As any of you following our story will already know, it has been a very difficult year for our family. Cameron has had a tough start to life but slowly and surely he is recovering. One thing that has been absolutely vital to his recovery has been breastmilk and I am so proud to still be feeding him myself despite so many obstacles.
When I was asked by La Leche League to share my story to help and inspire other mums I was truly honoured and so proud to share with you all the published article. If I can help just one person or support them through our story and to let them know that despite any challenges it is possible to succeed and it would mean the world to me.
For the past 13 months I have been feeding my little man. We have survived tongue tie, major surgery, thrush, blocked ducts, milk blisters and the rather bemused stares from my little man, as he slaps, explores and has a jolly good conversation with my breasts and I’ve enjoyed every bloody minute of it.
There is no place I would rather be than sitting with my angel, feeding at my breast drinking what they claim to be liquid gold and you know what, it is.
It never ceases to amaze me how I, just me, have kept this little being alive all these months with my breast milk. When days can be challenging and in my sleep deprived state, I remind myself that even though the house is probably a tip, washing is not up to date, that I still haven’t managed to vacuum, the floors are not mopped and the fridge is resembling a students frat house (minus the alcohol) none of it matters.
Instead I have spent my day doing the most important job, providing the life source for my precious little baby. I really well up with pride when I think of it, even now as I type my eyes are streaming with tears, but happy proud ones!
To any of you who are unsure if you want to breastfeed when your baby is born, or you maybe have been feeding for a few days, weeks or whatever length of time it has been and are toying with the idea of jacking it all in, please don’t. Yes it can be hard some days or you may be thinking how can I continue, but I promise you, the unconditional love and attachment between you and your baby when they feed is priceless.
I am so proud that I kept going, even in the darkest of times, for me this has to be the greatest achievement in my life alongside with having my two beautiful babies.
I owe a lot of it to a very special group of ladies. – my amazing Sister-in-law Karen, La Leche League NI, all the amazing mummy’s in the Breastfeeding Northern Ireland Facebook group and my wonderful Breastfeeding Group Magic Milk, for their incredible support along the way. They have all been there for me no matter how silly a question or concern I have had over the past 13 months. All of them unique super mums and will forever have a very special place in my heart.
I hope you enjoy our story.
Sharonn Xx
