Being a mother brings unbelievable rewards, but at times it can also bring feelings of uncertainty, confusion, or guilt. That’s why it’s so important to keep in mind that we as mothers are all trying our best. We need to let go of any artificial or unrealistic expectations, and to embrace the fact that each one of us is doing everything we can to make sure our babies are happy and healthy.

Jordann went through many of these kinds of ups and downs firsthand during the breastfeeding journey she experienced with her two beautiful boys. When her first baby was born in August of 2018, she was faced with a challenging three months of low supply combined with high demand. Because this wasn’t how she had expected her journey to unfold, she found herself struggling with feelings of disappointment and guilt even amidst the love and joy of welcoming her son into the world.

Three years later, Jordann’s second baby was born in September of 2021. She was excited to try breastfeeding again—but again was able to make it only to the three-month mark. Unfortunately, she felt some of those same sentiments of inadequacy and guilt come rushing back. Yet this time, she was eventually able to recognize the undeniable fact that “fed is best,” regardless of how it may happen.

That’s when Jordann realized that it didn’t matter how many days, weeks, or months she had been able to breastfeed either of her boys. What mattered was that they were both healthy and happy, and that she was determined to do whatever it took to make sure they continued to thrive. Jordann was—and continues to be—a strong, loving mother who deserves to celebrate her achievements and to enjoy the satisfaction that comes from successfully raising her two incredible boys.

As Jordann shares her story in her own words below, we hope that you too will remember to give yourself grace through all the challenges of motherhood—and to cherish the joys and successes, both big and small, that make every step of the journey worthwhile.

 

Sarah’s Story

This is literally the last drop of milk that I have left from my breastfeeding journey. My journey began when my first baby was born on 8/5/2018, and boy was that a hard three months of low supply and high demand. Then I got to try again when my second and last baby was born on 9/3/2021, and I learned that I once again could only make it to that three-month mark.

After the feeling of defeat and personal mom guilt that I was putting upon myself became so heavy, I was blessed with the best three words that I could hear that ultimately helped me with letting go of that guilt. Those words were “fed is best.” I realized that I was being too hard on myself. Both boys were and frankly still are healthy weights and are thriving!

I’ve held on to this knowing I wanted something special, and I am so happy to be finally going through with it. It’s only fitting that I seal this up on the evening of my youngest’s 4th birthday! Happy tears! Thank you so much!!

 

Photo of Handwritten Note

Reflections

As mothers, we all want to do what is best for our babies. Yet it can often feel difficult—and sometimes close to impossible—to know what “best” actually means. Not only can mothers be left feeling unsure about what to do, but they can also be burdened with feeling like they are making the wrong choices or somehow not measuring up.

For Jordann, one of the most important parts of her journey was learning to trust her instincts and realizing that she was absolutely doing what was best for her children, even if it didn’t look like what she had envisioned when she first set out.

In fact, part of the learning process for any mother is letting go of external pressures and internal guilt as each of us navigates our own individual path. It rarely looks exactly like we expected, but it often brings greater rewards than we ever could have imagined.

Now, as Jordann continues being the amazing mother she is, we are thrilled to celebrate with her through a lovingly crafted piece of jewelry to commemorate her unique journey. How special it is to have been made from her final drops of breast milk, in a full-circle moment that ended up coming to a close on her youngest child’s fourth birthday.