Six Months of Exclusive Breastfeeding – A Journey of Love and Bonding

Six months. Half a year. One hundred and eighty-something days of pure dedication, love, and an unbreakable bond between me and my little one. As I sit here reflecting on our breastfeeding journey, my heart swells with pride and gratitude. This experience has been more than just nourishment—it has been our special connection, our quiet moments of peace, and an unwavering testament to my resilience and commitment as a mother.

I owe so much to the amazing lactation midwife at UCLH, where I gave birth to Philip. (Liz, if you are reading this, thank you from the bottom of my heart!) I had heard so many different stories about breastfeeding—some joyful, some challenging. From the moment I was pregnant, I knew I wanted to exclusively breastfeed. No pumping, no bottles, no formula, no pacifiers—just me and my baby, connected in the most natural and intimate way. This was a must for me, a deep desire that became one of my unwavering goals in motherhood. I was prepared to give it my all, and I did.

From the first day after Philip was born, Liz was there, guiding me. She helped me with latching, positioning (we started with the rugby hold before transitioning to the cradle hold), and adjusting to this entirely new and unfamiliar experience for both me and my baby. One of the checklists before a mother and baby can be discharged from the hospital is ensuring the baby has fed. In many cases, mothers are offered formula so the baby can feed and they can go home. (There’s absolutely nothing wrong with this—it just wasn’t what I wanted to do.)

Milk comes in a few days after colostrum, so it can be frustrating trying to get a newborn to latch and feed when it doesn’t seem to be working. Liz’s support and encouragement made all the difference for me, giving me the confidence to trust my body and instincts. I clearly remember when she asked, “On a scale of 1 to 10, how uncomfortable do you feel in terms of pain?” Shocked, I replied, “Fifteen.” She smiled, and an hour or so later, she asked me again. This time, I said, “Seven.” She reassured me, “See? We’re going in the right direction. Soon, it will become second nature to you.” I will always be grateful for her kindness and guidance in those early hours and days, setting the foundation for this beautiful journey ahead. We later had a postnatal doula at home, who also helped me gain more confidence in breastfeeding.

Of course, it wasn’t always easy. There were sleepless nights, cracked nipples, cluster feeding marathons, and moments of sheer exhaustion. But I was determined, and I pushed through every challenge, knowing that this was the best thing I could do for my baby and for myself. I am also incredibly grateful for my husband’s unwavering support and encouragement.

With each feeding, I felt a growing sense of purpose, an indescribable joy in knowing that my body was providing everything my child needed to grow, thrive, and feel secure.

The bond we’ve created through breastfeeding is beyond words. There is something magical about the way my baby gazes up at me, the way his tiny hands hold onto my skin, the soft sighs of contentment after a full, satisfying feed, the way he falls asleep on the boob. These are the moments I will treasure forever—the moments that make every challenge worth it.

Breastfeeding has taught me patience, resilience, and the incredible strength of a mother’s love. It has been a journey of learning, trust, and embracing the beauty of this fleeting stage. As we reach this six-month milestone, I celebrate not just the nourishment we’ve shared but the deep, unshakable connection we’ve built.

We have now unlocked a new breastfeeding milestone—Philip putting his hand in my mouth. This developmental phase, known as cross-identification, happens around the six-month mark. It’s a baby’s way of expressing love and appreciation for the care they receive. It’s also considered a crucial developmental milestone, signifying the beginning of a child’s understanding of gratitude, love, and healthy social interactions.

To any mama embarking on a breastfeeding journey—trust yourself, trust your body, and trust your baby. Every drop of milk, every cuddle, every quiet moment together is a gift. This journey is not just about feeding; it’s about love, devotion, and the incredible bond that only a mother and her baby can share.

Six months down, and our journey continues. I wouldn’t trade it for the world. As we soon embark on a new journey—introducing solids and beginning the weaning process—I will continue to breastfeed, ensuring that this special bond remains a cherished part of our lives.