Breastfeeding is the most terrifying and rewarding experience, at the same time.
Knowing that your baby’s survival depends solely on you gives you a whole different level of energy and anxiety I had never experienced before and could never imagine. No books, chat with other mums, or prenatal courses can prepare you for this.
Full disclosure, I love every single moment of it (now, not at the beginning).
Bonding Time with Baby
Today, almost 5 months into breastfeeding, I feel at ease nursing my little one.
It is a very intimate, precious, and powerful moment and I look forward to it every time as I get to witness cuteness at its highest levels.
His feet moving in slow motion, his hands tightly securing his nourishment, his eyes slowly closing in a contemplative expression…I could go on forever!
Persevering Through Setbacks
Our breastfeeding journey has been challenging, and the first month was the hardest.
I have blurry memories but I clearly remember the fear and tension rising every time a nursing session was getting closer.
Milk over-production and latching issues resulted in very sore breasts and mastitis when my little one was only 10 days old. When the doctor told me I had to stop breastfeeding for a few days to allow my breasts to heal, I felt relieved. But guilt was right around the corner. I felt guilty because I was relieved and then scared that this would mean the end of breastfeeding for us. Luckily, it was not.
I am equally grateful and proud of myself for not giving up when breastfeeding was the toughest and scariest thing in my whole world.
I am thankful for a support network that worked—nurses, lactation consultants, my husbands, family, and friends.
Every suggestion, supporting word, and hug helped me not feel alone and gave me the strength to persevere.
These days, I can’t help but feel extra joyful when nursing and walking around at the same time.
NK IMODE acknowledges the breastfeeding experience and subsequent struggles that many new mothers face when it comes to breastfeeding. Many women are unable to breastfeed for a variety of reasons and it is not our intention to promote breastmilk over formula or shame mothers for their choices. We believe that fed is best and that the decision to breastfeed or not is a personal choice that does not need to be explained or justified to be valid. We respect and applaud every mother's right to decide what is best for themselves and their baby.
