By Elisheba A.

My delivery was challenging. I went in for a planned C-section due to placenta previa*, which unexpectedly turned into placenta accreta**. I lost a significant amount of blood during delivery. Initially, a hysterectomy was planned due to my condition, but at the last moment, my doctor found an alternative solution, saving my uterus.

I was separated from my baby for three hours after birth, and he was given some formula. At first, I was heartbroken over not being able to breastfeed him right away. My initial feelings of grief quickly faded. I was able to shift my perspective and feel grateful that he had something to eat to stay healthy and strong during that time of separation.

I was proud to be the first person in my family (that I know of) to breastfeed. Growing up, I didn’t see others nursing their babies, and it wasn’t a common topic of conversation. However, I had incredible support from my husband, who helped by cleaning my breast pump parts and supported my decision to keep going, when I initially wasn’t making very much milk. Finding online breastfeeding support groups, like my local La Leche League Group in Springfield, Virginia, has also helped tremendously throughout my journey.

Initially, I struggled with low milk supply because I wasn’t pumping frequently enough when my son wouldn’t latch. I supplemented feeds with formula if we needed to. At exactly three months, my little guy finally latched, and we’ve been enjoying a wonderful breastfeeding relationship ever since. I am grateful I was able to continue nursing him and be flexible with our journey, even through that season when he wasn’t latching well. Our nursing has evolved with his age and our growing experience in breastfeeding. With the help of lactation consultants, I overcame those early latching issues. Although my supply didn’t match his demand during the infant days, I was able to breastfeed exclusively from 12 months onward. It is a great feeling to realize what I have overcome and learned.

My advice for other parents getting started breastfeeding would be to enjoy your nursing journey however it comes. If breastfeeding doesn’t initially work out at birth, there are many other stages where you can still enjoy an amazing breastfeeding relationship with your baby, once you work through challenges. Have faith, stay hopeful, and keep going!

I chose to breastfeed even through these challenges, because I believed that human milk was the best for my baby’s physical and emotional health. It amazed me how my milk could heal various ailments and help my baby thrive. Becoming a mother hasn’t changed my identity, but it has beautifully shifted my priorities.

*Placenta previa is a pregnancy condition where the placenta partially or completely covers the cervix, or opening of the uterus

**Placenta accreta is a serious pregnancy condition that occurs when the placenta grows too deeply into the uterine wall.

We’d love to share your nursing stories on the La Leche League USA Blog, New Beginnings. Please send your stories to Kylie at [email protected]

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