To me next to carrying a child & child birth, breast feeding is the most beautiful thing a woman could do. There is so much beauty in using your body to nurture your child in the most natural way.
I never thought I could feel so passionate about something as I do with breast feeding. I always knew I wanted to breast feed because it was something my mom talked to me about & I was lucky enough to be exposed to it with my Aunt nursing my cousins. What I didn't know was how difficult it could be. I remember in our child birthing class that they talked about different issues that could happen & that there were different types of nipples & so on. I just always thought to myself that it would come easy because it did for my mom.
I wanted and fought for a natural child birth as long as I could. There was nothing I ever wanted more. But, that didn't happen. I had to have a c-section. Something that took me awhile to even come to terms with after. When I was finally able to nurse my sweet baby for the first time it went pretty well. Toby latched pretty easily. Then each feeding after that became a little more complicated. He was fine on one side but not the other.
Toby was having difficulty latching and I was having a hard time finding a comfortable position because of the c-section. I felt like the world was against me and everything "right" that I wanted for my baby. Thankfully I had a few great nurses...let me stress only a few. But I'm thankful for one most. She was so patient and encouraging especially when I needed it most. She gave me advice and introduced the nipple shield to me.
I was so embarrassed that I couldn't do it on my own. I didn't want a "handicap" with something that I felt should come so natural. She insisted she felt the same way and only had to use it for a 3 weeks before her baby was able to get the job done. It still didn't matter I tried everything to not have to use it, but eventually that's what I had to do for my sweet baby.
I kept telling myself it was ok because I was still giving my baby the best option. I started following a breast feeding page on Facebook and that really helped open my eyes and made me feel better about my situation. I wasn't the only one struggling & I wasn't the only one using a nipple shield! It was refreshing to read the stories, questions, & struggles of other breast feeding mamas. No one I knew personally could relate so I felt like an oddball.
All I wanted was to breast feed and I had to fight for it everything single day, every two hours. I fought & I am so glad I did! Mamas who have gone through or are going through the same struggle just know you are not alone! Reach out to people who support breast feeding and most importantly who support you! It is worth the fight, I can promise you that!! Breast feeding is not only best for baby but it has so many benefits for you!! I used the nipple shield for 6 weeks. After that Toby was a pro-nurser! Just remember they are learning as well as you!
I am by no means shaming any mama out there that chooses formula. For I am thankful that formula was created for those mamas who physically can not breast feed or those hard working mamas who have to work and can't keep up with there supply so they have to supplement, and other important reasons! But I do encourage ALL mamas to try!
I don't take baby having a sensitive tummy as an excuse. My little one had ezecma that covered most of his little body. Come to find out he has food intolerances/allergies to a few things in my diet...that I was eating everyday!! I cut those foods out & the ezecma nearly disappears. I am willing and able to make that sacrifice to give my baby what I know is best! I know of other mamas who had to cut out things from their diet because it upset their little ones tummy. Once the culprit was found the baby no longer had tummy issues.
Mamas my whole point here is, yes it can be difficult but if you fight for it it can and will happen!
I love watching my sweet baby nurse❤️
