Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Breastfeeding Course

Your Breastfeeding Stories

Breastfeeding Has Been Wonderful

I knew before my son was born that I would breastfeed him. When he was finally born our breastfeeding relationship got off to a rocky start. We had problems and then he developed jaundice. The nurses tried to help but then the jaundice got worse and we ended up back in the hospital.

I supplemented with formula for the first few weeks. I would breastfeed first then top up with formula (which he hated). I was waking every 2 hours to feed him and we were both exhausted. Finally in our 3rd week he started to wake up on his own for feedings and he really started to gain weight. He just took off from there and did wonderfully. I was very lucky to have a supportive Doctor, husband and sister who breastfed all of her babies.

We introduced solids at 6 months and now, at 18 months he is still nursing at least 2 times a day .. sometimes more. Breastfeeding has been wonderful for both of us and I can't imagine not breastfeeding our next child if we are lucky enough to have another. There is nothing more amazing that seeing your child grow and thrive on food that came from your body and to see the stresses of toddlerhood melt away with just a few moments at Mommy's breast. Also, when he is sick and not wanting food or liquids, he still nurses so I know he is getting nourishment from me. I think every woman should breastfeed and I wish every woman would.

………..By Peggy

Breastfeeding. It means the World to Me.

I have never been a night-owl. The darkness and the stillness used to make me feel cold and alone and besides, I was missing the sleep that everyone else was enjoying. Now, some of my most treasured waking moments are in the middle of the night. Whatever the hour, when I hear the call I happily shuffle across the hall to pick up the warm wriggling body which snuggles to my breast looking for milk. Nursing my baby in the night, in the darkness, is a peaceful and tranquil experience.

It was difficult in the beginning, but after four months I am still exclusively breastfeeding our baby daughter. There is something wonderful and empowering about being able nourish my baby with my own body. While adjusting to the change of lifestyle a newborn brings, breastfeeding to me, is nature’s way of allowing me to nurture my baby and take care of myself. Together we slow down, rest and calm each other. Her little hand rests on my chest, sometimes playing with the folds of my shirt. I settle into our chair and she curls around my body. Her eyes are usually closed but every once in a while she looks up at me and smiles and this is the moment I am sure that I am doing the right thing for me and for my baby.

As a woman, I feel that breastfeeding is a privilege and I smile with pride when anyone comments that my baby looks happy and healthy. But I also feel that it is my right to nourish our baby this way. It’s unfortunate that there have been times that I felt nervous when she started to show signs of hunger while shopping or eating in a restaurant. I would rush her to the car and nurse her in the backseat, once even abandoning a cart of groceries. My husband and I one day drove to another town in order eat in a restaurant where I would feel comfortable nursing our baby if she woke from her nap. But, there have also been moments while nursing her in a public place, when a stranger looked at me and smiled at the little legs wiggling underneath the blanket thrown over my shoulders. I would like to hope that soon breastfeeding will be widely accepted and considered normal and natural by everyone. Until that time, thank you to the businesses and establishments that welcome breastfeeding mothers and their babies. It means the world to me and my baby.

………..By Tanya

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