Moms and Dads

Coleen Garcia on the Highs and Lows of Breastfeeding: It’s So Worth It

by Alexa Villano
August 8, 2022

Coleen Garcia writes her experiences about the challenges of breastfeeding son Amari as the world commemorates World Breastfeeding Week.

Actress and celebrity mom Coleen Garcia-Crawford may be considered an “it mom”. But like many mothers, she also faced challenges — especially when it comes to breastfeeding her son Amari.

In an Instagram post on Friday, August 5, Coleen began by telling moms there is nothing wrong with breastfeeding their children in the open.

“We celebrate the mothers who have gone to great lengths to do what they believe is best for their children. Don’t be made to feel ashamed of your decisions, and don’t you ever apologize for doing the best you can,” she wrote. “Do what you feel is best for your family, and be proud as you do it. If you choose to breastfeed, know that there is a whole community that gets you. Also, we shouldn’t have to normalize something that already IS normal and natural.”

It ain’t easy and glamorous

Coleen continued by saying that she had her ups and downs while breastfeeding Amari in the last two years.

“Let me tell you, it ain’t glamorous. There have been (and still are) countless sleepless nights, frustration, sacrifices, discomfort, and a lack of time, energy, and capacity for anything else. During the times when Amari is non-stop nursing cause he’s sick or teething, sometimes, it’s almost like I feel every last drop draining out of me. But I do see how it always quickly and effectively makes things better for him.”

Although there were many times she felt uncomfortable, Coleen said what was important was that her son was okay. Moreover, she mentioned that she could name a lot of reasons why it was hard to breastfeed but the joy of her son’s health outweighs it.

“The permanent effects will always outweigh my temporary discomfort and sacrifices. It gives me so much peace and a sense of fulfillment to know that I’ve been doing what I can to keep Amari as healthy as possible, but our breastfeeding journey hasn’t only been about that. I truly believe that it has brought us even closer and has strengthened the bond, connection, and relationship we share in a deeply humbling way.”

Coleen Garcia: I will do it again in a heartbeat

Despite the hardships and sacrifices, Coleen said she will do it all over again for the sake of her child’s health.

“I wouldn’t be the mother—the person—I am today if it weren’t for the times I decided to put him before myself. I could never imagine what it would have been like if we hadn’t chosen this path, and I would choose it again and again!”