So on my third day as a mum, I had an allergic reaction to an iron supplement I’d been given. My whole body erupted in rashes and I could hardly open my eyes. Thankfully, I got my medication before my body collapsed in anaphylactic shock. The doctors were busy monitoring me, while my mind (as sleep-deprived and medicated as it was) focused on my little bundle of joy, crying. A nurse came into the room with something in her hand. “What are they giving him?” I mumbled to my husband. He too was more concerned about my state, and assumed it must be some medication, “Let them take care of him,” he said, as the nurse simultaneously replied, “He seems to be hungry.”
“NO!” I screeched. “Don’t give him formula, I’ll feed him.”
A quick confirmation from the doctors about the medicines not impacting the milk, and there we were. IV drip on one hand, and my little football in the other.
That was the moment I actually realised how strongly I felt about ensuring I did more than I thought I could, for the sake of my son! Of course, I’m thankful that I didn’t have any serious complications that prevented me from exclusively breastfeeding for six months, and eventually weaning him completely off after fourteen months. But it still takes a strong will to continue on this journey.
It may be tough, but your breastfeeding ride needn’t be a lonesome one. Find your mom-tribe, and feel free to ask questions. You are not alone, trust me.
If you’re like me and prefer to load up on information, then you should also try some online resources. A wonderful course, that I have personally tried and recommended to my new-mommy friends is this online module by lactation educator Stacey Stewart who has put together an ultimate guide to breastfeeding – covering pregnancy to weaning and everything in between. It’s a comprehensive 90-minute online learning course and I love that she breaks it down into quick 5-7 minute videos. You can get reliable, trustworthy information about breastfeeding, and a few bonus ebooks (Tips & tricks from real moms, Breastfeeding Secrets) and more. Check it out today!
I’d love to hear what your Aha! moment as a mother has been. Do leave a comment below and don’t forget to share with your friends!
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