The decision to breastfeed came easily for me. I had read the literature and knew the advantages of breast milk so my husband and I felt that was the way forward for our baby.
While sporting my bump, I envisioned calm feeding sessions akin to those images of moms with perfect hair, smiling down at their newborns nestled in their arms as they serenely nursed. What I didn’t realise at the time was that breastfeeding isn’t necessarily easy. At least not instantly. The first two nights at the hospital were textbook perfection, with my baby boy gently feeding and the lactation consultant observing our routine, giving us the thumbs up.
“This isn’t difficult,” I thought.
While I found nursing positions that were comfortable, I didn’t correct my son’s latch. I ended up with raw, stinging nipples and almost unbearable pain each time I breastfed. In the first few seconds of let down and him starting to suckle, my tears would come. Those images I mentioned? Not quite me.
I had to teach my son how to latch on properly and corrected his position. It took a few weeks but my fragile skin healed and the pain subsided. I’d initially planned to feed him until he turned one but we carried on until he was 15 months old. As straightforward as that, he weaned himself.
With my daughter, a bit of the same pattern applied. Having a suckling babe attached to your breast incessantly does pack a punch on that delicate area. But I recognised that once we were past those initial weeks – which research shows is often when mothers tend to give up breastfeeding – we’d be alright. The (sometimes painful) catch is to hang in there because breastfeeding gets much easier.
I understand why breastfeeding moms feel like throwing in the milk towel. From sleep deprivation to exhaustion, leaking breasts and nipples that feel like they’re on fire – these are not the things you’d want to go through. Never mind the constant second guessing if baby is drinking enough and if your supply is meeting the demand.
But I learned ways that gave relief and helped with healing, and I’d like to share them with you:
- Check that baby is latched on correctly. If they aren’t, take them off and try again.
- Use 100% pure lanolin cream that is natural, effective and safe for your baby.
- Air-dry your breasts as often as you can.
- Nurse from the less tender side first so that by the time you offer the second breast, your baby isn’t chomping down as ravenously.
- It helps to have cheerleaders who rally and encourage you. Or perhaps simply be there to listen when you’re feeling especially tired. I had my family, friends and most importantly, my husband. While the role of the husband in breastfeeding is somewhat limited, the mental strength they lend when you’re sapped is much appreciated. Even more so when you know that whatever you decide, you’ll have him in your corner.
Breastfeeding has been a rewarding experience; it’s given me a sense of appreciation for the human body among other things. After the initial hiccups and putting aside the obvious benefits, I’ve loved that quiet time I’ve had with my two babies and try not to take it for granted as my 9 month old daughter continues to nurse.
As Hallmark card-ish as it may sound, the close contact and calmness is a special feeling and I’m glad to have had those precious moments with my little ones. Cradling their soft bodies, their tiny hands resting on me make for some beautiful memories and make me certain that should number three come along, I’d do it all over again. Perhaps next time I’ll aim for the perfect hair too.
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Annabelle Josef is a girl from KL who married the best guy she knows and lives with him and their two little folk in the neighbouring red dot of Singapore. She runs a juggling act of school runs, swim classes, play dates and diaper changes, absolutely loves to travel and one day aims to complete a full marathon. Between one trip and the next, she is a freelance writer, amateur photographer and is earning her chops as a Lego master builder.
