Breastfeeding was such a source of stress for me the first time around. I had taken a breastfeeding class when I was pregnant with my first daughter to prepare myself, but, of course, I had no idea what it would feel like or how it would work in real life vs. on paper. I was determined to breastfeed my first born exclusively, so the pressure was really on.
I felt an incredible sense of relief when my first daughter, M, latched immediately and stayed latched for 20-30 minutes. “Maybe this wouldn’t be so bad after all!,” I thought to myself.
But then, over the next month, it felt like there was non-stop crying and difficulty consoling. M fed well enough, but after feedings, especially at night (why the night!), she would cry every time we tried to lay her down in her bassinet. In the wee hours of the night as I held her, lacking for sleep and emotions running high, I questioned, ”How did I think I was prepared for breastfeeding after just taking a single class?! I desperately need help!”
