Yarning about breastfeeding

“There are many benefits of
breastfeeding but there’s nothing
more important than knowing
that you are giving your baby
the best start to life as well as
strengthening the bond between
you and baby.”
Karen Boon
Kurnai
Karen is a proud Kurnai woman from Gippsland. She has a three
year old daughter who she breastfed for a short period of time,
before becoming too sick to continue.
Karen
Having grown up hearing my mother and Aunties talking about
the importance of breastfeeding, I had planned to do it myself.
Through the support of the team at the Health Service, as
well as the midwives at the hospital, I was able to initiate
breastfeeding with little trouble.
After having baby I began to breastfeed within that first
night which felt really good, but because I was getting really
weak from an infection that wasn’t good for the baby I really
struggled for the next couple of days. I was only able to
breastfeed for about 4-5 days after baby was born but still
really valued that time with my baby. I would have continued if
I didn’t get sick and have to take time away from her.
The nurses were really helpful in not forcing it and made sure
I was coping okay with everything. I was a bit shattered that I
stopped breastfeeding but I wanted to get my health back on
track so I could be more hands on with my daughter. I was still
so grateful for that experience I got to have with her.
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