First-Time Mom: The Beautifully Challenging Journey of Breastfeeding by Molly Laird

Breastfeeding is a beautiful journey for a mother and baby that some do get to experience. Here is what I have learned these past two months:

I learned to be patient with my body. Once my daughter was born, I started over-producing milk, which is a blessing but it is also very intimidating. My daughter was three weeks early so her suck and swallow reflexes were not quite strong enough to solely feed from my breast. In the hospital, I learned to pump my breast milk into bottles and feed that way and use my breast only for snacks in-between meals and/or comfort. 

At first, I felt like I was somehow "failing" and soon found that negativity to be toxic. The moment I released myself from those feelings I found that my daughter and I were thriving as a team. Now, we are transitioning to mainly feeding from my breast and it is incredible to witness our journey. It is a JOURNEY ... nothing happens at once. 

I also learned to have patience with the process. Things that were painful/hard in the very beginning are no longer painful or difficult! 

UTILIZE THE NURSES IN THE HOSPITAL, ask questions, ask for help, show them your concerns. 

And lastly, BELIEVE IN YOURSELF.