Mommy's Little Monkey

My Personal Experience
As a new mother I was very adamant to breastfeed. I knew that breast milk was very nourishing and the best that I could give my baby. Little did I know what to expect or what I would physically experience. I believed that after birth I would simply place my baby to my breast, she would receive nourishment and I would radiantly glow as I gazed at her...you know the stuff you see in movies. What do you mean that’s not real! Hollywood really cheated me! The GLOW and especially the GAZE was not the case at all, well, at least in the beginning.

I had what some women have, at least I think I’m not the only one, challenging breasts. Imperfect, inverted, small....you know the type. Of course my first child fixed this problem but it was a two month transition for me. So I probably did start off wrong but how was I supposed to know? I gave birth and the next day I was discharged so by the third day I was home and really feeling it. Now, the lactation consultant was great and answered my questions but I really felt on my own and once I was home I was in panic. So if your wondering with a two month transition, discomfort, and uncertainty why I stuck with it, this is why. Simply said, I was determined to give my baby my breast milk because I knew this was my plan and because I had read up on the nutritional value and benefits of breast milk for my baby. Ladies, one more thing I can’t emphasize enough, it was also my SUPPORT GROUP. Although my mother had four children, and she formula fed all but 1of us, she tried to help with all that she could and knew many Mexican remedies and superstitions on the subject. You gals know the cultural superstitions, don’t allow your breasts to have breeze past by them or your milk will go sour, or don’t get mad or your milk will curdle....I could go on and on. My sisters though were a part of the newer movement of breastfeeding mommies and were there to listen, answer my questions and help solve my little problems. (Thank you and I love you Gina, Isa and Starla)

When going out in public my solution to my modest issues was my very great Nursing cover which at that time looked nothing like it does today. I’m really happy to have been able to use my own creation, although I didn’t leave the house for six weeks. This is how terrified I was.

READ, READ, READ !!!!! This is your very best tool. If you are determined to educate yourself and know all that you can on the differences between breast milk and formula then pick up books and educate yourself on the topic. You can also do so much research online but why not make a special day or days out of it. Go to a local book store or library and pamper yourself with a great drink and READ.

I can not emphasize enough how important a support group is. Many women need support and if they do not receive support they most likely will stop breastfeeding. If you go online you will be able to find a wealth of information on support groups in your community. Ask women in your OBGYN office at appointments, or play groups on this topic.