Hello, darling!

I’m so glad you’re here. Grab a cosy spot and a warm cup of tea (or maybe a cold coffee that you reheat three times, no judgment here). Today, I want talk about one of the most raw things I’ve faced as a mum, breastfeeding. When I first began, I imagined a picture-perfect experience. But reality hit differently. It’s been nine months of going through the overwhelming emotions and exhaustion that comes with breastfeeding. Along the way, I’ve felt moments of doubt and, yes, even inadequacy, but now? I stand in a place of pride.

In this blog post, I’m sharing it all, the sleepless nights, the moments that brought me to tears, the laughter, and those small but mighty victories that made every struggle worthwhile. If you’re a mama walking a similar path, know that you’re not alone.

Starting with Doubts and Challenges

My breastfeeding journey was far from the beautiful, image often portrayed. Instead, it felt like a constant uphill battle. From painful latching issues to supply worries, there were countless moments when I felt like giving up. The doubts were overwhelming. When you’re a new mum, it’s easy to question if you’re doing everything right, especially when everyone around you has an opinion on what’s “best” for your baby. I even had well-meaning family and friends suggest formula or other feeding options, which made me second-guess myself even more.

Getting the Right Support

One of the first turning points came when I reached out to a lactation consultant. Finding someone who genuinely understood my struggles and could offer practical solutions was a game-changer. She taught me that breastfeeding isn’t just an instinct – it’s a learned skill that both mother and baby develop together. My consultant suggested trying a nipple shield, something I initially resisted because I was worried it would hinder my breastfeeding. But it turned out to be a lifesaver, helping my baby latch.

I also learned about the power of support, whether it was from other mums, online groups, or even virtual lactation consultations. If you’re struggling, know that help is available in various forms. Find those groups, join those communities, and don’t hesitate to seek out a lactation consultant. I can’t stress enough how having a network can make all the difference. There’s always someone out there who knows what it feels like to Google, “Why does my baby bite me while breastfeeding?!”

Pain and Healing

Early on, I faced cracked nipples, and soon after, a swollen boob – an excruciating condition. The swollen boob took me to my limit; the pain was so intense that I questioned if I could continue breastfeeding. I tried different remedies. For anyone facing similar pain, I recommend trying various approaches, such as grapefruit seed extract and lanolin, and, pump frequently, if necessary, consulting a doctor to get the best treatment for both you and your baby. Because let’s be honest, no one talks about how breastfeeding can feel like a battle zone.

One tip that worked wonders for me was expressing a little milk after each feed and rubbing it on my nipples. I know it sounds unconventional, but breast milk has natural healing properties, and this simple trick helped soothe and heal my skin. Think of it as Mother Nature’s own version of “healing magic.”

The Emotional Rollercoaster

One of the toughest aspects of breastfeeding was the emotional impact. I felt an overwhelming pressure to succeed, even when things weren’t going smoothly. Society often glorifies breastfeeding, but the struggles are rarely talked about. Many times, I felt inadequate and defeated, especially when people around me made comments about why my baby wasn’t sleeping through the night or suggested adding rice cereal to make her “fuller.” I had to learn to block out those voices and trust my instincts as a mother. I mean, when was the last time anyone asked a 4 month old if they wanted rice cereal at 2 AM?

Breastfeeding also takes a toll on relationships. My partner wanted to be supportive, but it was hard for him to understand my frustrations and the physical toll it took. Over time, we found ways to got through it together. Open communication and having him by my side for moral support helped immensely, and he began to see how hard I was working to provide the best for our baby.

Practical Tips That Made a Difference

Through trial and error, I discovered some practical tips that helped make breastfeeding more manageable. One of the most helpful tricks was massaging my breasts during feeding or warm shower/baths or pumping to move milk through any ducts prone to clogging. I even tried the unconventional but effective cabbage leaves trick for engorged breasts. It may sound odd, but the relief was almost immediate! A salad for your chest? Who knew it could be so practical?

If you’re struggling with milk supply, try adding sunflower lecithin or other natural supplements that can help maintain a steady milk flow. Pumping and night feedings were also crucial to keeping my supply up, especially during those periods when my baby was sleeping more or feeding less frequently. I don’t know about you, but I’ve never felt so much like a dairy cow in my life.

Pushing Through to Success

After nine months, I’m proud to say that I’m still breastfeeding. It’s been a long, hard journey, but I’ve come out on the other side stronger and more confident. If I’ve learned anything, it’s that breastfeeding is as much a mental and emotional journey as it is a physical one. No matter what stage you’re in, take it one day at a time, and remember that it’s okay to ask for help. There’s no one right way to feed your baby , whether you’re breastfeeding, formula-feeding, or a mix of both, what matters most is that you’re doing your best. And, if you need to throw a mini celebration every time you survive a feed, I’m right there with you.

Breastfeeding taught me about patience, resilience, and the importance of trusting my body and instincts. If you’re reading this and you’re on your own breastfeeding journey, hang in there. With determination, support, and a bit of trial and error, you’ll find what works best for you and your baby. And remember, you are not alone in this, just take it one feed at a time!

Sending blessings your way!

Scherise. X