Heather

I wanted to breastfeed, and assumed it would be easy. But after having a breast reduction surgery as a teen, no one really knew how well my breasts would work. I ended up being able to produce lots of breast milk. I had a supportive midwife, and got lots of help from La Leche League, if I hadn't had help from them, I could never have done it, the women there were so great. I have successfully nursed all my kids, sometimes difficulties have happened, but it's been worth it everytime. The relationships I have with my kids are so great. I did have to supplement occasionally, because of the surgery, until my kids started eating, but after about 7 months old I didn't have to. I have always been able to make about 90% of there needs until then. After they start eating, we only nurse, and they get table food. I believe that teens shouldn't have breast reductions, or Doctors should work harder at being very careful how they do the surgery, to make breastfeeding more possible when the girls go on to have kids. Having support, whether it's La Leche League, friends, or family, it's really important. Just know that sometimes breastfeeding doesn't go as you expect, but it is really important for you and your baby. I don't regret pushing through when things were tough, my kids are very healthy, and every year when we go for a check up, the kids' doctor says, "how come I only see you once a year?" I say, "it's because they have all been breastfed for years, not months!" I've had to pump in bathroom stalls while at work, and it only took about 6 to 7 minutes, not the 20 to 30 minutes people told me it would take. I decided my children's needs were more important than how I felt about pumping in the bathroom. I was able to store the breastmilk with cooler packs in the breast pump bag. I worked with many young women, and was able to talk to them about how important breast milk is for babies, when they asked why I went to the bathroom at all my breaks with a black bag. I think breast milk is the best gift you can give your baby, and La Leche League is the best place to get help when the going gets tough. I know I will still contact them if I have problems with any future babies we have.