It’s World Breastfeeding week and I wanted to share my journey in hopes that it helps other women, makes them feel less alone or just normalizes this very normal thing. I always knew I wanted to breastfeed, I was able to collect colostrum before I gave birth, confident it was going to be easy for me. When Galileo was born, she latched and was nursing fine. So this was going to be easy for me but that changed when we got home. It was painful and chaotic. We took Gali to her first appointment and panic ensued. She had lost a lot of weight, too much weight. I fell apart and felt I was failing my baby. At that point I was using nipple shields, desperately trying to get her to latch, sleep deprived, and crying constantly with a deep shame that my baby was not getting what she needed from me to survive. How could I not do something that should come so natural? We found a consultant who I saw every week over the next 3 and after a lot of work, tears, extreme exhaustion and determination Galileo and I found our groove. I can honestly say this is one of the hardest things I’ve ever done in my life. I had such high expectations but was only able to do this because I had the privilege of resources. I hope we can continue to move towards a world where women feel comfortable asking for help, talking openly about their challenges, removing the shame and judgement and not feeling forced to feed their baby hidden away, alone in a room. I know Breastfeeding is not for everyone and some physically cannot do it. I had to supplement while my milk was coming in and I’m so grateful for the miracle that is formula. Whether you’re a breastfeeding, pumping or formula feeding mom, you deserve a safe space. A fed baby is a happy baby and that’s what matters. My mom did a podcast with my amazing lactation specialist, with the best advice for new moms - link in bio. @ask_the_teacher_abc_podcast 🤍