My Breastfeeding Experience: Tips, Challenges & Love from a First-Time Mom

My Breastfeeding Journey: From Doubts to a Beautiful Bond (1 Year+ of Exclusive Breastfeeding)

Introduction
Breastfeeding is more than just feeding a baby – it’s a powerful emotional, physical, and soulful journey. As a mother who has exclusively breastfed my baby for over 1 year and 2 months (and counting), I want to share my honest, unfiltered experience with you – the struggles, the doubts, and the unmatched joy of this beautiful bond.

The Beginning: When It All Started

My breastfeeding journey began the very first day my baby came into this world. After a planned vaginal delivery suddenly turned into an emergency C-section (you can read my detailed birth story here https://www.thesoulfulmama.com/2025/07/c-section-vs-normal-delivery-my-real.html

 I was emotionally drained and mentally exhausted. Negative thoughts started creeping in:

“Will I be able to produce milk?”
“Is my body ready?”
“Will I fail to nourish my baby?”

Support That Changed Everything

I owe a lot to my mother-in-law who strongly encouraged me from day one:

“Your baby should only get your milk, nothing else.”

With that push, I tried feeding my baby constantly – even when he couldn’t latch properly. I hand-expressed milk so that he could be fed using a small spoon and bowl. It was a challenging phase – but I didn’t give up.

It took nearly one full week for my nipples to shape correctly for proper latching. It was tough, painful, and emotionally overwhelming – but worth every single moment.

What Truly Helps in Producing Milk?

If I’m being completely honest – no food alone can magically boost your milk supply if your mind and body are not aligned.

Here’s what truly helped me:

  • A positive mindset – Believing that “my milk is sufficient”

  • Unconditional love and emotional support from family

  • Nutritious, soulful food

  • Taking rest and avoiding stress

When you are mentally at peace and emotionally supported, your body responds beautifully.

Doubts Every Mom Has (And It’s Normal!)

There were moments I kept wondering:

  • Is my baby getting enough milk?

  • Is he full?

  • Is he getting all nutrients?

But the truth is – your body is intelligent. Your milk is nature’s perfect food for your baby. Don’t compare your journey with others. Every mother’s body is unique, and your milk is a miracle meant just for your child.

Why I Chose Exclusive Breastfeeding

I am very conscious about every decision I take in life, especially for my baby. That’s why I made a firm decision to avoid formula, cow’s milk, or buffalo milk.

Today, as I write this, my baby is 1 year, 2 months, and 15 days old, and I proudly say that I have been feeding him only breast milk. No formula, no top feed – just the purest nourishment from my body.

My Emotional Moments While Breastfeeding

Some moments during breastfeeding are hard to describe in words:
When my baby looks into my eyes, or
Touches me with his tiny magical fingers while feeding...
These are the most heartwarming and soulful experiences of my life.

It is this bond that I will miss the most when he grows up.

Breastfeeding as a Working Mom – How I Managed

Being a working mother, managing breastfeeding is not easy. But I made it work using:

  • Breast pumps to express milk at night

  • Storing it safely for the next day

  • Creating a routine around pumping and feeding

It’s not “easy” – but it is worth it.

Final Thoughts: Breastfeeding is a Blessing

To all the beautiful mamas reading this –
Yes, breastfeeding is a challenge. But it is also the most powerful gift you can give your baby – and yourself.

It helps you:

  • Build an emotional connection

  • Reduce mental stress

  • Return to your pre-pregnancy body naturally

  • Feel empowered and connected with your child

I plan to continue this journey until my baby turns 2 years old, and I cherish every single day of it.

Share Your Story

Have you had a similar journey or questions about breastfeeding?
I’d love to hear from you! Share your experience or ask your questions in the comments section below.

Let’s support each other in this beautiful journey of motherhood. 💛


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

"C-Section vs Normal Delivery: My Real Birth Story & What Every Mom Should Know"

Image
Normal Delivery vs C-Section: What New Moms Should Really Know (Without the Guilt ) I come from a middle-class family, rooted in traditional values. Like many Indian women, I grew up hearing that normal delivery is the best —not just physically, but also morally. My mother, my colleagues, everyone around me echoed the same advice: "Do everything possible to have a vaginal delivery." So, during my entire pregnancy, I prepared for it. I walked for kilometers daily, sat in squat positions, stayed active, ate healthy—all with one goal in mind: normal delivery . Somewhere, I started believing that by following all the “rules,” I deserved one. The Big Day and the Unexpected Turn When my delivery day came, I was in active labor , the pain was intense but I bore it bravely. My mind kept saying— “this pain is worth it because you’re strong, and you’re going to deliver normally.” But after hours of pain, the doctor came in, did a vaginal check-up, burst my water bag, and informed...
Read more

“Why I Started The Soulful Mama: My Journey as a Mindful Mom”

Image
Hi and welcome to The Soulful Mama ! I'm so glad you're here. I’m a breastfeeding mother,a working woman, and someone who is constantly learning from life — especially from the little joys (and chaos!) of motherhood. I started this blog because I felt a need to connect, share, and grow — not just as a mother, but as a woman navigating daily life with love, purpose, and a soulful touch. I’ve always believed in living close to nature — choosing homemade over chemical, kindness over comparison, and self-care over burnout. But let's be real: it's not always easy. Whether it’s managing screen time for my child, trying to eat healthy while juggling chores, or dealing with emotional stress from family or society’s expectations — it’s a journey I know many of you are on too. This space is my digital diary and your cozy corner — where we’ll talk about: Gentle parenting and conscious motherhood Healthy vegetarian meals for moms and kids Eco-friendly living and natu...
Read more

My Pre-Wedding Weight Loss Journey: How I Lost Weight the Healthy Way

Image
Like many of us, I’ve always wanted to feel fit, active, and energetic throughout the day. But let’s be honest—just wanting something doesn’t make it happen. And I was caught in that same loop: “I’ll start from tomorrow… from Monday… from the 1st of next month… or maybe from January 1st.” Let’s face it— that “perfect start day” never comes. 😄 🌟 The Turning Point One usual day while randomly scrolling YouTube for weight loss shortcuts or magical diets, I stumbled upon a video. The girl in the video spoke so genuinely and confidently about her transformation and credited  Rujuta Diwekar’s book   “Don’t Lose Your Mind, Lose Your Weight.” I got curious, ordered the book, and started reading it slowly. To my surprise, the more I read, the more I got  hooked . It wasn’t just another diet fad—it was  common-sense nutrition , deeply rooted in our Indian culture. No crash diets, no fasting, and no calorie counting—just practical advice that made  total sense . 📖 The B...
Read more