Lilli and her daughter Maisie have shared nearly 21 months of exclusive breastfeeding, feeding on demand from “minute one.” Over time, breastfeeding has become more than nourishment. It’s a way to reconnect and reset. “If we’ve both had a stressful day, it’s how we ground ourselves again.” Lilli didn’t begin her journey with much knowledge about breastfeeding, but with the support of her midwives and time spent at Ūkaipō alongside other breastfeeding māmā, her confidence grew. She remembers winter in those early months, watching Maisie stay well and thinking, “Yes! I’m doing it!” The challenges for Lilli haven’t been physical, but social. With no bottles and no formula, she’s often had to navigate comments from others suggesting Maisie is “just feeding for comfort” or that she should switch to bottles. “I’ve just learned to ignore that.” Even her partner was surprised at first by how central breastfeeding would be. Despite moments where she wished Maisie might take a bottle, Lilli has trusted her instincts and continued in the way that feels right for them. Her advice to new māmā reflects that gentleness: “Don’t put pressure on yourself. A fed baby is a happy baby. Even just trying for a day is all it takes.”
