I was just reading an article about breastfeeding support and it reminded me of my own time attending a SureStart Breastfeeding Support Group in my hometown of Newry, Co Down.
I've mentioned it often here about how valuable breastfeeding support is and that is especially true in my own case. I personally found breastfeeding quite the struggle when I had my first baby but thankfully, being strong-willed and very, very determined, I managed to continue on my own until she reached 16 months.
However, when sarah, my second baby arrived, although I knew I'd breastfeed her too, I must confess I was worried about how long I'd manage considering she would be sharing me with her big sister who was (and still is) a fairly needy little girl!
In the first few days after the birth, breastfeeding went pretty much as I'd expected. But, thankfully, my community midwife mentioned in passing that a new breastfeeding group had started locally and asked me if I'd be interested. At first I wasn't sure. I sort of felt that breastfeeding was something I preferred to do in private and couldn't really get my head around what a group for breastfeeding mums would be like... or how much use it would be to me.
As it turned out, it became something of a life-line for me. I met so many women going through the same experiences as me and we kept each other motivated to keep going through the more difficult times. We shared all our ups and down and oh boy, some of the giggles we had! In addition I learnt so much more about breastfeeding than I'd ever realised previously; perhaps the most useful being that electric breast-pumps can be more efficient that manual for many mums!
Even though it's been a few years since I last breastfed, the support I got through Surestart stays with me. I often bump into mums I met at the group and the friends I've made are lifelong.
Ask your medical caregivers to point you in the direction of your local breastfeeding support group. I can assure you, it will be a very enjoyable and life-changing experience.
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