Michelle’s breastfeeding journey
I had my first baby, Rose, when I was eighteen years old. I was a relatively young first-time mum and reflecting back, as many first-time parents are, was perhaps unprepared for parenthood and the challenges it can bring, particularly breastfeeding. Throughout my antenatal appointments, breastfeeding had been presented as a natural process and one which I assumed would require little ‘work’ from me - I soon discovered how wrong I was! After delivery and a quick latch check during the first breastfeed, I was moved to the postpartum ward. During this time I struggled to latch my daughter correctly and experienced pain and discomfort.
“What at the time was an incredibly emotional experience for me, later became a valuable lesson”
Perhaps due to my age or lack of confidence, I didn’t ask for support and was left relatively unattended. A cycle of dread began to develop for the next feed and ultimately our breastfeeding journey was cut short only a month later due to this. What at the time was an incredibly emotional experience for me, later became a valuable lesson for self-advocacy that I have relied on for my two subsequent births.
My birth plans after Rose have included that a midwife stay with me after delivery until I feel confident that I am able to latch my baby on or find a comfortable position to feed in, a request that has always been met with support. I also feel more able to ask for help and realise that this is not a sign of ‘failure’ in any way to do so.
The struggles I experienced with Rose enabled me to go on and breastfeed my second daughter for six months and my third for a year and ultimately built my confidence as a mother. My words of advice would be to reach out for support if it is needed and to not be afraid to advocate for your needs or your baby’s.
