Breastfeeding - what a journey!

If you had told me on this day 👆 that I would be breastfeeding for the next 18 months, I would never have believed you. But here I am, and what a journey it has been for me in so many ways!

On this day 18 months ago I was about to go into labour, and I had spent my pregnancy saying to friends that I really wanted to breastfeed this time, after my first son’s journey got cut shorter than I wanted. When my second baby was born, he latched quickly and we had an hour long feed on my sofa while the midwives brought me tea and cinnamon bagels (the beauty of a homebirth!) 😋 I remember feeling so passionate about wanting to breastfeed him that it became the fuel and fire I needed when I went through what I can only describe as absolute agony, for the next three weeks.

I actually found that getting breastfeeding established was more painful for me than birthing him. Because it was every single feed, every single day. I knew his latch wasn’t right, but I knew not to give up because of that. I had to learn, and so did he! He had never breastfed before, how on earth could I expect him to just know how to do it!? So, while we found our way, I had to be patient, probably more patient than ever before. Trust me, I have never wanted to throw the towel in more, but my pure desire to breastfeed was stronger than any pain, blister, ripped skin, or nipple thrush could be. I am SO happy I sought advice, help and asked close friends when I needed it the most.

I now know that breastfeeding is actually REALLY hard for some women! But it’s totally possible if you have the correct help. Practically, breastfeeding has been brilliant, and it meant pure survival in the early days when I could co-sleep (which is another topic having experienced both separate sleeping and co-sleeping. I have thoughts on both 😏) Basically, as I enter the 18th-19th month of breastfeeding, I want every woman who is hoping to breastfeed to know that it IS going to take some learning for some of you, it can be hard work, but it is SO WORTH IT. I promise you.

Huge thanks to @sash_maternity_ for their help at their Burstow Babies clinic. You saved me! 😘