I was a first time mum hospitalised with complications until my c- section delivery. It was drummed into me by these two breastfeeding nurses that I must produce colostrum before my sons birth at 35 weeks.
They would come around every few hours and give me these tiny syringes and guidance to extract colostrum from my beasts. The process hurt like hell and it was like milking a bull. I thought my nipples would bleed soon.
Every time they came in I felt a, here go again. . It was paining me and I felt forced and coerced to do it. The most I ever produced was 2ml that I stored in the fridge.
I was a first time mum afraid and I thought that if I did not do this task then it would be bad for my son.
During the delivery I lost half my blood. You would think they’d back off but no. They went on the whole breast pumping pursuit. Extreme blood loss prevents good supply or milk coming in. This was again like milking a bull and nothing was happening. My mother at the time who was supporting me had to politely tell them to bugger off on my behalf. It was an awful experience and I wish I knew more about my rights.
I’ve had 4 babies now and my milk has never came in with any of them I’ve never even had colostrum.
This wasn’t a CHOICE. I am not a bad mother….I don’t produce milk full stop, unfortunately. Every mother is different and has rights!
My uncanny life 