Eliza M. shares: “I was 17 when I had my son and the school that I attended was not breastfeeding friendly. They pressured me so hard into just pumping for two months and giving him formula. But I said, ‘No. I want to have a breastfeeding journey, and I am determined to give baby what’s best.’

“The first day back to school after my six week leave was my first day back and my last day! I hated how they treated me! They did not let me pump for more than five or ten minutes and I could only pump two times. (I kept getting engorged and full very quickly).

“I found out that a school my cousin went to was a half day credit school. It’s all computer work. It’s 8 am -12, and it has childcare. I instantly applied to the school and within a week I got accepted. I told the daycare staff how I was still breastfeeding and not planning on giving him formula because that’s my choice. They said it was fine. They’d call me when he does his hunger cues. I adjusted to the school quickly. I loved the teachers, staff, front door people, and principal. They were all supportive to mothers and breastfeeding moms!

“My breastfeeding journey was only rough because of the last school. I did not let them pressure me into formula feeding or giving up breastfeeding! Now my son is 16 months and still breastfeeding with the help of all the support I got from my current school and from many people around me!

A support system is very, very important with wanting to breastfeed your child longer because people judge a lot and don’t want you to do what you’re supposed to with your breast, but I did not let school or judgmental people stop me.”

Your support of La Leche League USA can help build confidence in mothers like Eliza who are struggling to find support for their choices.

Please donate today.

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Thank you!

Please send your story ideas to Amy at [email protected].

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