New mum's raw post: "I cannot hide the struggle that is breastfeeding"
But with the help of mum mates she stuck with it - and wants to share her journey with others
For those of us who to decide to breastfeed - the journey can vary enormously.
While some mums manage it relatively easily from the first time their baby latches on, others find it that bit more difficult - so much so we might be tempted to give it all up much sooner than we were planning.
Here at MFM we see many, many parenting posts each week - some of which really get to us, because of their authenticity, or it's something that just rings true for us, often because of what one of the team has gone through themselves.
And this Instagram post, from mum Angela Burzo, talking about how difficult she's finding the early days of breastfeeding, really struck a chord.
Accompanying the pic above, Angela writes:
"I love seeing all these beautiful women in their beautiful nursing clothes smiling down at their babes as they lovingly look up back at them hand in hand while breastfeeding away.
"That is not my reality, right now that is. This is real & as much as I want to stay strong and be the soldier I feel I can be I cannot hide the struggle that is BREASTFEEDING.
"Whether she is not latching on properly, whether I am not producing enough milk to keep up with her demand, whether my nipples might not be adequate, whether we confused her with having to give her a bottle after pumping....whatever it may be it has been an emotional & painful struggle.
"Today has been full of no naps, sucking and not eating, crying and frustrated parents.
"This photo depicts my reality of this breastfeeding journey so far & that first latch & the pain I endure. Keeping it real.
"Thank you to all those women coming to my rescue even the times I didn't reach out. All your kind words & encouragement have been a blessing ? "
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Now we should say that since sharing this post, Angela did go on to pop another up - with photo - where things seem to be going better.
She couldn't quite believe how many people her post had reached, and thanked all the mums who'd shared their own stories for their encouragement.
Two weeks on....
"Aylee made sure it was party time before we left Mommas Dr apt. (party time is whenever Aylee makes momma take her top off ?)" wrote Angela.
"Had my 2 week post partum Cesarian checkup. Doc said everything looked good ??Gotta go back in 4 weeks and then I should be cleared for you know what ? Hang in there Dad ?.
"Thank you all for following along on my journey and for sharing your own ?
"PS. This latch didn't hurt!"
Wow, what a difference a fortnight makes ?
We're really glad Angela chose to write about her journey for other mums, and hope what she went through might just make some of you feel that bit better if you're struggling with this at the moment.
Though it's also important to remember that not every mum's journey will be exactly the same - so it's vital to do what you feel you need to in order to keep sane and happy and baby healthy.
And whatever that choice, we're with you ✊
Images: Angela Burzo on Instagram
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Authors
Tara is mum to 1 daughter, Bodhi Rae, and has worked as Content Editor and Social Media Producer at MadeForMums since 2015
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