by Sophie Coolbaugh

Created on: August 23, 2008

My little girl and I had a terrible time getting to grips with breastfeeding. What is supposedly the most natural thing in the world really didn't come to us easily. It took a lot of work and sheer determination, trial and error to get to the point where my daughter would actually get enough of a feed. If you've just had a baby, do not feel guilty if your are struggling: trust me, breastfeeding is one of the most difficult things you'll get to learn. The thing is, like most difficult things, the rewards are great when you become good at it!

First of all, remember it takes two to tango: your little bundle of love must to her bit and feed, you're not the only responsible party in this process! My daughter was born by c-section and as I found out babies born that way don't realise straight away that they are born, as they do not experience the trauma of going through the birth canal. So in short, they don't notice that they're no longer food on tap and that they must make an effort to get fed. This can take a while... but babies won't let themselves starve, and sooner or later they'll give it a shot.

Then, ask for help! Seriously, find a midwife or breastfeeding counsellor to help you. Google for a LaLeche advisor near you - they are specially trained breastfeeding specialists who understand the difficulties inherent to the process.

My saving grace came from a lady named Rose. My daughter was 12 days old when I met her, and thanks to her help Hana mastered the art of suckling. Rose was very patient with us, as both Hana and I were trying and crying for nearly an hour without success. She suggested that I first express before a feed as my boobs were so engorged by that point that poor Hana's head was dwarfed by the monsters. They had become so big that it was almost impossible for her to latch on!

I was also in excrutiating pain: my little pirahna fish - or Hana Pirahna as she became known - was using her gums to bite hard at my nipple, which caused me agony but released no milk. You've probably heard that 'if it hurts you're not doing it right'. Forget it - it was probably penned by a man. Pain can occur because your baby's mouth and your nipple don't have compatible shapes. This was our case - size was not an issue after expressing but somehow Hana was still making me scream and not getting any food. Rose came up with a wonderful idea: she suggested that I send my husband pick up a silicone nipple protector from the pharmacy. This little thing is shaped like a sombrero.

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