When dream collides reality- Reflecting the unspoken Journey of breastfeeding

When Support Fades: The Hidden Struggles Behind the Breastfeeding Dream

Breastfeeding is the most blissful act by a mother, providing Divine nutrition to her baby. Breastfeeding is a profound & dynamic part of any motherhood journey, which is natural & reflects the beautiful connection between mother & her baby. It’s every woman’s dream to embrace motherhood, but the breastfeeding journey may not follow the expected path for all.

Despite education, pre-preparedness, experiences within the family & her strong wishes to feed the baby, may fail, leaving her heart heavy & full of grief. Being a pediatrician & a breastfeeding counselor, I have to console almost all the mothers facing barriers. This may be due to enormous social & familial barriers, including a lack of family support, which made her feel very isolated at a time when she needed encouragement, a comforting presence & understanding the most. Another struggle was the cultural barriers, including food restrictions & expectations to follow old beliefs; further compounding their challenges & making them feel an incompetent mother. A starving mother, a crying heart, taunting words, sleepless nights, all in one nest, making the path more stony.

Imperfectly Perfect: A Mother’s Real Journey

Next was their health issues, illness, complicated recovery after episiotomy, or Cesarean section,  adding another layer of difficulties, sapping their strength while struggling to meet the newborn’s needs & keep family members happy.

Another hilarious phase for any working mother is resuming work at the earliest after 2-3 months of the postpartum period (compromised maternity leave in our country), with a fear of losing job brought additional stress & guilt, further hampering a steady breastfeeding routine.

This is a glimpse of the real world of breastfeeding (an eye-opening real drama: far different from imagination & which seemed to be so easy in thoughts & hope)

They failed to complete the most fundamental acts of life. As a mother and then a pediatrician, I realized that one’s willpower or dedication doesn’t determine breastfeeding. Instead, it’s a web of support, health, love, resilience, perseverance, patience, persistence, and practice that guide us through this unique journey, enabling us to give our best during difficult times, a feat to be proud of ourselves.

WATCH MORE: ब्रेस्टफिडिङ, तेल मालिस, गाजल, र नाक, कान, नाइटोमा तेल हाल्नु – के ठीक के गलत? ! Dr. Kabita Keyal

Breastfeeding is not a one-woman job; the entire family plays a very crucial role in achieving successful breastfeeding & healthier motherhood.

Through guilt & tears, this dilemma reflects that the journey of motherhood was not what was envisioned. While grappling between hope & reality, these experiences can motivate other mothers too by sharing & caring in the same environment. It can offer a connection of positivity & hope to mothers facing similar challenges.

I am sure every mother has a unique journey to share, so as my overwhelming challenges in breastfeeding & motherhood which shaped my experiences of motherhood: teaching a lesson that perfection isn’t the goal; it’s the love that matters & well said: mothers are “Imperfectly perfect”

Celebrate the Chaos: The Power and Joy of Motherhood

At the end, I’d like to share that breastfeeding fumbles are the stories we laugh & cry about, because every leak, sneeze & silly face is a part of the wild yet most wonderful ride of motherhood.

Every mother deserves kindness & acceptance.

So women: wake up & enjoy your feminism, motherhood & most of all a power within you to create & nourish. First, learn to love & respect yourself & you can win the world. So stay positive, think positive & be positive.

Dedicated to my MOM

Love you, MA, for being such a patient and wonderful mom..