In years gone by, breastfeeding experience and wisdom was passed down from older members of the tribe to those just starting out on their journey. In our modern world, this has been lost as we no longer live in villages but separate family units instead. Many were not breastfed as babies, so our mothers have no idea how to teach and support us when we face challenges. I remember when I had my son, Connor, I didn’t know who to turn to for support. While I was pregnant, my OB/GYN answered all my questions, but once Connor was born they only offered help if I had Mastitis and needed a prescription to overcome the infection. Connor’s pediatrician was there to look after him and not me. I felt totally unsupported. I had seen two lactation consultants in the hospital before I left, but my milk hadn’t come in yet. There was very little they could do to help and I didn’t yet realise all the obstacles I would face. It was only six weeks after Connor’s birth when I hired a private lactation consultant that I was really able to get the support I needed.
The breastfeeding relationship you share with your child is intimate and unique to you both. With few exceptions, most of us face our share of challenges when we’re getting the hang of things. I believe our shared knowledge is a great resource and want to invite you all to write down your story of how you breastfed your babies.
This site isn’t intended to replace your doctor or a lactation consultant, but as mothers who have nursed our children, let’s share the collective wisdom we have and help each other. It will help others to learn from your experience and feel connected if they have endured similar struggles. Sharing your story will help pregnant mothers prepare to nurse their babies and may even inspire someone who is tempted to throw in the towel on one of those really hard days (I had plenty of those in the beginning).
It was so fulfilling for me to share My Story with you a few weeks ago in my blog. I invite you all now to take the time to Share Your Story. Write it for your own children (or grandchildren), whether they are babies or ready to start families of their own, so they will understand about the gift you gave them through breastfeeding. Then we are well on our way to becoming the global breasfeeding village I’ve envisaged here at www.boobiefed.com.