My Hopes & Fears for This Third Breastfeeding Journey
Every time I’ve started a breastfeeding journey, I’ve carried both excitement and anxiety. This one is no different — in fact, it might be the most emotionally complex of all.
As an IBCLC, people often assume my hopes are rooted in targets: exclusive breastfeeding, smooth latches, perfect weight gain.
But my hopes are simpler than that.
I hope…
That we find our rhythm without too much pressure.
That my recovery after a caesarean allows me to be present, connected, and patient with feeding.
That skin-to-skin, closeness, and bonding are front and centre, no matter what else is going on.
That I trust myself to make decisions that feel right for us — even if they look different from the “ideal” on paper.
That I can model to other parents that there’s no such thing as “perfect feeding”, only what works for you and your baby in that moment.
And then there are the fears — the ones that sit quietly at the back of my mind and sometimes grow louder when I’m tired or vulnerable.
I fear…
That establishing feeding after surgery will be harder than I imagine.
That my body may take longer to heal, making certain positions or long feeding sessions uncomfortable.
That I’ll meet the same challenges as last time and have to dig deep to overcome them again.
That I’ll put too much pressure on myself because “I should know what to do”.
That my high-risk pregnancy might mean unexpected bumps in the road for my baby’s feeding start.
But here’s what I’ve learned over the years — it’s not about eliminating the fears, it’s about meeting them with preparation, support, and kindness towards yourself.
The hopes are what keep me motivated. The fears are what keep me human.
As an IBCLC, I’ll always share the evidence-based guidance to help others navigate their own hopes and fears — but as a mum, I’m simply taking this one feed at a time.
What were your biggest hopes and fears before starting your feeding journey?