My 707 day breastfeeding journey, mom-approved swimwear, our fave toddler book for introducing French and more from around the internet
Hi mamas, I've missed you!
It feels like it’s been a hundred years since we last chatted. June was a wild month—so many big things happened. My husband and I took our first kid-free trip since becoming parents—to Provence, France! We officially weaned from breastfeeding (more on that below), started potty training, and our daughter turned TWO! Oh, and… we’re under contract on a new house!!! I’m so excited for all the fun content coming to Mom Mail this summer. Be sure to add us to your primary inbox—and get ready to scroll. <3
CLICK IF…
You’ve weaned from breastfeeding and are facing the ~aftermath~
You’re looking for a unique nickname for your kid (jk)
You’re newly postpartum and breastfeeding
You’re planning a birthday party and need a low-key theme
Your toddler has a 5am wake up time lately
My 707 Day Breastfeeding Journey
It’s truly incredible what our bodies are capable of—growing, birthing, and nourishing a baby. I still get chills thinking about the moments I looked into my daughter’s eyes while she was breastfeeding. It felt nothing short of miraculous. So, bittersweet is the only word I can use to describe the feeling of no longer nursing her after nearly two years.
Weaning has been a roller coaster of emotions. It was hard to stop after going for so long—and it also felt like the milestone that truly marked the shift from baby to toddler.
Breastfeeding my daughter has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life, and I feel lucky and proud that it worked for us. It wasn’t all perfect and easy; it was hard at first—she was under 6 pounds when she left the hospital after birth, so she simply had a small mouth, which made latching more difficult in the beginning. I took her to multiple doctors and consultants asking them to check her for tongue ties, all with the same result, she was small and still figuring it all out. Which meant super sore nipples for mom!
I do remember crying in the glider chair in her room at one point in the first month or so, overwhelmed by just how much time and energy breastfeeding took. It was a commitment I wasn’t sure was right for me. I remember my mom coming into the nursery and telling me that there was no wrong or right, and to only do this for as long as I wanted. I can’t remember exactly when or how, but it all eventually clicked with latching and I look back and can’t believe how second nature it eventually became for nearly two years.
We stopped pumping early on because using bottles wasn’t a success for us—not because that was my plan or preference, but because sweet Flora, bless her heart, would only drink right from the tap. (My girl was stubborn and opinionated right from the start!) Thanks to my flexible work schedule, she’s been by my side nearly every day of her life. So I stopped trying to force what didn’t work for us and leaned into what did—exclusive breastfeeding naturally became our routine.
How did I know I was ready to wean?
Naps and bedtime were historically easier for us when I would nurse her to sleep, so it was hard to let go of that "tool." It was a foolproof way of calming her down in any situation (travel, church, work, etc!). But I started to feel very touched out, knew we had a big trip coming up where she’d have to go asleep without the boob, Florence started to act very frustrated when nursing, and I also just felt in my gut that it was time. Our last feeding was at nap time one day in early June. I took a few self timer photos to document the moment, then put my phone away and was fully present—soaking up that special connection one last time.
What weaning strategy did I follow?
No real strategy here! I did do some research (aka watched about a million TikToks) but ended up just winging it. We cut the bedtime feeding first, switching to a warm cup of cow’s milk with a sprinkle of cinnamon back in March. Florence started calling this her , “Special treat.” Then, over the next few months, I gradually started skipping some pre-nap feedings—usually on days when she fell asleep in the car or on a walk and I could transfer her to her bed without her fully waking up when she would ask for ‘milkies.’
For us, the morning nursing session was the hardest to cut. She was so upset waking up asking for milk and being told there wasn’t any left, so (being pushover parents already) we swapped her morning breastfeeding with a treat to make the transition easier for all of us. I made healthy muffins and breakfast “cookies,” and we’d give her one when she first woke up. It was quite a crumbly mess. But now a few weeks later, when she wakes up we do some snuggles, read a book or get right up and go downstairs for breakfast.
How has it been since you weaned?
Honestly, naps and bedtime have hugely improved. I was shocked. She falls asleep quicker, easier, and has been sleeping longer. Which kind of makes me sad—but also reassures me that we were all ready. She’ll still look at me with a mischievous smile and giggle, “Mommy have milkies?” And I’m like, “I wish, girlie!” Then she replies, “Big girls drink milk in a cup!” She’s goofy, but she gets it. So I think it’s been a successful transition overall.
Did you experience any mastitis or clogged ducts when weaning?
I had a feeling my supply was pretty low, even though I wasn’t pumping to track it. About 36 hours after our last nursing sesh, I did feel a little full and engorged. Nothing like in the early days, though. I started taking sunflower lecithin, which I do think helped. I had already been using a heating pad, taking warm showers, and massaging—but I was still really sore that first week.
The best tip came from another mom: she told me to try icing instead of heat. Which I was shocked to hear, since everything anecdotally that I had read mentioned warm compresses. I’m not a doctor, so do your own research and consult with your medial pros—but icing is what truly got me through. Ice, ice, baby!
