Breastfeeding Toddler Twins while Solo Parenting with Nicasha Martin - Weaning It Ep. 4 Show Notes

Real Talk: Single moms breastfeed too and need support

I should know, I was raised by one

Here are some statistics from pewresearch.org:

- One-in-four parents living with a child in the United States today are unmarried.

- About 1 in 5 children are living with a solo mom

- All told, more than 16 million U.S. parents with no spouse at home are now living with their child younger than 18, up from 4 million in 1968 and just under 14 million in 1997.

- 22% of solo moms live with at least one of their own parents

I was born to a single mom in 1984. She breastfed me because it was cheaper than formula, even though formula was the "better" option. She co-slept with me in her bedroom, even though it was discouraged because she only had one bedroom in her apartment. I went to daycare as an infant, and when I was 1, we moved in with my grandfather and uncle.

There is an assumption that a breastfeeding mom must have a supportive partner at home, but that isn't always the case.

Nicasha Martin is a solo mom to two identical 3 year old twin girls and an 11 month baby boy. 

In episode 4 of Weaning It, Nicasha shares her experiences including:

- navigating the NICU with the twins, pumping, and latching for the first time

- Being home with the twins during the pandemic, and how that had a positive impact on her ability to breastfeed into toddlerhood.

- Her family's initial negative comments about her continued breastfeeding, and how that has changed with her son.

- How having a village is key to making it all work as a solo mom. Her parents and sister make everything run smoothly so she can get to work 5 days a week.

- Her least favorite part of extended nursing? Night nursing.

- Her favorite breastfeeding memory? Nursing the girls on a boat! Can't beat that view.

 How can you support single breastfeeding moms?

One of the things Nicasha discussed that stood out to me was the importance of building a tribe of moms in similar positions. For her, it was finding other breastfeeding twin moms who get what she's going through.

But she also discussed the importance of checking in.

Tip: Set a reminder in your phone to check in with your friends who are single parents, or also just new parents. They are thinking of you, but just don't always have the bandwidth to initiate the conversation.

They are tired - more than most. Offer to bring them dinner or play with their kid so they can rest.

If you have a friend who is pregnant and preparing to solo parent, gift them doula and lactation services instead of onsies.

Are you or were you a solo nursing mom? Comment below what support was helpful to you!

And if you're not, share this so single mamas feel seen.

You can hear the full interview on the Weaning It Podcast! Click HERE to listen now - and don't forget to subscribe!