In the world of motherhood, breastfeeding can be a daunting journey, especially for first-time moms. While the mantra that “breast is best” is frequently repeated, the realities of nursing often go unspoken. One mother, Lisa Thompson, found her voice in sharing her struggles with breastfeeding and the condition known as mastitis, hoping to illuminate the less discussed aspects of this experience for new mothers.
After successfully breastfeeding her son for a full year, Thompson took to Instagram to discuss the hardships she faced during her nursing journey. She emphasized that many mothers endure similar trials but may feel isolated or abnormal due to the lack of open conversations. “This is mastitis,” she wrote, accompanied by a powerful image reflecting her experience with the infection.
Thompson recounted her initial challenges, revealing that her milk didn’t come in until five long days postpartum. “I had no idea that it could take so long, nor did I understand what ‘milk coming in’ truly meant,” she shared. In her hospital ward, she noticed she was the only one attempting to breastfeed. “Another mother tried for a mere 12 hours before switching to formula, thinking she had no milk. (No one informed her either.) Meanwhile, my baby was continuously crying while others slept soundly,” she recalled, expressing her frustration at the lack of knowledge surrounding cluster feeding.
The difficulties continued even after returning home. Thompson faced painful cracked nipples and realized that no one had prepared her for the potential discomfort of breastfeeding. “I wasn’t equipped with the knowledge of what a proper latch should look like or that pain could be part of the process,” she explained.
Public nursing added another layer of anxiety for Thompson. “I would either pump at home or search for a restroom to feed him, which likely contributed to my mastitis,” she noted. This avoidance led to clogged ducts and engorgement, a situation she now recognizes as detrimental to her breastfeeding journey. “Now, I feed openly in public without hesitation—society needs to evolve!”
Then came the fateful night when she experienced the symptoms of mastitis—chills, fever, and intense shaking. By morning, she was vomiting and had developed sepsis. “I didn’t notice the subtler signs of mastitis because I hadn’t seen any redness,” she admitted. Rushed to the hospital, she was separated from her son for two nights while receiving treatment.
Thompson emphasized that the real issue lies in the insufficient support and education regarding breastfeeding. “It’s not enough to just promote the benefits of breastmilk and hand out pamphlets. We need a comprehensive understanding of the basics—cluster feeding, potential challenges, and how to identify and address them,” she insisted.
She pointed out that while women receive assistance during childbirth, breastfeeding often lacks the same level of guidance. “We’re told to breastfeed, but without adequate details on what’s normal, many mothers may feel discouraged before they even start,” she remarked. “Breastfeeding is challenging; it’s a skill that requires learning, just like walking or reading.”
Thompson believes that if new mothers were more aware of the difficulties they might face, they would be more inclined to seek prenatal classes, read resources, and engage with others. Unfortunately, many assume it will come as naturally as breathing—because they’ve never been told otherwise.
Kudos to Thompson for her bravery in sharing her story and reassuring other moms that they are not alone in their struggles. By connecting with her experience, other mothers can better prepare themselves for the realities of breastfeeding.
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Summary
In her candid Instagram post, Lisa Thompson shares the harsh realities of breastfeeding, including her experience with mastitis. She highlights the need for better education and support for new mothers, emphasizing that breastfeeding, while natural, is not always easy. By sharing her story, Thompson aims to create awareness and solidarity among mothers facing similar challenges.