Every week I said I’m going to quit and yet each week I some how managed to keep going. 8 months later and we are still breastfeeding. If you told me I would be breastfeeding until this point I would have laughed. Impossible! That’s how tough it was.
However, a real turning point for me was attending a breastfeeding cafe. I therefore felt that sharing my experience may help someone like me who may be on the verge of giving up. Here’s why you may find it helpful:
You get to meet others in a similar position to you
You are there with other mums with a multitude of challenges. You suddenly relax and realise you are not alone. It is easy to strike up a conversation and not care that your breastfeeding technique isn’t the best or that your baby is still screaming.
You can relate and that in itself is golden.
Expert support
Finally your considered ‘challenges’ are normalised. One of the biggest hurdles when you get started and encounter set backs is to not see what’s happening as a failure on your part.
You’ll hear a lot of nonsense out there. The cafe helped normalise my experience of my daughter being a frequent feeder. It also taught me so much about the reasons your baby comes to your breast. Hunger is just one of many!
You will be listened to and provided support which can transform your approach or at the very least help you let go of any anxiety.
A support network you can return to
The cafe I attended regularly met over the summer so it doesn’t have to be a one-off although of course it can if you need it to be.
The regular meet ups enable you to gain access to a network of face to face support which after having used the helplines and conversations with health visitors over the phone was a welcomed and refreshing change.
All of this in a relaxing environment
Sometimes breastfeeding can feel lonely. You may not be experiencing what your sister did when she had children or even other mums in your NCT group. It is a unique experience and having a relaxing environment that takes you out of your home feels like an accomplishment in itself. Add to that a nice brew and a good chat, some tips then the cafe environment makes an ideal setting.
Breastfeeding cafes can be found via the NCT website. Alternatively, I was recommended this one in Honour Oak Park, London.
Have you been to one? Did it help you? Drop me a message below.