My Breastfeeding Journey

I always knew the power of the liquid gold that we call 'breastmilk' through books and articles that I read during my pregnancy. There were several groups that I joined, which helped me stress less over nursing the baby. However, what I wasn't prepared for was how challenging the journey would be. Those long nursing sessions undoubtedly led to backaches.

My baby and I took as long as two days to nurse and latch, which was still okay. I didn't have engorgement or sore breast issues as such. I did have my share of pains, but that was all manageable.

What took a toll on me was the weaning part. I still dread that part as I haven't yet forgotten it. There's a lot of information available to mothers about breastfeeding, but relatively little about what happens next. My friends and family always advised me that feeding the baby is good for both of us, but no one mentioned the weaning challenges. It completely exhausted me mentally and physically. I was traumatized throughout the weaning process. It took me a week to wean her. It was tough to see my baby sob in front of me, but I was helpless as there was a significant drop in my milk supply, and I had to cut down on breastfeeding for my baby's good. The weaning left me in pain with massive hair fall. It mentally pinned me down with mom guilt. I became so emotional. I would cry all the time, and I didn't know what was wrong with me.

I strongly recommend every expecting mother to breastfeed the baby as long as she can as the journey is beautiful, and the pain is worth it. I support breastfeeding with all my will, and as an expecting mother with my second one to arrive soon, I promise to continue it with the same zest as I had during my first Lil one.

Shweta Salvi
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