As my son Charles nears his first birthday, I wanted to reflect on our breastfeeding journey. My hope is that by sharing my experiences, and the things I’ve learned along the way, I can better prepare other people for a positive and successful breastfeeding journey.
Breastfeeding took hard work in the beginning
After having my son, the first weeks of breastfeeding were so tough – it was hard work. Learning how to latch. Lots of pumping since it felt better for me at the start when we both were still learning. Bruised nipples. Catching up to his hunger. Making sure I was fed to keep up with the breastfeeding. But having zero time to feed myself.
Trying to get enough rest to promote milk flow but being so sleep deprived because well, newborn baby. Low supply days and beating myself up for it. To then leaking constantly and having too much milk. Multiple outfit changes. Days of bursting boobies. The anxiety of having to pump and feel like a milk factory. Then feeling like a superhero for pumping as much as I did.
I remember the first few weeks thinking “is this really what breastfeeding is like because I don’t know how long I could do this.”
Challenging days and cluster feeding
Constantly feeding – ah those nights of cluster feeding! Hearing the words “fed is best” in my head but pushing myself as far as possible.
I remember the first few weeks thinking “is this really what breastfeeding is like because I don’t know how long I could do this.”
There were so many challenging days but there were so many amazing days to celebrate which made me forget the hard ones. I thought “breastfeeding is so amazing”.
A few weeks in and things got easier
The best part of it all was seeing him grow day by day, month on month and thriving solely from the breastmilk that my body made specifically for him. This was just so rewarding.
When I look at my journey what stands out is how we were in it together, learning together.
And at a certain point, a few weeks in, we both just got it.
Charles doesn’t take to a bottle yet and although it is quite demanding to be the only one that can fulfill this for him I am happy to do so.
Its the easiest and most natural thing for us
Fast forward to now, we are edging towards the 12 months mark and I am still breastfeeding him. Charles doesn’t take to a bottle yet and although it is quite demanding to be the only one that can fulfill this for him I am happy to do so.
It’s the easiest and most natural thing for us both. Our time where it’s just us. The bond and connection established through feeding is so beautiful and something I will always be grateful for. I love breastfeeding him.
It’s more than just feeding
But it’s more than just feeding. It’s nourishment. It’s a connection. It’s peace. It’s safety. It’s comfort. It’s love. For me, it’s been a very loving experience.
The way his little face looks up at me as he feeds and smiles to tell me ‘thank you’. Or when he dozes off while feeding, content and happy. When he’s a bit unwell and booby is the only thing that can make it better.
When he looks out for it in the middle of the night for some comfort and instantly falls back asleep peacefully again. Or just the fact that it’s nourishment tailored specially for him that he needs throughout the day. And how it changes based on his current needs. It really is so special and I am holding on to it lasting as long as possible until he’s ready to stop.
I really am so blessed to have been able to go through this journey with him – but breastfeeding took hard work, patience, and time.
Tips I’ve learned along the way
I really am so blessed to have been able to go through this journey with him – but breastfeeding took hard work, patience, and time. Again, this is my journey and I’m aware it is different for everyone. But I wanted to share my experience in case it can help anyone or offer a better understanding of what it can take to get there. I also just wanted to celebrate how beautiful it can be.
Some breastfeeding tips I’ve gathered based on my experience:
- If you’re in the thick of early breastfeeding days, keep going. Push yourself (unless it affects your mental health) because it won’t always be this hard. It does get better… so much better.
- Learn and soak in all the resources to help you with breastfeeding. But ultimately do what works for you and your baby.
- Remember a fed baby is a happy baby. Charles had to be topped up with formula at one point during his first week of life and I cried so much because I felt like a failure which was totally ridiculous! Definitely all the hormones at the time!
- Don’t put so much pressure on yourself. Trust the process. Trust yourself.
Some breastfeeding etiquette for others:
- Do not tell a breastfeeding mama ‘how lucky’ she is to be able to do it. Although it is definitely a blessing to be able to breastfeed, saying this invalidates all the hard work it took to get there.
- Don’t give opinions regarding breastfeeding or formula feeding. Frankly, no one asked and it’s none of your business how someone else’s child is fed.
- Don’t ask a breastfeeding mum if they want privacy or offer a room to cover up unless they ask you. Feeding your baby is not something to hide. Get amongst #normalisebreastfeeding
- To support breastfeeding mamas: cheer them on. Understand how demanding it can be, and make sure they are well-fed and hydrated!
