You Can Do It – Jessie’s Story

 

Our nursing journey had a rough start to say the least. We had some latch issues, so after three days of painful and damaging nursing we called a lactation consultant my midwife and doula recommended. Although it still took awhile for us to get the hang of it, I wish we would have called her sooner.  I ended up getting a thrush infection in my nipples since they were cracked which added to the pain. The next couple weeks would alternate from good nursing sessions to toe curling pain sessions with me in tears. I never thought breastfeeding would be such a struggle. I was about to give up when my mom suggested taking a break, pumping and giving my son a bottle. Thankfully he didn't have any problem taking a bottle so I pumped exclusively for a few days while my nipples and emotions healed and the thrush infection finally cleared up.  I slowly started working one or two nursing sessions in a day later that week and can still remember the elation I felt after the first pain free latch!!

 

 My son is now 18 months and still nurses and I'm so thankful that I pushed through the tough times. It has been an experience I wouldn't have wanted to miss with him although in the beginning (while in pain) I didn't think I would care if I stopped. I wouldn't have made it without the support of my family, friends, and birth team and would encourage moms to seek help sooner if they are having any sort of pain while nursing. When my son recently looked up at me while nursing and signed "thank you", it definitely made it all worth it. You can do it!