Breastfeeding Stories - Unprepared Breastfeeding Mum
When I was pregnant I decided I was going to breastfeed. I didn't really think much more about it! It only really became real when I was handed my little girl and the midwife asked me if I would like to try feeding her.
What was I supposed to do? I felt both bemused and embarrassed when I attempted to make this new little person feed from me. It was certainly no easy feat as I had had pethidine which unfortunately meant the baby only wanted to sleep. Eventually though, she began to suckle. Her little mouth was tiny and I was captivated by the way she knew instinctively what to do.
However, I was totally unprepared for the sleepless nights and the leaky breasts! By the time I left hospital I felt exhaustion such as I'd never felt before. Every night I hoped would be a better night than the one previous!
For the first four weeks I was shocked by how painful breastfeeding was for me. (It isn't painful for everyone!!) I used to clench my teeth every time my baby tried to feed as the letdown reflex really stung! However, the stinging sensation lasted no longer than five seconds at the beginning of each feed which I could cope with! So I persevered.
Initially I had intended breastfeeding for 3 months but by that stage it was easier to just continue...so I did for 16 months!
I loved breastfeeding, my baby loved breastfeeding and I have subsequently breastfed my other two babies!
Breastfeeding is so beneficial for both mothers and babies that I urge all my pregnant friends to try to breastfeed - even just for one feed.
As a result I am now seen within my family and amongst friends as a bit of a breastfeeding evangelist! But that's no bad thing - they could be calling me a lot worse!
Sinead
Website Owner: BreastFeedingMums.com
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