Breastfeeding was a personal goal of mine

Breastfeeding was something I had my heart set on achieving, even before finding out I was pregnant. I had seen friends and family members feed this way and for me, it was a personal goal. 

Upon finding out I was pregnant, I reached out to people I knew had experience with breastfeeding. I wanted to find out more about their stories and try to navigate my own breastfeeding journey. I also attended pregnancy yoga sessions which were great as I learnt a lot from other people’s breastfeeding experiences. It was during these sessions that I found out about colostrum.

Collecting colostrum during pregnancy

After being introduced to the idea of harvesting colostrum I did some research and decided that it was something I wanted to try. I started to collect colostrum from 36 weeks, spending time in the bath each evening (sometimes to only collect 0.1ml). With persistence, I had a stash of around 20 1ml syringes in my freezer – ready to go when labour began.

I was under no illusion that sometimes things don’t go to plan and therefore made sure I had looked into formula and bottles I would like to use – should I be unable to breastfeed. I bought the supplies that would get me through the beginning if that was the case for us. Thankfully I didn’t need to use them, however, I personally just wanted to be prepared for all eventualities.

I was under no illusion that sometimes things don’t go to plan and therefore made sure I had looked into formula and bottles

M contractions started at 41 weeks and a day

At 41 weeks and a day, my contractions started. When the time came to go into the birth centre, in the hustle and bustle, I FORGOT my carefully collected colostrum which was pre-packed in an icecooler! This wasn’t as world ending as it seemed to me at the time and the lovely midwives were ready and waiting to assist.

Unfortunately, due to an emergency, I had to have my caesarian under general anaesthetic; meaning in the time that you would normally be full of joy meeting your little one, the anaesthetic had left me confused and delirious. Luckily for me, I had briefed my partner of my wishes and stated clearly in my birth plan that I planned to breastfeed. 

Unfortunately, due to an emergency, I had to have my caesarian under general anaesthetic

My baby’s first feed was captured on camera

At 1.18am my little Freddie arrived in this world. The midwives were on hand to assist in collecting colostrum to feed him whilst I came around from the anaesthetic in recovery. As I became a little more myself, my partner and the midwives supported me in getting Freddie to latch on to the breast for a feed. And, much to my relief, he took to it like a duck on water!

Due to the medication I had, I have little recollection of this time. However, I have photos of it all thanks to a heroic student nurse who took it upon herself to take photos of my son meeting my partner, of them coming to me, and then of our first feed. Memories I will be able to treasure forever.

Coping with breastfeeding after a c-section

With the discomfort following the C-section, it took a while for me to position myself in order to breastfeed effectively. I found taking the extra time to get sat somewhere I could stay for a while was important as once latched I didn’t want to have to disturb him to soothe my own pain.

I used a breastfeeding pillow during the day as this helped take the pressure off my c-section scar. There are lots of breastfeeding pillows options available but I just opted for a V-Pillow which I had already been using throughout my pregnancy – nothing fancy.

I used a breastfeeding pillow during the day as this helped take the pressure off my c-section scar.

My mum was a great help, having been in the same situation 15 years before with my little sister who was born via c-section. She had tried and tested methods that worked for her. She bought me a wedge pillow to use in bed when breastfeeding. It supported me in a sitting position that allowed Freddie to be leant on my body rather than straining to hold his weight. It also meant I was able to sit up easier to get him into the Next2Me Crib after a feed.

Breastfeeding seven months on

As time went on, I recovered from the birth and breastfeeding after a c-section became more comfortable and easier to handle as I was better able to take his weight.

With continued dedication and definitely some determination, we found our feet and have now successfully breastfed for 7 months. I could not be prouder of myself and of course, my boy!