A simple Facebook post from mum Mallory Smothers went viral after she noticed something striking about her own breast milk — and it’s a great reminder of just how responsive the human body can be for new parents navigating breastfeeding.
Mallory was breastfeeding her baby and, like many parents, was also pumping and freezing extra milk for later use. When her baby came down with a cold, she noticed a visible difference in the milk she pumped before the illness compared to afterwards.
So y’all… this is just amazing. I read an article a while back about how a mom’s milk…
Posted by Mallory Smothers on Sunday, 14 February 2016
Her post struck a chord with parents everywhere, many of whom shared their own experiences of noticing changes in their milk when their babies were unwell. It’s exactly the kind of small, everyday moment that reminds breastfeeding parents why they persevere — and why so many find the whole experience genuinely fascinating.
Thinking about breastfeeding? Some honest, practical tips
Breastfeeding doesn’t always come easily, and that’s completely normal. If you’re just starting out, or thinking about it, here are some practical things worth knowing:
- Don’t panic if it doesn’t click straight away — but do ask for help. A breastfeeding or lactation consultant, or a local support group, can make a huge difference.
- It shouldn’t be painful, though some parents do experience cracked nipples or discomfort early on. This usually settles with the right support, creams and compresses.
- You can freeze your breast milk, just as Mallory did — handy if you’re planning to be away, returning to work, or simply want a backup supply. Ask your public health nurse or lactation consultant for current storage guidance, as recommendations can vary.
- Feeding in public can feel daunting at first. Most parents find it gets easier with a little practice and confidence.
- If breastfeeding doesn’t work out for you, for whatever reason, don’t be hard on yourself. However you feed your baby, you’re doing a great job.
For more support, have a look at 15 Useful Breastfeeding Tips for Moms to Be and read other parents’ honest Experiences of Breastfeeding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it true that breast milk changes when your baby is sick?
Many breastfeeding parents, like Mallory, report noticing visible changes in their milk when their baby is unwell — it’s a widely shared observation among the breastfeeding community. If you have specific questions about your own milk or your baby’s health, it’s always best to check with your GP, public health nurse or a lactation consultant.
Where can I find support if breastfeeding isn’t going smoothly?
A lactation consultant, your public health nurse, or a local breastfeeding support group are all great starting points. Many parents find that a small piece of guidance early on makes a big difference.
Can I freeze breast milk to use later?
Yes, many parents freeze breast milk for convenience, whether that’s for a return to work, time away, or simply building up a supply. Storage guidelines can change, so check current advice with your public health nurse or lactation consultant.
Is breastfeeding in public difficult?
It can feel a little daunting the first few times, but most parents say it gets easier with practice and confidence. You’re not doing anything wrong — feeding your baby wherever you both are is completely normal.
You might also like
- 15 Useful Breastfeeding Tips for Moms to Be
- Experiences of Breastfeeding
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