My baby is now 10 months old and I have been very lucky to have given her only breastmilk.
It hasn’t been an easy journey! I have been plagued with lots of moments of self-doubt, insecurity, and plain ol’ exhaustion. Many times I just wanted to give up.
It’s really important for you nursing moms to have a solid breastfeeding support group in place. I think I’ve mentioned this time and again, my local breastfeeding group on Facebook did wonders for me! Not only did I realize that so many mothers go through situations that were similar to mine, I also got so much encouragement and (free!) advice from other moms who had been in my place. They persevered. They did it. You can do it too!
“The longer I breastfed, the more lessons I learned.” -kellymom.com
Just in case, here are 5 other places where you can find support as a breastfeeding mother:
1. Your husband! (Or your family members and close friends)
It isn’t true that husbands don’t play an important role when it comes to breastfeeding. Mine totally supported me, and those times when I desperately needed a break? He stepped in without waiting for me to ask. I love how the husband in this blog supported a mom’s breastfeeding experience. She wrote:
“I don’t think he was ever jealous of the time and attention I put into breastfeeding our son. If he was, he dealt with it himself – because he saw that it was his own issue, not mine.”
2. Nursing stations
Odd right? I never thought that going to nursing or breastfeeding stations in the mall or in the workplace would actually be something enjoyable! When you do go to these rooms, you usually see happy, fellow-breastfeeding mothers who are eager to share their stories! Yes, some will just be polite and smile and not talk so much, but A LOT will open up to you. If you have questions or concerns, it’s nice to just air them to fellow moms who, for sure, will understand where you’re coming from.
3. Breastfeeding Seminars
Just like meeting moms in nursing stations, breastfeeding seminars are the best! Not only do you learn a lot from the discussion, but you get to interact with so many other moms who have the same fears and issues as you. It helps a lot to know you’re not the only one wrestling with breastfeeding. Plus, it’s a great feeling to see how so many mothers are determined to give their babies the best!
4. Check online
Websites like Kellymom, La Leche League and so many others are just a click away. Breastfeeding forums galore too! I know the thousands of results that pop up when you type on Google can be quite intimidating, if you know the website or hotline number of your local breastfeeding org then checking with them first might be easier.
5. Be your Number 1 fan
Have faith in yourself! Never, ever chastise yourself or think of yourself as a failure. That’s not going to help! Instead, encourage, praise and believe in yourself.
Some days will be more difficult than others. It’s ok. It won’t last forever! It might be a little easier to bear if you have these areas for support. So take that breath and cuddle your baby!