Thu, Aug 7, 2025 at 09:49 PM

Honoring Breastfeeding Month: Hannah Kittle’s Story of Strength, Setbacks, and Success

August is National Breastfeeding Month. This month is a time to raise awareness, offer support, and celebrate the many women who navigate the often complex and emotional journey of breastfeeding. This month, we’re honored to spotlight Hannah Kittle, a devoted mom of two, a former nurse at Marshall Medical North, and now a Nurse Practitioner.

Hannah’s breastfeeding story is filled with both challenges and victories, but through it all, she has remained open, determined, and inspired, and hopes her story can encourage others.

A Difficult Start

Hannah first attempted breastfeeding in 2022 after the birth of her first child, Caison. Unfortunately, he had to spend time in the NICU and was quickly content with formula.

“That made the whole breastfeeding journey so difficult,” Hannah shared.

The stress, combined with the demands of NICU life, made it hard for her to continue, and she eventually switched to formula for the sake of both their well-being.

Starting Fresh — This Time with Cru

When Hannah found out she was pregnant with her second child, Cru, she was determined to give breastfeeding another try but with a new mindset.

“If I’m being honest with you,” she said, “I did not have high expectations because I had a breast reduction in 2019 and the surgeon told me I may or may not be able to breastfeed.”

Still, she approached this journey with hope and preparation. With guidance from her doctor and Marshall North’s lactation consultant, Courtnie Chaffin, Hannah began expressing colostrum at 36 weeks. By the time Cru was born on June 3, 2025, she had collected 75 syringes of colostrum — something she’s incredibly proud of.

The Power of Support

Courtnie played a critical role from the start. She was present during Hannah’s delivery and helped Cru latch early and often.

“I noticed within three feedings that he had a tongue tie,” Hannah said.

It wasn’t until a follow-up appointment after discharge that they discovered Cru also had a lip tie.

“At this point, I was very discouraged.”

Feeling the pressure and fearing she wasn’t providing enough, Hannah made the decision to start exclusively pumping.

“It’s almost an instinct for breastfeeding moms to feel like we’re starving our babies if things don’t go right,” she said. “So, for my sanity and his sake, I started pumping and that’s what we’ve been doing since.”

Despite the switch, Hannah remained committed — thanks to constant encouragement from Courtnie.

“If it was not for Courtnie, I would have probably given up by now. She always sends texts periodically telling me she’s proud of me.”

The Highs and the Lows

Breastfeeding brought joy, but also serious obstacles. In late July, Hannah developed a severe case of mastitis that landed her in the hospital.

“I was so ready to give up. It was literally the worst thing I’ve ever experienced.”

But Courtnie stepped in once again, offering practical tips, ointment recommendations, and moral support.

“She really helped me through it,” Hannah said.

Despite the physical toll, Hannah’s motivation remains clear.

“I think it’s knowing that ultimately I’m providing him with the best thing he can have. That’s not to say formula isn’t good — I formula fed my first — but just knowing how good breastmilk is for the baby.”

Her short-term goal was to make it to three months. Now, at two months in, she feels incredibly accomplished — with a 10–12 day freezer stash to show for it.

“My husband, Collin, has been a huge help,” she added. “He’s always reminding me how good I’m doing.”

Beyond nutrition, Hannah says breastfeeding has deepened her bond with Cru.

“With Caison being in the NICU, it was hard. But with Cru, it’s been such a sweet relationship, knowing he’s relying on me for his nutrition — and that’s what keeps me going.”

Advice for Other Moms

When asked what she would say to a mom who’s unsure about breastfeeding, Hannah’s response was filled with wisdom:

“Just don’t give up. Remember how good breastmilk is for your baby. But also don’t push yourself to the point that you’re absolutely miserable and mentally unstable. I was in that place with Caison, and I had to consider my mental health. Formula is okay. This time, I’ve told myself — if I stop making enough, it’s okay to supplement.”

And her final reminder?
“This is all just temporary.”

Working Mom and Life Balance

Now back to work, Hannah is adjusting to the added complexity of pumping on the go.

“It’s a task,” she says. “I have to think through things like how far are we going from home, will there be a plug for my pump — things you don’t think about if you’re not breastfeeding.”

Thankfully, Hannah has a strong support system behind her.

“My family is very understanding of my goals. It sounds silly, but my mom and mother-in-law always say, ‘Be careful with the milk — that’s liquid gold!’ They know how important this is to me, and I’m so thankful for that.”

Celebrating All Feeding Journeys

Hannah’s story is a reminder that every breastfeeding journey is unique — and valid, whether it lasts three days or three years, whether it’s by breast or bottle, or somewhere in between.

We are proud to honor women like Hannah who show resilience, flexibility, and love in every step of the journey, and we’re thankful for support systems like Courtnie Chaffin, whose expertise and encouragement make such a difference.

Happy Breastfeeding Month from all of us at Marshall Medical.