Ruby-Isabella’s feeding journey with her pēpi has been far from straightforward, but deeply meaningful. In the early days, feeding was “really sore” due to a tongue tie that was picked up in hospital and released when he was one week old. “It was so much better to get it released in the long run for both of us as it allowed Te Amiorangi to latch better and therefore receive more milk she reflects. With support from a lactation consultant, she learned how to latch him well and gradually found her rhythm with both breastfeeding and expressing. More recently, the pain returned and nearly led her to stop. “I was crying in the night trying to feed him because it was so sore.” Alongside this, Ruby began experiencing an “icky feeling” when feeding and is now exploring whether she may be experiencing DMER (dysphoric milk ejection reflex) and nipple nerve pain. With further support, she is navigating a new way forward. Despite the challenges and nearly giving up, she shares, “Although my body doesn’t really feel like my own at the moment… breastfeeding is something special that only me and my pēpi get to do together. It’s something only I can do for him.” Her advice to new māmā is simple: “It’s not meant to hurt, if it’s hurting, ask for help – no question is a silly question. And if you are able to, give breastfeeding a go. It is the most selfless thing you will ever do – and for me, it is definitely the most rewarding.”
