Today is the first day of World Breastfeeding Week. I consider myself lucky to have been able to breastfeed both of my children. Though this was my choice, I also choose not to question people who do not breastfeed. After all, you never know what is happening in someone else’s world. Mothers sometimes do not breastfeed by choice, for medical reasons and for so many others reasons that they are entitled to. All I wish for every mama is that they are able to love and nurture their child.
Though I did breastfeed, with my son had terrible reflux which made me hate breastfeeding in public. I was embarassed when he chucked all over friends’ couches and carpets. And felt powerless when he cried after every feed and strangers wondered why I didn’t soothe him – I couldn’t! I got over it, but it was a big barrier for a first time mama.
Breastfeeding is natural, but it doesn’t mean it’s easy.
Ghada, Mama goes BAM
And with my daughter, we struggled at the beginning with her gaining weight and me assuring the doctors that I was in fact producing enough milk, she just needed the time to grow as a baby who arrived earth side 3.5 weeks early. This is Isla’s story of returning to the hospital by ambulance just 2 weeks after she was born and our worst nightmare and struggles with the hospital.
I asked some of my blogging buddies what they Wish They Knew About Breastfeeding Before They Started, and here is what they said. These are some clever ladies.
I wish I knew that is is NOT totally natural. I had (TMI) flat nipples and had no clue! No wonder my kid could not latch on! I also wish I had known I would go on to love it and to do it 11+ years straight with 5 kids and be so sad to see it coming to an end.
Kerrie, The Mommy Kerrie Show
I wish that I knew what a huge commitment it REALLY is and that I’d be so sad when it was over.
Emily, Nap Time is My Time
I wish I had known it was something that not everybody can actually do and MUCH harder than the literature makes it out to be. Thankfully, the magazines and books are much more open and honest now!
Maggie, Literary Winner
I wish I had known how much work it was in the beginning but that it was so worth it to keep going. The fact is it doesn’t come naturally to mom or baby, it must be learned by both and it takes time but it is SO beyond worth it, even if you are struggling.
Kathleen, Callista’s Ramblings
I wish someone had told me that breastfeeding is NOT easy. That it is hard work, will hurt, and you will want to give up. Just educate yourself, trust your body and your baby, and if you find that you can’t nurse, don’t beat yourself up. You can still be an amazing mommy and have a smart healthy baby.
Lindsey, Babies, Books, and Signs
I wish I had put my foot down when they said I had to pump if I was going to feed my preemie breast milk. I never got to know the feeling of him feeding and I pumped 8 months straight. This has happened with all three of my children. My last I was finally going to do what I wanted to do and then ended up on a ton of medication that they did not know if it would go through my breast milk but they thought it was okay. Nothing is going into my baby that may or may not be okay. I still feel sad that she was only given pumped for one month. But while I was in the coma my husband pumped my milk for me and she was able to feed even while I was unable to be with her.
Leslie, that is so heartbreaking. But happy to hear you had a supportive husband and that you and your babies are all well. Thanks for sharing your story 🙂
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