When I became a mother later in life, one of the first questions I asked my doctor was how I could ensure the best health for my child. The answer was simple yet profound: “Breastfeed.” That moment planted a seed in my heart—I was determined to give my son the healthiest start possible, and breastfeeding became central to that vision.
I’ll be honest: it wasn’t easy. In those early days, I committed fully to the process. No bottles, no pacifiers—just the intimate connection between mother and child. But despite my determination, my journey soon took a challenging turn. Within the first month, my doctor expressed concern that my baby wasn’t gaining enough weight and recommended supplementing with formula. While I respect the many paths of motherhood, I was steadfast in my goal to exclusively breastfeed.
As the weeks went on, I found myself struggling. I was working, pumping, and handing off precious ounces of milk to my caretaker. But my production dropped, and by day 40, I was pumping a meager ounce per session. I felt defeated—heartbroken that I might not keep the promise I had made to myself and my son.
It was then that grace stepped in. A dear friend visiting from Canada, a lactation specialist, offered me a lifeline. She reminded me of something so simple yet so powerful: “A baby will always extract more milk than any pump ever could. Don’t give up.”
Her words rekindled my hope and deepened my trust in the process. Breastfeeding wasn’t just about nourishment—it was a spiritual act, a sacred exchange of love and energy. I began to view it not as something I had to control but as a flow I could surrender to. And when I did, everything shifted.
I’m so grateful I held on. Against all odds, I continued breastfeeding my son until he was two and a half years old. Those years became a time of deep connection, a rhythm of closeness that taught me as much as it nourished him. Breastfeeding became more than a way to provide for his body; it was a way to nourish his soul and mine.
Now, my son is 11 years old, standing proudly in the 99th percentile for height and weight—a strong, vibrant reflection of trust, love, and perseverance. Looking back, I realize how important it was not to feed the fear but to trust what I knew deep within.
As parents, we often seek answers outside ourselves, but the truth is, you are the guru of your child’s needs. Your intuition is your greatest guide in this intimate bond of parenthood. Trust it. Trust the connection you share with your child and the wisdom of your body.
Breastfeeding, like motherhood, is fleeting. The nights may be long, and the challenges may be great, but the connection it fosters is timeless. Each moment of closeness, each feeding, is a thread in the sacred tapestry of your relationship, woven with love, resilience, and trust.
To all the mothers navigating this path: you are doing something extraordinary. You are creating bonds that will last a lifetime, nourishing not just your child’s body but their soul. And in those quiet moments, when your child is in your arms and the world feels still, may you remember the profound beauty of what you are creating together.
Here’s to the sacred, messy, beautiful journey of motherhood—one drop of love at a time.
