The dream of becoming a mother has lived in me for as long as I can remember, and breastfeeding was always a big part of that dream. To me, there’s something almost magical about the idea that my own body can nourish another human being. When my baby was born, all I wanted was to have the effortless breastfeeding experience that all the women in my family described. But my own journey hasn’t been quite as smooth, and some days that weighs heavily on me.
On one side my baby latches perfectly, and despite all of his tugs and pulls everything is fine. The other breast, however, hasn’t been so forgiving. After three mastitis, countless tears, and lots of pain, the best solution was to stop nursing on that side and exclusively pump instead. I truly love the experience of breastfeeding directly but more than anything I want to make sure my little one is fed.
When I stopped to think about what has helped me the most throughout this journey, I realized it wasn’t any single product or technique, it was knowing that I’m not alone. The greatest comfort has been the peace of mind that comes from knowing there’s always a solution to the challenges I’ve faced. Now, whenever a new obstacle appears, I face it with hope instead of fear. That feeling is priceless. So, thank you to every healthcare professional, researcher, and every brand and manufacturer working to create solutions that make it possible for mommas like me to keep our dreams within reach. 
