Welcome back to another instalment of The Baby Feeding Series, where we spotlight real stories from real parents navigating the messy, emotional, and often confusing journey of feeding their babies. My hope is that this space becomes a comforting corner where others who feel lost or overwhelmed can read these experiences and feel a little less alone. Parenthood is hands-down the toughest role out there, but it’s also the most beautiful. Through these stories, I want to honour both the struggle and the joys.
This week, we’re joined by the lovely Sophie from Soph-Obsessed, who’s sharing her personal story about choosing to breastfeed her son, Henry. It wasn’t a decision she’d always envisioned—growing up, breastfeeding wasn’t something her family practiced or even discussed. In fact, it was seen as something reserved for the “hippie types,” and it never really crossed her mind as a possibility. Not out of judgment just unfamiliarity. But motherhood often brings unexpected turns, and Sophie’s honest reflections show how her perspective shifted in powerful ways. So now, I’ll pass you over to Sophie to tell her story in her own beautiful words.
BRESTFEEDING - MAKING THE CHOICE
When I was pregnant with Henry I received a pack of information from the hospital and within that pack there was a DVD with information regarding breastfeeding. Instantly I dismissed it. I had no intention of breastfeeding any baby of mine. Now don’t get me wrong it wasn’t that I was horrified at the thought and I didn’t judge others for choosing to but it wasn’t something I had considered. I think we are conditioned in some ways by our background and how we grew up.
I grew up in a household where I wasn’t breastfed nor was it something ever discussed. In fact my immediate family had this ignorant view that breastfeeding was something only hippies did! I have to admit that opinion was one shared by many people at that time and I was never against breastfeeding but in my vision of giving birth and bringing up a baby breastfeeding never even crossed my mind.
Why Not?
My husband was the one who took me aback when he said he’d always envisioned me breastfeeding our children. I was shocked and defensive at first! This is my body and I’ll choose whether I breastfeed or not!! He of course agreed and supported my choice but he did ask me why I was so adamant. I was surprised that when I actually thought about it there was no reason.
I thought about this over the next few days. It didn’t matter what I did I couldn’t come up with a valid reason for not wanting to breastfeed. So I watched the darn DVD and it actually made me feel reassured about the whole process!
After Birth
So fast forward to when Henry was born. I was very clear that I would try breastfeeding but I wasn’t opposed to bottle feeding if it didn’t work for me. Part of me made sure I was clear that people shouldn’t try and back me in a corner. I would give it my all but if I wanted to stop I wanted my decision accepted. The first few weeks were hard. It was painful due to incorrect placement and my milk supply was low. I was adamant I didn’t want to give up and I had an amazing one on one session with a breastfeeding specialist who helped me get Henry to ‘latch on’ correctly. Once we mastered this we were unstoppable! Breastfeeding made those night feeds easier and it was a fantastic way to bond with my baby.
Now
I’m now a self converted breastfeeding cheerleader however I think that every Mums journey is different. I don’t think breastfeeding makes you a better Mother. If you want to breastfeed your child and it works for you hurrah! If you want to formula feed your child and it works for you hurrah! I’m not entirely sure why people get so strung up on what other people are doing with their children!
What’s your stance on breastfeeding?
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About Sophie
Sophie is a 28 year-old Mummy to a wonderful five year old and she married to the love of my life. Sophie enjoy a glass of red wine, watching too much reality TV, playing with make-up, writing here on my blog and making videos over on my YouTube channel.
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