After dealing with infertility for many years and struggling to have our little miracle, one of my biggest goals was to breastfeed. Over the years of struggling to get pregnant and thinking about our options of having to possibly use a surrogate or adopt all I could think about was how I would miss out on the special bond of breastfeeding our baby.
After almost three days of induced labor and a c-section, I was relieved that Hawk latched right away as they laid him on my chest in the recovery room. He had no idea what to do and neither did I, but together in those few quiet moments we started our journey. However, let’s be honest, most days are not as easy and joyful as those first few moments.

After a few weeks of being home and nursing, I began to experience serious pain while nursing. I would cry through our nursing sessions but determined to not give up on my dream. After talking to the Lactation consultant (use these resources, they are very helpful for the most part) at our pediatrician, I found out that I had an overactive let down. An overactive let down meant that my milk was flowing too fast when he first latched. Therefore when Hawk was latching he was baring down to try to slow the flow. After learning a few different positions, breastfeeding was comfortable again.

Breastfeeding is hard! There are days when your baby doesn’t nurse well. When you are away and have to pump, it is a full time job. One that can be quite frustrating when you see little production. People may not be supportive and will tell you to quit or that your baby is too old just give them formula and a bottle. However you have to decide what works best for you and your baby.

Today we are 7 months strong and still going. Yes there are days, late nights and early mornings when I want to give in the towel and just give him a bottle, but there are also a lot of special moments when he reaches for me, looks at me with love and falls asleep in my arms.

I know that all can not experience this bond or may not choose to and that is ok too, but for me it is one I will cherish for the rest of my life. Happy World Breastfeeding Week!
