27 May

Ghania

Breastfeeding story

I believe we enter such uncharted territories when we realise we’re pregnant. Everything and every day we are met with a newness that cannot be explained, understood and fathomed. And by the time we’ve become cognisant of it, the day has passed and we’re experiencing something completely new and different the next day. In the midst of all this nascency, I realised I hadn’t even thought about my breastfeeding journey. I hadn’t thought about its importance and vitality. Maybe because I took for granted that my moms and grandmothers and aunts did it, so would I. What was there to think about it? What was there to read and research? And as I consoled my self in saying that, I knew I wasn’t facing some genuine questions and inhibitions I had about breastfeeding, to my own self. Maybe because it felt like a taboo. Or just that I didn’t know how to come to terms with the fact that my body was preparing for something so primal, all while I had only seen and experienced the woman body be objectified and voyeuristically seen. I didn’t know how to ask the basic questions about breastfeeding or even whom to ask them. I’m so grateful that I came across Neha from a colleague who suggested speaking to a lactation expert, with such normalcy. She said it like it was speaking to any normal doctor and while our bodies know how to produce milk, we may not know how to come to terms with all these changes.
And that’s how I’ve seen my few sessions with Neha’s as a guidance to understand this very natural process, by asking essential questions, not being intimidated by the many voices around us, instead educating oneself about the due process and owning the breastfeeding journey with calm and composure. I’ve had a few hiccups in the beginning, but I’m glad Neha prepared me for those. She helped me be emotionally prepared, helped me understand the science of my body and the baby, helped me understand the need to breastfeed in a certain way, even helped me overcome the initial challenges of how the baby and I would find comfort with each other. More so, I really admire how she has understands that us new moms are operating in a different realm and time, and to know that she’s present to help and chat at those odd hours, it’s a life saver.
The last few months where I have been only exclusively breast feeding my baby, have been smooth sailing. I am looking forward to seeing what the coming months look like as I begin introducing new foods to my baby, all while understanding the importance of breastfeeding.
I hope and pray that more women are able to be empowered through this process with Neha’s guidance and efforts!