When it comes to breastfeeding, every mum's experience will be different. For some, it happens almost right away and without difficulty but for others, it can feel like a long and winding road - and even then, it might not turn out as you'd hoped.
It can be - and often is - a magical experience for mum and baby - and of course, doctors will always recommend you breastfeed whenever possible because the milk is so good for them, particularly as newborns - but we would always say that no mum need ever feel pressure to do or not do something because it is 'the norm.'
You've just given birth to a beautiful new baby (in case you've forgotten, you are amazing) and asides from the anxiousness to get everything 'right,' breastfeeding can be a challenge all on its own. So, what do you do if you find it's just not working, or when you feel pressure from friends or family to go against that maternal instinct?
Here at MummyPages, we've started a new series where we want to hear about and share your personal stories or dilemmas to our growing community, and this week, new mum Lauren wrote to us asking advice on this very topic. And every mum who has felt the breastfeeding struggle will absolutely relate.
"I was always of the opinion that "Breast is Best", so that’s how I started my journey with my daughter. After reading horror stories, I was surprised at how easy it was. Yes, there was discomfort at first, but nothing like I thought there might be. At this point, with the lack of sleep, I am starting to think my baby is not getting enough feed," the new mum explained. "My breasts never seem to fill up properly, and I’m worried that I’m not lactating. "
Asides from this initial worry, Lauren feels added pressure from her mother-in-law, despite best intentions, that if she doesn't continue to breastfeed, that she is failing as a mother.
"My husband is very pro breast, and his Mother fed him right up until he was eight years old. I don't think he has ever been sick a day in his life, which she puts down to a good start. She has been great to me for advice and support, but now that I have decided to stop she is dropping little hints to suggest that if I don't continue, I am a lousy mother. "
"My daughter is gaining weight, but my gut is telling me she’s still not getting enough and the lack of sleep is not helping this fact. I’m struggling a little bit with all of this. My husband went back to work after three days. I have been sleeping in the room with my little one so he can get rest," she continued. "I haven’t left the house as I am recovering from a section and I don't feel like going out or seeing anyone. The only one who I see is my Mother in law as she has the spare key to our house.
"I think I know what’s best to do but I just want some reassurance to know that I am really doing the right thing."
As mums, we've ALL been in Lauren's shoes, right? Thankfully, our MummyPages community has railed around and offered helpful advice in droves... and we want to know what you think!
Head over to our Facebook page (or click the box above) now to have your say and help an anxious mum who needs some reassurance.
