Emotional Rollercoaster: Riding the Waves of Dysphoria and Euphoria

The moment I was guided to breastfeed my newborn for the first time, I was flooded with emotions. Watching my little one latch on with such determination, as if he'd been practicing, filled me with overwhelming happiness. Yet, amidst the joy, there was a tinge of uncertainty. I longed for some time to recover from the delivery trauma and heal from the pains like any other mom. However, as days passed, I adapted. What truly brought peace was connecting with loved ones, sharing experiences with fellow moms, and indulging in some light-hearted stand-up comedy. Those moments of laughter and camaraderie made the journey a bit more adorable and manageable.

Ah, truly, the heartwarming conversations over golden lattes, homemade chaklis, and sweet manni (rice fudge), with my darling moon-faced little one, were like rays of sunshine (Sonshine?!) on a cloudy day, filling me with the strength to rise above any feelings of blue!

Challenges: 

• Almost drifting into sleep, but the newborn decides it's feeding time.

• Longing for a sip of hot tea or coffee, interrupted by the baby's cries.

• Craving a comfortable sleeping position, but the feeding demands a sitting posture.

• Sore body parts and broken ribs yet lifting the baby for feeding.

• Urgency for a bathroom break, interrupted by the immediate need to feed.

• Baby's cries, with hunger topping the list of reasons.

• Growing baby bites and pulls at delicate nipples.

• Enduring wounds while bearing the pain.

• Accidental hits to the most delicate region causing fever.

• Nightly acrobatics and near-death experiences during feeding.

• Hungry for a meal, but the baby demands attention for feeding.

Allure:

• Despite feeling extremely tired, the responsibility of feeding continues.
• The soft touch of the newborn, a marvel that came from within.
• The searching expression on the baby's face.
• The joyous face while happily drinking.
• The smile shared with eye contact.
• Tiny hands gently wrapped around the neck.
• The feeling of being the ultimate destination for the little one.
• Precious moments of baby-mommy bonding.
• Feeding the baby while traveling eliminates the need to worry about other food or sanitation concerns.
• Taking a break to relax becomes genuinely justified.
• You can find solace in knowing that you're fulfilling a genuine and essential need for your baby.
• The notion that breastfeeding contributes to the baby's immune system (whether true or not) brings a sense of fulfillment to the mother.
• There's no need for concern about preparing, washing, or sanitizing anything.

There are still many pains and allures that are not listed here; this list is simply to reassure every mom that it's perfectly normal to feel annoyed or overwhelmed while breastfeeding, and there's no need to feel guilty about it.