Thank you so much to Holly for sharing your feeding story with me. Holly is now almost 9 months into her breastfeeding journey and passionate about breastfeeding. Her story really shows just how valuable the right support at the right time can be.
“From the minute I got pregnant I knew that I wanted to try breastfeeding. I did so much reading up before our baby arrived to try to feel as prepared as possible. Although I equally tried to keep in mind that it might not work for me and not put too much pressure on the situation.
Once Cooper arrived I had some support from the midwives at the hospital who told me that his latch was perfect. However fast forward a week and I had awful nipple trauma and it was really taking its toll, to the point of me crying most feeds. During the next couple of weeks I had multiple visits from a feeding support worker which was organised by my health visitor. She tried to help with positioning and latch but things just didn’t seem to be improving. Also Cooper was starting to drop weight which was becoming a concern and giving me anxiety.
The overwhelming theme with everyone that was trying to help was that I should start topping him up with formula. I could feel the pressure. I really didn’t want to do this as his weight was still gaining, just slower than they wanted. I didn’t want to introduce bottles or pump before the six week mark as despite what I was being told, I knew the risks of nipple confusion and I didn’t want to risk it unless I really had to.
I had flagged that I thought he may have tongue tie but was constantly told no. I was also told a number of things that I knew from research were wrong such as my boobs were too large. After most home calls I was left feeling that I was the problem and the reason that our journey was failing.
At this point Cooper was 7 Weeks old and I was at breaking point. Someone suggested that I go to a local support group for parents where there was feeding support. So as a last resort I walked up there. If this didn’t help I was just at the end with breastfeeding and ready to take up formula. The lady that I met with diagnosed Cooper with tongue tie straight away and help me arrange for him to be seen privately to have it snipped in the next couple of days. It turns out that he had around 80% tongue tie so no wonder we had been struggling so much. She also confirmed that I was right in thinking that being a bigger breasted lady wasn’t a reason for bad latch and helped me with some tips for feeding with bigger boobs!
From then on our feeding journey got easier. We still had to work hard on his latch as At this point he was eight weeks old and had picked up bad habits. Cooper turned five months old last week and I can finally say that we are nailing breastfeeding. My nipples are back to their former glory, there is no pain, and I am so in love with the bond that we have. I don’t know how I pushed through but I’m so glad I did and I’m so grateful for the support of that one person that changed everything for us. I honestly didn’t think I would get to 6 weeks and now I can see 6 months approaching and I’m so proud of us both.
I would also like to say a huge thank you to my husband. Without his support, snack runs, constant supply of cuddles and tea, I wouldn’t have got through those early days. He knew it was my dream to breastfeed and he did everything he could to help us succeed! After everything we’ve been through I’m now looking into training to give breastfeeding support as really want to help other mums so they don’t suffer the way I did.”
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