Without hesitation his tiny mouth latched on, and he began gulping eagerly, even ravenously. But only a few moments later he ripped away, wailing in between the coughs and sputters.
I wailed right along with him.
He was only a few weeks old, and yet he already knew the paradox of wanting something desperately yet hating it at the same time.
He was a newborn torn between the call of his growling belly and the desire not to choke on his only form of sustenance.
I was a mom torn between the desperation to feed my child and the desire not to hurt him in the process.
The lactation consultant labeled it โoveractive letdown,โ a fancy term meaning youโve got an overabundance of milk and it comes out faster and more forcefully than your baby can handle.
She assured me it happens to lots of women, and that it wasnโt caused by anything I did. But I knew betterโฆ
10 responses to “How My Breastfeeding Struggles Made Me a Better Mom”
Breastfeeding, no matter what they say, is not natural! I had so many problems that I’m still not able to look back on them and laugh yet…and it’s been 11 years!
Oh what a perfect description- so beautiful written. Can’t wait to read the rest. Heading over now!
I was one of the lucky ones who had a fairly easy breastfeeding experience, but still — it is just one in a long line of things you experience as a new parent that makes you realize you really are not in control of how things are going to go with this little human you’re now responsible for!
BF is one of the things that I’m most looking forward to again in a few weeks when E is born. I wonder if it will be like S or different? How will the first-time experiences help the second?
I hope you write about your experience, Wendy!
Such a good insight about how every baby is different. I’ve given up on reading any more books or looking into classes. I want to wait and see who I’m working with when she gets here!
YES! That’s exactly what you should do!
I was one of the few who didn’t have problems breastfeeding and even though it’s been 6 years, I still remember that it was different with my son than it was with my daughter.
Heading over to read now! But after just reading this excerpt, I completely relate. I too had an overactive letdown and an over-abundant milk supply. Oh my goodness, breastfeeding! Seriously, I was so determined, but it was really hard at first. I knew it would be, but there is sometimes nothing in the world to prepare you for such things.
You perspective is always refreshing and positive – I love it. We put so much pressure on ourselves as parents – even before our kids are born… I can happily report that I am finally a relaxed mom – or at least I THINK I am!