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Ellen Ledingham was reminded of a Nike advert when she thought
about how she could make up a great case for breastfeeding to encourage
others to have a go.
I look back on my time as a breastfeeding, first- time mum and
recall a Nike advert, published in a US Cosmo magazine back in the
early 1990's 'Falling in Love in Six Acts'.
It highlights the six stages of love as Lust, Euphoria, Fear, Disgust,
The Truth and The Finale - pretty similar to the stages I've gone
through since I first breastfed in the hospital bed until now! Here's
my adaptation….
Lust
I'm sitting on my hospital bed, 23 hours and 59minutes after the
birth of my baby, waiting for the final minute to pass before I
am allowed to go home; my perfect son has taken to my breast first
time after a pretty traumatic birth experience and the midwife has
told me I have wonderful breasts for feeding with
I'm desperate to go home and carry on with breastfeeding, the most
natural thing in the world!!
Euphoria
I arrive home and I feel great. I feel like I was born to do this!
I can and I will breastfeed on demand. I have no need of sleep as
long as my baby is well.
(oh yes, and the pounds are dropping off ….)
I've experienced none of the usual symptoms which can occur from
breastfeeding and my son is thriving. What a glorious first 2 weeks
as a mum! But then daddy returns to work and I feel ….
Fear
I'm beginning to doubt everything I'm doing and worry whether I'm
doing it right!
How do I know he's taking enough milk?
How do I know he's not taking too much milk?
How do I know breastfeeding is right for me when everyone around
me seems to be moving onto formula milk?
Oh my goodness why did I have that glass of wine?! Is it just lack
of sleep making me lose my rationality?
s it also lack of sleep which makes me feel….
Disgust
Why on earth should I continue with this?!
The feeding on demand is taking it's toll and I look awful. My
nipples leak, my skin is dry and I blame everything on the fact
that I'm breastfeeding.
I'm almost ready to give up. I let down my barriers and I admit
it - I'm struggling to want to continue!!
But then I listen to those who have persevered - my sister (of
boys aged 4, 3 and 1) and friend (new mum of 6 months) and I realise…..
The Truth
Breastfeeding IS hardwork! (no-one ever said it would be easy!)
And then comes -
The Finale
As demanding and difficult as it is can be there is so much that
me and my baby will gain from my commitment.
So, I let the love I have for baby and the respect and pride I
have for my body shine through and I continue to feed, nourish and
protect my child with my wonderful breasts…with my bar of chocolate
to hand!!
Good luck to all mums in reaching the finale.
Where to next?
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