Breastfeeding Chronicles: The Real, The Raw, and The (Occasionally) Leaky Truth

Intro:

Hey there! If you're reading this, you're probably somewhere on the breastfeeding journey — whether you're pregnant and planning, in the thick of those newborn cluster-feed marathons, or maybe wondering if you're the only one whose baby just bit them mid-nurse (spoiler: you're not).

I’m not here to preach or pressure. Just sharing my honest experience — the messy, beautiful, exhausting, and sometimes hilarious world of breastfeeding.

Section 1: The Expectation vs. Reality Check

Before I had my babies, I imagined breastfeeding would be like one of those dreamy Instagram photos: peaceful, bonding, maybe even a little magical. In reality? It was jaundice scares, tongue-tie diagnoses, painful latching, cracked nipples, and a lot of second-guessing myself.

All of my kids were jaundiced in the first week. We started with midwife visits, hoping the levels would come down, but instead we ended up in the hospital for phototherapy. The pressure to get them feeding around the clock was intense — and when feeding hurts, that pressure can feel unbearable. Tongue ties made it even more painful and frustrating in those first fragile days.

But here’s the truth — it gets better. Once you and your baby get the hang of it (especially if you get the right support), there are those magical, sleepy milk-drunk snuggles that make it all worth it.

Section 2: The Early Days (aka Milk Mayhem)

The first few days felt like my baby was permanently attached to me. I didn’t even know cluster feeding was a thing. I also didn’t expect to be googling “how to fix a shallow latch” at 2am while crying into a towel.

I lived in my nursing tops and oversized robe, barely made it out of bed, and got really good at one-handed everything. The combination of tongue tie pain and nonstop feeding made the days blur — and the nights even blurrier.

Section 3: What Helped Me the Most

• Getting the tongue tie released (luckily it was free through the NHS).

• The breastfeeding support team — available for free through the NHS. They were honestly amazing. Patient, knowledgeable, and just what I needed when I felt completely lost.

• Nursing-friendly clothes – if you’re breastfeeding around the clock, nursing tops and a good nursing dress can actually make life easier (and help you feel a little more human).

• Supportive people – whether it was my partner bringing me water or a mom friend texting me, “You’re doing amazing,” when I really needed to hear it.

Section 4: The Weird Stuff No One Talks About

• Let-down reflex that shows up in the middle of a Target run (fun).

• Leaking on one side while baby feeds on the other (thank you, breast pads).

• Feeling like a walking milk machine but still trying to keep a grip on your identity.

• Nursing in public — having proper nursing tops really helps, and a nursing cover can give you that extra bit of coverage if you want it. Total game changer for my confidence.

Section 5: Do What Works For YOU

Whether you breastfeed for 2 days, 2 months, or 2 years — you’re doing amazing. I had to remind myself constantly that fed is best and it’s okay to ask for help, take breaks, or cry when it’s just too much.

Don’t let Instagram or well-meaning strangers make you feel like you're doing it wrong. Your baby, your body, your call.

Outro:

So that’s my (still unfolding) journey. If you’re in the thick of it, hang in there. You’re not alone, and you’re stronger than you think — even if you’re leaking through your shirt while reading this.

Let me know your story — I’d love to hear it.

Until next time — sending love, lanolin, and good latch vibes.