ANYWAYS I just wanted to give this topic that is so near and dear to my heart a true spotlight in the newsletter. Sorry this was SO long, I could clearly write a novel on breastfeeding…in another life, I feel like I would’ve loved to be a lactation consultant.
But until I write that novel, I’ll share my favorite breastfeeding essentials for you and your breast friends (sorry, couldn’t pass up that pun opportunity!).
TO WEAR:
Favorite for early days / at-home nursing - I probably had a dozen of these in rotation, constantly washing them. So comfy and soft—like wearing nothing—but still offered the support I needed. SHOP
Favorite nursing bras for leaving the house - I purchased one of these around eight months in (TikTok shop convinced me with a discount) and I immediately wished I had found this bra sooner. They’re perfect under real clothes and don’t feel like nursing bras. They’re actually cute (dare I say a semi-sexy nursing bra?!). Plus, they come in tons of great colors. SHOP
A cozy robe - When I was nursing nonstop, (TBT cluster feeding!), I was always in a robe. This barefoot dreams one was my fave, but I also grabbed a similar dupe from Target to wear while this one was in the wash. SHOP
NIPPLE CARE:
Cooling gel pads - I literally lived with these in my bra for the first month or two. Nipple butter felt too messy and greasy for me, so these were an even better solution. The only downside is that they last just a few days, even with careful washing—so stock up! I remember telling my husband I wanted to invest all our money in these, lol. SHOP
Reusable hot & cold packs - Amazing for early days and weaning days, especially since they can be warm and cold for different care needs. SHOP
Sunflower lecithin - I used this when I had a clogged duct, and it truly helped clear things up quickly. I took it again while weaning. From what I understand, it helps thin the milk to improve flow and loosen any fatty clogs. SHOP
NURSING ACCESSORIES:
Breastfeeding pillow - This was super helpful in the early days, especially with a smaller baby. I loved the Boppy. The recently relaunched with a new shape that looks even more comfy. SHOP
Breathable organic muslin swaddle - I breastfed in public a lot during the first 6–8 months. Flor and I never loved the poncho-style covers, so I’d just drape a muslin cloth over my shoulder when I wanted a bit of privacy. Easy to throw in any diaper bag, too. SHOP
FINDS: Swimwear For Moms & Littles
In my packing process for our France trip, I ordered probably 25 suits to find something that was cute but also comfortable in my postpartum bod. (Yes, I know I have a 2 year old, but... I still feel very ‘postpartum.’) We don’t gate keep here at Mom Mail, so here are the winners:
High waisted bikini – These high-waisted bottoms from Hanna Andersson are the best fit I’ve tried in years. The top and bottom are sold separately, which I love since I’m always a smaller size on top than bottom. The suit comes in three cute striped colors and I kind of want to collect them all. Shop Here, $18 Bottoms | Shop Here, $23 Tops
Swim skirt set – How cute is the black-and-white gingham?! I love that you can adjust the skirt length with the tie cinch. The top offers great support, too. And you really can’t beat the price. Shop Here, $38
Swim dress – I know, I know... swim dress sounds frumpy. But the floral print makes it feel fresh and youthful. When you’re going to be poolside for hours, this one keeps you comfortable—and more importantly, confident—the entire time. Shop Here, $39
Sets perfect for poolside/splash pad - The yellow and the floral sets are both from Target and both are in my weekly rotation. I wore the floral at the beach and in the pool and it dried super quickly. I’ve only worn the yellow to the splash pad, but it’s definitely moisture-wicking and perfect for chasing toddlers around in the sun. Shop JoyLab Top, $20, Shop JoyLab Skirt, $25 | Shop All In Motion Top $17, Shop All In Motion Skirt $21
Sadly, Florence didn’t get an invite to the Provence pool party—but I’m still using it as an excuse to share a few of my favorite swimsuits for littles! I’ve been obsessed with The Children’s Place lately. I mean, how cute is the 3-piece ombré set below?!
SHOP HERE: Coral Shorts & Rash Guard Set | Oranges Swimsuit | Stripes & Oranges Bottoms | Green Stripped Bottoms | 3 Piece Ombré Set
MOM MAIL BOOK CLUB: Claris Says Merci: A Petite Claris Delight
Inspired by our France trip, we’ve been loving this book as a sweet introduction to French for little ones. In Claris Says Merci, Claris—the chicest mouse in Paris—models polite phrases like “thank you” and “please” in both English and French. The story uses whimsical rhymes and Megan Hess’s signature glamorous illustrations to bring Parisian manners to life in a way that’s fun, memorable, and visually enchanting. It’s a gentle, charming way to spark curiosity about another language while reinforcing kindness and gratitude.
Don’t forget that you can be gifted a copy of this book by forwarding this email to a mom friend and encouraging them to subscribe. Each time you forward a Mom Mail email, it counts as one entry. When you forward an email, make sure to cc ‘mommailbymads@gmail.com’ so we can count your entry. The book recipient will be contacted via email. :)
Thank you for subscribing to Mom Mail! Until next week <3
Xo, Mads