Anonymous
"I had no idea how difficult my breastfeeding journey would be, especially considering it is something that is so natural. It is what our bodies and babies are designed to do. In the hospital I was taught it should be all business and not supposed to be a bonding moment full of caresses. I was in extreme pain and they handled me incredibly roughly trying to get me to express colostrum. Instead of sending a patient specialist to take the time to get baby to latch, I was told baby is not eating give her formula. I carried on trying to feed her at home. Pumping and spoon feeding her. Switching to bottle eventually. I was an emotional mess with no sleep and feeling like a terrible mother and hating the whole experience. My husband's coworker on a whim asked how it was going and mentioned that she went to a support group at a local hospital. So I dragged myself out of the house one Tuesday morning. I walked in and felt lost and terrified and horrible unkempt. However the mom's all welcomed me right away. The lactation consultant spent time with me one on one. And I continued to go for 3 months. Not only to get baby latching on her own, but to have a safe place to talk and ask questions. I still had a hard time. I never knew I never if baby was getting enough. She was colicky and sleep never improved. I was drained but we carried on. That group and those ladies transformed and saved my breastfeeding journey. We are approaching 15 months of breastfeeding and I absolutely love it now. It is not all business to me. It is a moment to pause and connect with my daughter. It helps her relax and feel safe. Now I do my best to educate and support others. I donated some breast milk just yesterday."