Starting Milk Mustache

As my friends and family know, breastfeeding was the largest challenge we faced early in Aya's life and a challenge I definitely didn't see coming. In fact, before my own breastfeeding journey began, I couldn't understand why anyone wouldn't breastfeed. I had many misconceptions about breastfeeding. I thought it was easy and natural. I knew I might be sore in the first few days and I knew latching on might be a bit difficult in the beginning, but I didn't expect other breastfeeding obstacles. Somehow I felt I would be "above" other challenges I had heard about. I heard other moms talk about why they had to stop breastfeeding and I would simply say to myself, "That won't be me." Sadly, I thought moms who quit breastfeeding were just lazy, or mabye even selfish. But I was very wrong. Breastfeeding felt like a battle to me. I didn't like it and I didn't want to continue. My daughter didn't seem to be benefiting from it and it made me feel both physically and emotionally drained. I felt consumed by my breastfeeding issues. They felt like the source of my stress, nerves and pure exhaustion. I realized I had been too quick to judge.

And so this journal is my way of sharing all I have learned through my difficult breastfeeding start. It is my hope other moms might be able to gather strength and reassurance through reading about my own unique situation with Aya. I have started making plans to be a board certified lactation specialist to help moms like me who wanted to breastfeed but desperately needed help. When (and if) that happens, I will feel more comfortable sharing ideas and information to help with breastfeeding challenges, but for now I can only speak from my experience and hope it helps other moms as they begin their own breastfeeding journey.

Finally, I want to thank my own breastfeeding mentor, and La Leche League leader, Mary Kay, for making it possible for me to continue breastfeeding Aya. There were many days I wanted to stop and without her and the support of my mom and husband, I think I would have. Breastfeeding might be easy and natural for some, but as I have learned, the majority of new moms do have some difficulty. I do believe however, that with support and love, most moms can breastfeed with joy and with gratitude. It is a life changing gift and opportunity that takes time to open. My blog is just one way I feel I might be able to help stregthen the circle of breastfeeding support that already exists.