"During pregnancy, I prepared to breastfeed. With the help of my doula, Marcela, and a lot of research, I knew it could be difficult, but I kept a positive mindset. I, who once considered formula for convenience, knew from the moment Tom came into my life that breastfeeding would be my choice.

When my milk came in, I was excited—there was a lot of it, so I thought I wouldn’t have issues. But production wasn’t everything. The latch wasn’t good, Tom struggled to nurse, fell asleep at the breast, and didn’t engage. My nipples got sore, and he lost a lot of weight in the 1st week. I turned to lactation consultants and osteopathy.

At 9 days old, following Marcela’s recommendation, we started relactation: I pumped to stimulate milk production and offered it via a tube while he sucked. Four-handed feedings, with my mom, Gui, or mother-in-law helping. The cycle was every two hours: nurse, pump, “rest” for an hour, and start again. With much joy, he began to gain weight and get stronger!

During this time, while bringing Tom to the osteopath, I practiced positions (always needed a pillow) and did laser treatment for nipple healing.

My breasts burned, bled; I used a silicone shield a few times, Silverette, anything that could help. At 17 days, we celebrated: he finally surpassed his birth weight! But now we had to remove the tube, and it seemed impossible. We took it step by step, reducing the flow, removing it from some feedings. At 2 months and 11 days, Tom rejected the tube. We, who had clung to it as a guarantee he was being fed, felt insecure. Would he gain weight? Would he sleep well?

After 3 months, happiness: I breastfed without pain, without the tube, without a pillow, without needing anything. Three months of struggle, and with a lot of support to make it possible.

Today, I look back with gratitude. I know how privileged I was to have support and information. I also know every mother has her own journey, and all are valid. Wishing all the best to those navigating this experience—may it work out in whatever way is best for you. 🤍

(Tom nursed until he was 1 year and 8 months, and the end of this beautiful story is another I’ll share one day)”

Writen by Barbara Crepaldi

Posted on Instagram @barbaracrepaldiphoto on April 8, 2024.