Breastfeeding Celebration At Lake Bonney
TO ACKNOWLEDGE WORLD BREASTFEEDING WEEK 2019, I PUT A CALL OUT ON SOCIAL MEDIA TO SEE IF ANY LOCAL MAMAS WOULD BE KEEN TO BE A PART OF A GROUP BREASTFEEDING PHOTOSHOOT AT LAKE BONNEY IN BARMERA.
To my surprise, I had an amazing response. So much so, I couldn’t accept all the volunteers as I wanted to keep the group small and intimate.
Each mama who volunteered to come to the shoot had a different reason for wanting to be a part of it.
Some mamas had endured a rough start to breastfeeding their baby and had just got into the groove of it and they wanted to celebrate, other mamas said that the baby they were breastfeeding right now was to be their last baby, so they wanted to cherish their final breastfeeding days.
I hosted the photoshoot at Lake Bonney in Barmera, if you haven’t seen the lake at sunset, you are truly missing out on one of the most beautiful sites available to us here in the Riverland. On a clear evening, it is just stunning with the sun set shining through the old trees by the lake. Unfortunately, it was overcast for our shoot and we missed out on the desired sunset but still managed to capture many beautiful images regardless.
For those reading this blog, I want you to know that I support all Mama’s. No matter what feeding choices you make. If you bottle feed or tube feed, that is OK and should be celebrated too. Motherhood is a journey and one of the best things I’ve learnt on this journey is that whatever decisions I make as a Mother, if I am happy and confident with my decision - that is all that matters.
“all up so far I have fed for 4 and half years.”
“There are highs and lows. I do remember the first 3 weeks of feeding, being sore, cracking - oh man the pain! But then after that it was a bit easier. With Matthew I had to feed him off one side for a few months while expressing the other as one of my milk ducts was infected, that was fun but I got through it. Ben was 6 weeks early so he came with problems and I did not get to feed him to my breast until he was 3 weeks old so I started on a pump and well needless to say I had a lot of milk by the time he was ready to take the boob. Anthony has I guess been the easiest I think so far but I have not tried to get him off yet.”
“We women are strong.”
“I struggled when I had my daughter via emergency c section. I just couldn’t bond with her. Feeding her was excruciating. I had blisters on my nipples & the thought of her feeding made me feel sick. I nearly gave up. I pushed through it & she then self weaned at 14 months. It wasn’t easy though as I struggled with massive weight gain & made me not want to go out in public as I only had a couple outfits that fit me. When I had Malachi (May 2019) in the back of my mind I was super nervous about breastfeeding again. I kept thinking what if I get the horrible blisters again, I don’t think I can do this. But he has been amazing. At first it would take him a while to latch onto my left breast, but that soon changed. I am gradually learning to love my body again. My husband has been an amazing support. He reminds me daily that my body created 2 beautiful children. We women are strong!”
“I hoped I would be able to breastfeed.”
Nothing against other forms of feeding but when I found out I was pregnant I hoped I would be able to breastfeed and it was such an amazing moment when Emmy latched on not even 5 minutes after being born. I felt an instant connection. We had some latch issues though, she has a shallow gag reflex but we saw a lactation consultant which helped. Nursing is Emmy’s comfort, 6 months and going strong.
“I found breastfeeding so empowering!”
The connection it gives you with your baby is like no other. I found it a bit difficult at the start, but once we got the latching right it was fine.
“I was sore and had considered giving up.”
I have loved every single moment in the 5 weeks I have been breastfeeding. Although in the first few days found it extremely hard, I was sore and had considered giving up. But pushed through with the help of nipple shields, which we have just weaned off woohoo! I’ve had an incredible amount of support from family and my partner when it comes to breastfeeding they definitely have helped with my journey. It’s such an incredible bonding experience and is just so incredibly beautiful. I’m still building confidence in myself to breastfeed more in public (we’ve managed 4-5 times only two times keeping everything completely covered) I’m certain over time we will be out feeding in public without hesitation!
“Once established, it's been pretty easy.”
It's definitely something that both mum and bubs need to learn, and having supportive people (husband, my own mum) around made it a lot easier. I find it amazing that the body adapts to breastfeeding, producing as much as your baby demands.
“I am comfortable to feed Nate whenever he needs a drink or comfort.”
I have been fortunate enough to breastfeed Nate for over a year now, I am comfortable to feed Nate whenever he needs a drink or comfort - wherever we are. Reducing the number of feeds over night and with my return to work has been challenging for both of us.
“I persisted and overcome many challenges.”
It took just over 8 weeks to get settled into breastfeeding, Max and I persisted and overcome many challenges, including mastitis. I’ve had amazing family support that helped me through these times and continue to help each and every day.
BREASTFEEDING TIPS FROM THE MAMA’S.
Never give up, persistence is key, it can seem really overwhelming, so make sure you seek support from friends, family or even the Australian Breastfeeding Association. Believe in yourself and give yourself time. - Kim
Stay strong! You can do this. Don’t be scared to ask for help. Grab every little bit of support you can get. - Eleisha
The most important thing to do is whatever makes both mum and baby happy. - Bridget
I think the best thing is to just do what feels right and comfortable for you. Go with your gut instinct, as every breastfeeding experience is soo different. - Sarah
Never quit on a bad day! The first few weeks are hard but it’s worth every moment. - Chantal
You just need to get through the first 3 to 4 weeks then it will all calm down. You will know more what you’re doing and so will your bub. Just take a breath and enjoy the closeness that you get from feeding your child - Katherine
Don't be afraid to share your experiences with other mums, or seek help if you need it. - Kate
Just go with it, your body will tell you what to do. - Yolly
