Just Wondering: When Does Your Period Come Back After Having a Baby?
I answered confidently, happily, even.
Motherhood, particularly new motherhood, has always been presented as difficult.
But breastfeeding is often presented as the easy part.
Its often demonstrated as something that happens immediately and with ease.
What if it doesnt work out for me right away?
Erica Campbell, RN, IBCLC, is a registered nurse and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant based in Houston.
And how could it not?
Have you tried breastfeeding first?
was not the response I needed in the middle of the night, with tears in my eyes.
The medical disconnect leaves people feeling alone in their journeys.
In my grief, however, I did what Ive always doneI started to research.
I needed to know if other Black birthing people went through similar breastfeeding challenges.
In my grief, however, I did what Ive always doneI started to research.
I needed to know if other Black birthing people went through similar breastfeeding challenges.
A quick Google search told me that Black women have the lowest breastfeeding initiation rates among all racial groups.
Approximately66 percent of Black babieswere breastfed compared to almost 82 percent of white and Latinx infants.
I did this to help others the way I would have wanted to be helped.
But now I realize the importance of my presence in the feeding space.
Campbell notes that the most common breastfeeding concerns are related to latching, but there is no one-size-fits-all salve.
The solution is always found in investigation, she says.
Its important to know that a solution for one person may not be the solution for another.
So figuring outwhythese issues are happening is crucial.
Breastfeeding is an incredibly beautiful, intimate, and sacred thing.
But it also comes with a mind-bogglingly steep learning curve.
Breastfeeding can often feel like anything but natural.
So my mantra is, fed is best.
My child is fed, incredibly healthy, and the happiest baby you could ever meet.
All my feelings of failure and guilt are my own to unpack.
None of it comes from him, and Im learning to follow his lead.
When hes ready, well gradually increase breastfeeds.
And if we dont, thats okay, too.
The responses I got were overwhelming.
Almost every woman that messaged me had struggled or was currently struggling, too.
I heard stories of daily tears, frustration, immense guilt, and feelings of failure.
Stories exactly like mine.
Youre doing a lot better than you think.
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