I had visualised a motherly goddess version of myself, curled up on the glider with glowing skin as my baby suckled happily.
The reality was very different.
Everyone's feeding journey is different, and I am so happy so many people find it easy and straightforward. And, while I didn't have a massive struggle with mastitis or getting the latch, I was very surprised at how long it took me to 'get the knack' of it.
I often found myself wedged into the back of the car between car seats as I yanked up my top to pacify my daughter if we got caught short out visiting or shopping.
I also wish someone had told me that often the baby pulls on and off the nipple and shake their head about so even while trying to be discreet - it was like wrestling with a baby octopus a lot of the time. A very cute baby octopus all the same.
So when I came across this post on social media it really resonated with me. This mum from Nashville put up a picture of herself on Instagram showing the messy reality that can come with nursing your baby.
Leah, who has a seven-week old daughter, wrote a very honest and passionate post about confidence when it comes to how we approach feeding in general.
“You truly don’t know what’s going on down there,” she wrote. “Too much? Too little? Too intense? Not enough hindmilk? Not enough time? Plugged duct? Mastitis?”
She went on to say she is bombarded with pictures that make it look so easy:
"In the end, fed is best. That's what matters. But all I know right now is that breastfeeding is hard. I am doing my very best but always had a question in the back of my mind. Always second guessing myself. Always wondering if I'm doing OKAY?"
She says she hopes to inspire other mums who may be struggling:
"It is hard but your doing good. Keep going! There's a rumor going around that it gets easier"
(Images via TheNashvilleBump)We would love to hear your thoughts on this. Have you found it tough?
