Breastfeeding stories from local Aboriginal women

Danielle - Brewarrina

Danielle, a proud Ngemba woman from Brewarrina

"Before my first born I remember sitting there thinking I would really like to breastfeed, I recall asking all my friends and relatives that are mums what was their experience with breastfeeding.  Some stories were good and some were scary but I was still eager to give it a try.  When Aaliyah finally came along I did try but it wasn't for me.  So I put her on baby formula.  I did feel guilty and felt like I let her down because of all the nutrients she would be missing out on in that first two weeks that the nurses and midwives told me about.  I remember sitting at the hospital trying different nursing techniques for 3 days, but I was just in too much pain and she was so hungry so I gave up.

8 Years later I fell pregnant with my second born and around 7 months into my pregnancy I made the decision this time to really give it a good go at breastfeeding.  So second time round I was just determined to get it right and get it done.  It was a lot different then the first time, my second born took to breastfeeding really well. It wasn't a struggle like it was with my first born.  I do recall being very sore, and trying all the remedies like cabbage leaves, creams and oils to try sooth the pain but after the first 6-7 weeks it all went away.  During the first 18 weeks there were some points where she didn't seem like she was getting enough milk so I invested in an electric breast pump.

It was very time consuming because I did feel like the majority of my day was feeding then pumping then feeding again so I did top her up with formula at times just to give me a bit of a rest in between feeds.  It then came to the point where I had to go back to work and my baby had to go to day care, so I then started to transition her to the bottle formula. She was still having the breastfeeds at morning before day care and night before bed and sometimes I would sneak to daycare during my lunch breaks to give her a quick drink and this went on for the first 13 months of her life."

Teigan - Dubbo

Teigan, a proud mother of Kamilaroi children from Dubbo

"I'm choosing to breastfeed my third beautiful baby because to me it doesn't feel like a "choice" I should get to make.  To me it feels like nature and it is my motherly duty to give my babies the most natural form of nourishment if I am medically able to do so.

I breastfed my first born for 14 months and she came 4 weeks early so the first six weeks of her life I was in a lot of pain as she needed to use a nipple guard as she hadn't learnt to suck yet in the womb but we pushed on through it.  We both didn't get as much as a cold for almost two years and I believe the breast milk really helped with that.

My second born came a week late and again I said that if I was able to do so physically and
medically, I would feed her.  She took to it like a little champ and all was very easy.  I found out I was pregnant again at 6 months postpartum and she was unbothered.  We went on to feed until she was 12 months and she was really just using me as a comfort rather than for nourishment.  I am now in my "break" stage at 27 weeks pregnant with baby number three and as a "seasoned" Mum I can already see the signs that my supply should start up again when we need it.

It's such a very small but beautiful time of our lives as mother and child so if you can, try.  If it's hard.  Push through it.  If you need to try different ways to help your supply, do the research and get on it.  As long as your baby is getting the nourishment they need then you're doing amazing.

And if you have tried all the options and it's just not working then don't beat yourself up.  I know many friends that have only been able to feed their first baby or even their second and so on by breast.  You will know what is best for you and your baby and there are so many places you can reach out for help.  Good luck to us all on this beautiful journey and I hope my words have helped you in some way."

Chelsea, Bub (Marion) and Fay Fay - Dubbo

Three generations of proud Gamilaraay/Kamilaroi women from Dubbo

Chelsea Wood

"I was always someone who never wanted kids.  Thought it would upset my party life, drinking and heading to the clubs every weekend life.  I was never going to breastfeed until I fell pregnant and realised all the benefits of breastfeeding for myself and the baby. I have always said “No kids will be swinging off my tits”.  Once I started to breastfeed is when I became more bonded with my son.  Feeding has really opened up my eyes to how amazing our bodies are, we are capable of beyond measures.

After hearing about all the nutritional and health benefits for my baby from the midwife I decided to breastfeed.  My family and friends also encouraged me to breastfeed as it is convenient and also free.  I decided to breastfeed for the first few months to give my baby boy the best possible start in life that I could.  To give him healthy nutrition and also to strengthen the bond between me and my son.  My grandmother, mother and all my aunties had breastfed their babies and said it’s the best thing you could ever do for your baby.  At the start I had trouble with latching properly so I had to pump for a couple of days and feed him through the bottle while my cracked nipples healed.  When my nipples healed my grandmother sat with me while I breastfed my son to help me with getting my son to latch properly so it didn't damage my nipples again.

I was nervous about breastfeeding but I am so happy I done it.  The best thing was knowing I was giving my son good healthy nutrition and the bonding and love shared during the feeding times.  I would advise women to breastfeed their baby as it has such positive benefits for both baby and mum."

Bub (Marion) Wood - Chelsea's mum

"I wanted to breastfeed my babies so they had the best start in life.  Also to bond and for comfort.  Talking to other parents and my mother inspired me to breastfeed all my children.  My main influence was my mother who spoke of the benefits and convenience.

While breastfeeding I became more connected with my babies and I was satisfied that I was
doing the best thing for my babies.  I don’t recall any childhood memories of breastfeeding.  Becoming a mother for the first time it can be hard and hurt at first, but it does get easier and as women we adapt.  My advice for other mother’s is that breastfeeding is natural and the best start you can give your baby.

Full of nutrients for baby and also good for you as a mum.  The bonding between a mum and
holding your baby is precious.  Don’t be scared to ask for help."

Fay Fay Wood (deceased) - Chelsea’s grandmother

"I decided to breastfeed my babies as it was a traditional thing handed down through the family.  It was a natural thing to do.  Breastfeeding is a clean, easy and healthy way to feed your baby as tin milk you didn't know what was in it.

Breastfeeding helped me to stay connected with my baby.  My mum was a single mum and
worked.  She would take me to work in the pram and fed me when needed.

Breastfeeding is the best way as long as you are healthy, baby will be healthy."

Keely-Jai - Gilgandra

Keely-Jai, a proud Wiradjuri woman from Gilgandra

"I am a young mum of 3, aged from 7 years to 10 months.  I first became a mum at the age of sixteen.  I was really lucky with all three pregnancies and didn't have any problems or complications.  Two of the three labours and births were really fast. My middle child, I was induced resulting in a long labour and ended up with a 10 pound boy.

Everyone in my family breastfed all their children as have I and I am still feeding my ten month old.

I wanted to give the best start in life to my children and to me that was breastfeeding as everyone I knew breastfed and I had great support.

My partner just thought it was natural to breastfeed and he encouraged and supported me by caring for our children so I could sit and devote my time to fully breastfeeding.  I don’t have a problem at all feeding in public and if my child is hungry I will feed whenever and wherever I am and I am not uncomfortable in the least bit.

I would encourage any mums of any age to breastfeed if they are able to and ask for as much help and information as they can with their health workers, family or friends.  I have found it’s a great bonding experience with my children and I will continue to breastfeed any future children."