One of the Hardest Tasks For A Young New Mother

After reading so many articles and books about other mother's personal experiences with breastfeeding I felt as if I would be able to do it no problem. They make it seem so darn easy! The truth is that it isn’t, at all. I mean it is different for each mother but for me it definitely was one of the hardest parts about adjusting to my new life. After all the contractions, sweat, tears and exhaustion I was still so determined to make sure I was able to successfully breastfeed. I didn’t buy formula as a plan b in case I couldn’t breastfeed. I am stubborn that way. I was going to breastfeed. I read a lot of different articles about how to get your baby to latch, different positions, food to eat to increase breast milk, and even certain medications and foods to not eat while breastfeeding. I felt like I knew it all!

I wanted to exclusively breastfeed my daughter because I simply wanted to give her the best of everything, it is just the natural way to go and it has so many benefits. Although I am aware that some women are unable to breastfeed or they have a lot of difficulty and I have no issue with other parents choices to use formula. I am judgment free ladies!

At the hospital, after delivering my beautiful baby girl Ayana at approximately 6 pounds on the 7th of September 2018 I breastfed her within the first hour of meeting her. The happiness I felt was like no other. When I think about that moment right now I still get emotional. It is pure. There are few words I can use to express it. Breastfeeding was the same at the beginning, it was my time to just spend with my daughter and nurture her. The first time was a bit awkward trying to find the right positioning and having many people look at my breasts and bombard me with questions. Looking back at the experience now I wish I asked for some privacy and just took this one on one time with my boyfriend and baby. So if I can say any advice about these first moments in the hospital is just enjoy it and make sure to spend some alone time with your partner and the baby.

For me looking back, the breastfeeding at the hospital wasn’t that hard. As long as you keep waking up that sleeping baby by gently touching her toes or taking off her onesie so she wont be to warm and sleepy so that you can ensure she is eating enough then there isn’t much else to it. Even though the hospital was slightly annoying with all of their questions, I know it is because they need to. It gave me a sense of security. Especially how whenever I was having issues with her latch I could just push a button and someone would come to my rescue. When I arrived home and had to do it alone that was something more difficult. I mean it was solely my responsibility to ensure she was eating correctly and having the correct latch. I wanted to be perfect at it right away just as I do with everything else, I didn’t give my body or myself time to get accustomed to it.

I would breastfeed her while wincing and crying in pain. This is where I shouldn’t of been so stubborn and I should of asked for help. So if you are reading this and you know you are someone who has trouble asking for help then pay attention to this. You will need a lot of help, I know its hard to hear. There are so many ressources out there for mothers and breastfeeding. Call hospitals and ask for help. In my case being in Quebec, I can call the clsc they have tons of ressources for mother which I love. I will also include some ressources below. The pain I had was intense, none of the books, articles or new google searches helped me at all. I just decided to continue what I was doing and deal with the pain. It lead me to be irritable, frustrated, and uncomfortable, and my baby surely felt all of these emotions as well. They are sensitive beings, they will feel it all. Take a deep breath, take her off your breast, get comfortable with lots of pillows, and try again.

That was a piece of advice so many people gave me that I didn’t think I needed to take and gosh was I wrong. If it hurts, take her off the breast and try again. Her latch will change throughout the feeding and even if she looks so comfortable while you are suffering in pain it is okay to remove her and try again. I also suggest looking up different positions and even going to see a breastfeeding consultant. That was the only moment that changed anything for me and my breasts finally began to heal and become tougher. The consultant told me very few things including that my daughter had a tongue tie and a lip tie and this was probably the reason she had trouble latching. She also showed me one position that changed my entire breastfeeding experience. It was the cross cradle hold.

I also know that before your nipples become used to it and they are super sensitive that this plays a huge role in the pain you are experiencing during breastfeeding. For me it took until the second month for my breasts to toughen up and my nipples to toughen up. So if you just had your little one recently and it is hurting you like it hurt me, just hold on, it is a moment that wont last long. Don’t forget about how the experience of breastfeeding is so calming and comforting to your baby. Put on some very quiet and relaxing music, make sure you have water by your bedside and do your thing! It can be relaxing for you as well. Bond with your baby and make something good out of the painfulness of breastfeeding.

Another mistake I did while breastfeeding was forgetting about myself, it is like a madhouse. You change your babies diaper, put them to sleep, then you can finally take a shower and when you get out they need to eat again and then you make supper. It will be impossible to find time for you to get your things done, however never ever forget to eat! While breastfeeding I would often forget to eat properly and healthily because I wanted to be this like super mom that does everything! Again, ask for help! Whether it be your partner, sister, mother, father, friend.

If you have any specific questions or you just want to reach out feel free to contact me, it is always nice to hear from my readers! Below you will find a well known mothers group that offers breastfeeding groups all around canada and the us! Thank you for reading!

LA LECHE LEAGUE CANADA: https://www.lllc.ca/

LA LECHE LEAGUE USA: https://www.lllusa.org/