We asked mums using Early Nourishment CIC services in North Devon & Torridge to share their experiences of ‘Breastfeeding in Lockdown’ to celebrate World Breastfeeding Week 2020 #WBW2020
So my story starts last November. I was about 6 weeks pregnant with baby number 2 and had decided this time we were going to keep our news to ourselves until after our 1st scan as a close family member had a miscarriage 12 months ago and was still struggling to conceive.
The secret was out
Unfortunately being a smoker and someone who likes a social drink. Our secret was soon exposed by the family member due to my reduction in smoking and turning down a Gin for coke instead.
To begin with we were quite relieved that they had ousted our secret. Unfortunately within a few weeks she had miscarried again, this time an ectopic pregnancy that required cancer type treatment to remove.
I then spent the rest of my pregnancy unable to get excited about my own. I couldn’t talk about my pregnancy around my family for fear of upsetting. Work was the only place I could be excited about pregnancy.
Coronavirus lockdown
Then COVID hit. From the first day of lockdown I had to work from home. My only interaction with my colleagues was through Zoom.
Within a month I had been furloughed. Something I asked not to be considered for as I needed to work for my own mental health. It was hard juggling work and childcare for a 2 year old. But we were at home and safe and had some routine to our days. However I soon found yet another new normal not working and enjoyed my extra time at home with my little girl before baby number 2 arrived.
Unexpected developments
Fast forward 2 months. At my 36 week scan it was revealed baby was breach. I was then monitored and at 38 weeks I was admitted to hospital as baby was literally summersaulting around my tummy. Up until this point I was hoping for a VBAC birth. However being faced with a long term stay in hospital on my own. With no visitors and a 2 year old at home. I asked to book for a c section. They don’t like doing this until your 39 weeks. So I spent 4 nights in hospital.
4 nights that I thought would tip my mental health over the edge. However these were the best 4 nights in my whole pregnancy. I met some amazing 1st time mums who I was able to mentor, give my advice too, but also talk about my journey. I was able to be excited about my baby that would arrive by the end of the week. I was giddy, I was finally able to embrace my pregnancy.
I was then allowed home for 2 nights which allowed me to get everything in place ready for a planned c section.
The big day
I was dropped at the hospital at 7am. My partner wasn’t allowed in until I was taken down to delivery. At 9am he was allowed to join me. We went through everything with the anaesthetist and doctors and then I walked in to the operating theatre. Where my beautiful baby girl was delivered in the most peaceful, stress less manner I have ever experienced. For some a home birth in a pool is chilled relaxed and calming. This was so very different to that but equally as mindful.
The first feed
I had ensured that my hospital gown was done up in a way that they could place baby straight on to me for skin to skin contact. I am so glad I did. Once she had been checked over she was placed upon me. We had a few photos and I then asked for her to be moved down a bit as she was literally on my neck. Within seconds she was routing. She snaked her way down to my right boob. Where she started to suckle. It was the most amazing wonderful thing to watch. My baby just knew what to do. I was still being sewn back up! Couldn’t feel anything from my shoulders down. But my baby girl was feeding like a pro.
Where we are now #WBW2020
6 weeks on though…..
I now have a baby with reflux.
A 3 year old that wants mummy to play and get stuff the second I sit down to feed.
Boobs that piss milk like a worn hosepipe.
I am so tired.
I try to embrace the night feeds. Telling myself these are moments to cherish.
The milk soaked pjs will dry.
It doesn’t last long. All the while cursing my partner for having useless breasts. For snoring. For not even acknowledging I’m up again.
Would I stop breastfeeding?? Would I do things differently???
NO WAY.
COVID has given us more us time. I’m not panicking about flopping my boobs out in public as we’re not going anywhere. We’re establishing a routine. When we have been out I’ve fed her in the car and not given a damn about who can see me doing it. I may not be able to protect my family from COVID. But I can give my baby girl the best start in life making sure she’s strong enough to cope with anything.
Living in North Devon or Torridge? Come and join our facebook group & share your experiences of parenting during the COVID lockdown & beyond!
If you need support with feeding you baby then don’t forget you can contact us or check out our handy resource pages
For more Breastfeeding in Lockdown stories you can also search social media for the hashtag #WBW2020