THE BABY FEEDING SERIES WITH BELLA MAMMA

Hello and welcome back to another instalment of The Baby Feeding Series, that features real stories from real parents who have experienced how hard and baffling feeding your baby can be. I want this series to be a place where parents can share their own experiences in the hopes that other parents who are struggling can feel less alone. Being a parent is the hardest job in the world but it's one of the most rewarding jobs too and so I want to share their stories.

 

  

This week we have the lovely Julia from Bella Mamma who has kindly offered to share her experience as a breastfeeding mama and offer advice in the hopes to help other Mama's who may be struggling. So with that I will hand you over to the lovely Julia.

What You Want To Know About Breastfeeding

 

 

What I knew about breastfeeding before my baby was born was what I was told at the antenatal class: 'It will be hard for about 6 weeks and then it will be OK, it is the best for your baby.' That's all! As you can imagine, I was nowhere near being ready!

The important thing I knew was that I wanted to breastfeed because I thought it was the most natural thing to do - which it is, but is it also something we need to learn , like walking, we are not born knowing how to walk but we are born to be walking eventually! We need to learn and practice and fall down and get back up to eventually be able to walk! Nobody told me that breastfeeding is the same!

I have been breastfeeding my baby for 12 months and this is what I know now:

• Breastfeeding for the first few months means being there - always, constantly, without a break, even if you need to pee, even if it's been days that you don't sleep - one of the biggest commitments you could sign up for!
• It means being hungry and thirsty like you could eat a lion and drink a river every time your baby is feeding - well, think about it - your body is producing some magical liquid full of whatever is needed to make a human being develop in all their aspects!!
• It means being in pain. Massive pain at the beginning, to the point of crying because it hurts so bad, and the only thing that can make it slightly better is being in the hot shower for as long as you can so to get a little gentle massage. *if your pain persists please speak to your midwife or health visitor, or seek support in a breastfeeding support group, they are really helpful
• It means sitting kind of comfortably or lying down but feeling like you are running a marathon, so tired that you think breastfeeding should be considered an Olympic sport!

BUT

• When the pain is over (YES, it will be over, it won’t last forever!) You WILL get to the point of having no pain AT ALL! For me it was completely over by the third month (I wish it was only 6 weeks!)
• When your body has adjusted to the new workload and you can get on with eating 'normal meals' & doing 'normal things' - if you are so lucky that your baby lets you eat 'normal meals'!
• When you don't feel exhausted literally all the time (sure you’ll still be tired but not like those first weeks)

THEN

• Breastfeeding is the most incredible cuddle!
• It is one of the best, heart-warming and powerful gift to you can give to your baby - and receive from your baby!
• It is what makes you proud the most as you in your entirety with your body are literally giving life to your baby every day (and night, of course!)
• It is feeling special and needed and unique

If you are thinking about breastfeeding or you have just started, remember to give yourself and your baby time to learn; read about it, join groups and ask for help!! Try not give up, it is normal to feel frustrated, exhausted and in need of support because it is not easy, but it really is wonderful!

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About Julia and Jennifer

 

Julia and Jennifer both make up Bella Mamma who write for wild-hearted women who are juggling the demands of motherhood and careers, helping them feel connected, supported and loved.  They both hope that their blog will be a tonic for the tired, caffeine fuelled mums (with kids who don't sleep), and those needing to feel that they belong to a tribe of women who share their beliefs that women can be nurturing feminine goddesses and kick ass in the boardroom!

 

You can find both Julia and Jennifer over at Bella Mamma

 

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