus]

You said it best...everybody's journey is different. Fed is best!

[@hollys89]

@AmySimmonds-luv4Jesus so true beautifully said

[@jinahinson878]

Such a KEY question, which we also addressed, as we loved the baby phase: Do I just miss the baby phase or do I truly want to add another member to our household, forever? Thank you for mentioning this - so important. I did not produce milk well and struggled so much with feelings of failure with our 3 sons as I quickly transitioned to formula feeding. We also addressed a suspected tongue tie situation with our second baby son, but it did not help as much as we had hoped. When our daughter was born, I still struggled with sufficient milk production, and then she caught thrush at ~3 weeks. As she healed, I pumped exclusively but bottle fed her the milk, afraid to put her to breast and repeating the thrush cycle again; getting her healed from thrush was exhausting and tedious. Even though I was pumping, I only produced enough for one bottle, and so was heavily supplementing with formula. Shawn, I applaud your diligence with pumping, lactation consultants, and exploring all the ways to increase production. I applaud your diligence to explore how to continue to provide breastmilk for your babies. And I applaud your understanding and encouragement to all who have struggled with not being able to breastfeed. Reading the book When Breastfeeding is Not Enough was such an encouragement to me, dealing with all the feelings. Blessings to you both in your mothering, fathering, and loving your precious little ones.

[@AdriannaStacy]

I exclusively pumped for my son for 14 months while holding a full-time career. I definitely know how difficult it can be and is to do that! Any amount of time tried breastfeeding and/or pumping is such an achievement and an amazing thing to be proud of. Everyone's journey is different. 💛 There's nothing to be ashamed of. Your kids are healthy and happy. That's all that matters!

[@arghleblarghle]

15:15 I REALLY appreciate Shawn recognizing that breastfeeding is an issue of privilege. Moms either need to be able to be with their baby, or to have a job that is compatible with pumping AND the time and energy to deal with pumping. Many women don't have those things.

[@pamelagordon5550]

This is precious! I love this video! So many things that a lot of people don't slow down to talk about especially spouses! This is very comforting ❤

[@harmonyjohnson1512]

So relatable! I had a hard time withy first and exclusively pumped for my second and was able to provide for him and another little for their first year of life and it's definitely a commitment and such a relief and like you are getting a part of yourself back when it's done. Still in it with my third baby and getting to provide for other moms, but counting down the months until I can stop and just use up my freezer stash! We are at 5 months now too

[@stacysanso5556]

I exclusively pumped with both my babies and it is a grind! Thanks for talking about this important topic. It is hard when people don't understand pumping and/or c-sections and say things like "oh well then you never really breastfed" or "oh you have never really given birth". Everyone's journeys are different and I so appreciate you sharing yours to help share a deeper understanding.

[@sandydupey]

I love how he supports and love you!! I can see that you guys make an amazing team together!

[@evanhoge2065]

The feeling you described as a deep breath when your milk releases while nursing to me is like the feeling you get when you scratch ab itch. That’s the only why I can explain it.

[@skupachk]

Breastfeeding is such a wild ride. My first child - allergic to my breast milk, failure to thrive, weaned at 7 months. My second child seemed fine but was in the bottom 25% until weaned at 9 months, my third child (with a tongue tie) I could have fed him and three other babies. i weaned him at 12 month because he was the size of a 3 year old and it just looked wrong. Your love for each child is the most important not where they get their nutrition from. Congrats for having 3 beautiful babies, and thank you for sharing your lives.

[@chicccky]

Thank you for sharing your lives so intimately. I will say this - let prayer be your guide as you discern the size of your family because you may not know the design God has in mind for your family! You will not regret adding another child to your life, but you may regret not.

[@DebraE.Carlson]

I remember that comfort of breastfeeding. To know you are nourishing that baby to grow and be healthy from your own body. I was so fortunate that my baby girl latched right from the beginning. Truly an experience a mom always remembers. I miss those tiny fingers laying on your chest. You have done well Shawn, and every child is so different. Be proud that you got them extra nutrients til 6 mos.❤

[@zingara76]

I was not expecting how much work is breastfeeding. I took clases while pregnant and join breastfeeding communities in my town, still once I had my baby it was not enough. My milk supply was low and other issues. Thankfully there’s so much help (free) and I’m getting better at this. However I still had to supplement with formula just to make sure my baby is getting enough. So you doing it for that many months is already a big milestone.

[@kewpiefan72]

The things we do for our precious babies! 1981, working mom, didn’t have an electric pump, had to pump with a handheld squeezer. Work said I could only pump on my breaks and lunch but did allow me to store the pumped milk in the nurse’s refrigerator. I was able to supply her with enough frozen milk to get her thru the day with the babysitter and then actively breast fed her when we were together. At 6 months she refused to take milk from the breast anymore, she preferred the easier bottle. So it didn’t take me long before I couldn’t pump anymore without her latching on and I dried up. I never considered it an imposition in my life to pump because it allowed me to continue breastfeeding. It’s a feeling like no other and I’m sorry for women who want to breastfeed and cannot.

[@hannahwomack8721]

What is so funny about listening to Shawn describe milk letdowns and breast-feeding is that for people with something called DMER it is extremely unpleasant and causes nausea and depressive feelings for 30 seconds to two minutes with each milk let-down or latch. I am one of these people. That said, I still have been breastfeeding and/or preggers since 2017 😅 and I agree! It’s a LOT! And I do feel very privileged to say that I have been able to breastfeed with all 4 of our babies so far. I appreciate and admire your openness in this video. Much love 💕

[@sngray11]

Thank you Shawn for being so honest and open with your breastfeeding journey with all three of your children. 💗

[@briannalilly4025]

I exclusively pumped, and it was very hard on all of us. So props to you girl

[@hazardgirl25]

I feel this. I am so proud of you and your journey. I’m currently breastfeeding my potential last baby and this makes me feel all the feels. Hearing my thoughts be so similar to yours makes me feel so normal. I also had to pump with my first, and it’s such a balance. Andrew seeing the hardship and work it takes is amazing. You are so blessed to have such a partnership.