Getting Started
Welcome to Breastfeeding Experiences!
This page is dedicated to those precious first moments with your newborn. Were you able to put your baby to the breast immediately after birth? Did you find it difficult to get to grips with, or was it easier than you thought it would be? We'd love you to share your experiences on this page.
If you have a story relating to getting started, please use this form to send it to us.
Getting Started: Your Stories
Name: TB
Title: Problems Getting Started
Story: When I first tried breastfeeding my son in the hospital it was hard on him and myself due to latch on problems. Once we got home I decided to pump and bottle feed him instead. It was our second night home and actually my husband who suggested that I try breastfeeding again with a nipple shield when he was me crying one night. I felt like I wasn't connecting with my son because I spent all my time pumping while my mother-in-law (she was there to help out) and husband fed the baby. I'm glad that I gave it another go because my son has been breastfeeding with no problem ever since, he stopped nursing with the nipple shield after a month.
He's now 7 months old and is a chubby, healthy and happy booby baby. My best friend says that I inspired her to breastfeed her baby once he/she is here. The beginning is hard but once you and the baby get the hang of it, it's completely worth it.
Name: Hanna S.
Title: Magic Moment
Story: I think the moment the midwife showed me how to put my new baby to my breast was one of the best moments of becoming a mum. It cemented our relationship, showed me good how it could be to be a mum.
Name: Niamh
Title: Not for Me
Story: You said you wanted everyone's experiences? I hated breastfeeding and gave up while I was still in hospital. I'd wanted to do it while I was pregnant but when it came to it, it really wasn't for me and I felt weird doing it. As soon as I switched to bottle it was much easier and I felt less pressure to "perform". I'm pregnant again now and I am going to bottlefeed again. Why set myself up to fail? My eldest daughter is perfectly healthy and I don't feel guilty.
Name: TwinkleToes67
Title: Horrible
Story: It wasn't until I got home that I started to enjoy breastfeeding. I felt way too exposed in hospital with all the other mothers and visitors etc. I was tense and as a result, it was really hard. When I got home, it was just me and my baby and we had all the time in the world to get it right. Much better!