My Breastfeeding Journey
My Breastfeeding Journey
When I started my journey into motherhood, I had no idea that breastfeeding would become such a significant part of my life. I was the first in my family to breastfeed, despite my mother’s choice not to. Her encouragement, however, played a crucial role in my decision. Breastfeeding, as I would come to realize, was a journey filled with both joy and challenges. Each child brought a unique experience and a new set of lessons.
My First Journey
With my first child, breastfeeding was incredibly difficult. I constantly worried if he was getting enough milk. The conflicting advice about whether he was tongue-tied only added to my anxiety. Seeking lactation support early on, I found a provider who, while somewhat helpful, made me feel uncomfortable and conducted herself unprofessionally. Despite these challenges, we managed to exclusively breastfeed until he was nine months old, when I discovered I was pregnant again. My milk supply significantly decreased, and breastfeeding became so uncomfortable that it felt like pins and needles. We stopped completely just shy of his first birthday. I grieved deeply for not reaching my goal of breastfeeding for at least one year, but my heart was really hoping for two years. What truly helped me through this period was joining a breastfeeding support group.
My Second Journey
Breastfeeding my second child was a breeze in comparison. He latched well from the start, though he made a clicking sound while feeding, which I later learned was due to being tongue-tied. Things went smoothly until he became a toddler. Breastfeeding a toddler is vastly different from breastfeeding an infant. Feedings became less frequent but were often disrupted by distractions. During night feeds, his lazy latch led to clogged ducts and mastitis. At two years old, I had my first bout of mastitis. The doctors were perplexed that I was still breastfeeding a two-year-old. Yet, we persevered and made it almost to his third birthday.
My Third Journey
When my daughter was born, it had been three years since I last breastfed. This time, I felt more confident and knowledgeable. Within the first week, I identified that she was tongue-tied, as I developed blisters on my nipples from her latch. After her tongue was revised, we diligently practiced stretching exercises to improve her latch. She also had a high palate, which made her latch shallower. When she was about seven months old, we both contracted thrush. It was one of the most excruciating experiences. If you've never had thrush, consider yourself lucky. We endured it for almost two months, trying everything from natural remedies to pharmaceuticals. I sanitized her toys and clothes frequently. Finally, after a particularly painful night, I found a strict probiotic regimen that worked. After a week of taking probiotics every four hours, the thrush finally disappeared. I also experienced a few more clogged ducts but managed to prevent them from turning into mastitis. Now, as she approaches her third birthday, we continue our breastfeeding journey, unsure of when it will end.
Reflections on Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is more than just nutrition; it is love, comfort, and warmth. The benefits are endless, impacting both the parent and the child positively. It saves money and lessens the burden on the healthcare system. Above all, the most crucial component of breastfeeding is support. Whether it comes from family, friends, or support groups, having someone to encourage and guide you can make all the difference.
My breastfeeding journey has been a rollercoaster of emotions and experiences, but it has also been one of the most rewarding aspects of motherhood. Each challenge overcame and each milestone reached has made the bond with my children even stronger. Breastfeeding is a testament to the resilience and strength inherent in every parent, and I am grateful for every moment of this journey.
