Library Specialist births her first child at the onset of US formula shortage, faces common breastfeeding struggles, and expresses her love for nursing but hate for pumping - Amber Wright-Steen

Listen to Amber tell her positive pregnancy and birth story, highlighting the very natural-minded hospital and support team she had during her birth and the early days of her breastfeeding journey. Amber recalls the scary realities of learning to breastfeed for the first time during an unprecedented time in US history, when mothers everywhere were scrambling to find formula to feed their babies but were left with fear and empty shelves. She also provides lots of great insight into some of the common struggles of breastfeeding in the early days all the way through the first 8 months of baby’s life, when breastfeeding mothers can still feel very much so that they are living in that postpartum stage even up to that point. Last, Amber confesses that although she never expected herself to be a very “natural” and nurturing mother, she has found that she loves nursing her son and the relationship that has formed between them, while also expressing her dislike of pumping as opposed to feeding exclusively from the breast.

Amber lives in New Hampshire with her husband, Chad, 8-month-old son, Gavin, and her first babies, a golden retriever and two cats.

Connect with Amber on Instagram:  @amber_m_wright

Favorite Breastfeeding Resources:

Milk Minute Podcast --Hosted by two midwives and lactation professionals (and moms!) based in West by God Virginia!

Ceres Chiller-Amber uses this every single day at work--a must have for working and on-the-go moms! It safely stores your milk without refrigeration, and you can pump directly into it.

Lanolin--The nipple cream that got Amber through itchy, burning nipples caused by hormonal shifts before birth as well as the dog days of establishing breastfeeding and the number of times she was chapped or blistered from pumping.

WOMB--For listeners located in Amber’s area--the North Country--this is an amazing local organization offering free classes and support for moms!

The Complete Book of Breastfeeding--A good comprehensive guide for those that like a manual!