“Our bodies are made to nourish our children, and I wanted to ensure that they got what they needed.”

Why did you decide to breast/chestfeed your child?  

I wanted to give my kids food from the most natural source, from the “Motherland”. Our bodies are made to nourish our children, and I wanted to ensure that they had the vitamins and nutrients they needed to thrive.

Was breast/chestfeeding familiar to you? Did you see the women in your family breast/chestfeeding?  

Yes, my mother breastfed all her children. My mom was really the only person in my family who breastfed at that time. My little sister is 13 years younger than me, and was breastfed for about three years; so, I really got to see what breastfeeding entailed. 

What has surprised you the most about breast/chestfeeding your child?  

What surprised me the most, but probably shouldn’t have, was the fact that I’d already had one kid.  So, when the second one came, I’m thinking “Oh, I’ve got this! Because I’m a ‘pro’” at breastfeeding.” But it’s a different baby, a different latch. The baby didn’tt know how to breastfeed. So, I assumed it was going to be easy but with each baby, instead, I felt like I started from scratch with the breastfeeding experience. I was a whole new person. 

What’s your favorite part about breast/chestfeeding your child?  

The bond. When they looked up at me, it was heartwarming. 

What advice would you give to a new mother starting her breast/chestfeeding journey?  

Be patient with yourself. Stay hydrated. Eat oatmeal. Start early, if you can. 

When did you know you were done with breast/chestfeeding or ready to transition to formula/solids? 

He was done. He didn’t want to breastfeed anymore. It was like he sensed that I got pregnant with his brother, and he weaned himself at 11 months. He became very independent.

Did your weaning experience differ with your other children?

My last two were weaned at almost two, and right after two years old. They seem to stay attached longer with each baby. 

If you found yourself on this journey again, how would you feel? Would you want to breastfeed?

Yes, I’d be very excited. It’s a very moving experience.

Was there a time during your breastfeeding journey that was difficult?

The beginning was hard, when the baby was learning how to latch.

What do you wish you had, or what could you have needed during that time? 

I wish I had the confidence to nurse in public more often.