Page 15 - Stories of change PATH
P. 15

Dr. Sonu R. Meher


                               Mumbai


            I had a long labor and was handed over
            my daughter, Ruhi, after half an hour
            of birth. Initially, I could breastfeed her

            normally but after 8 to 10 days I started
            facing several challenges. I experienced
            retracted nipples because of which I had to
            express milk manually for feeding. Despite
            continuous efforts, my milk output fell

            short and Ruhi had to be fed formula milk.
            I was overwhelmed with guilt and sadness.
            Thankfully, my lactation consultant helped

            me to navigate the situation and patiently
            guided me on the right techniques, be it
            pumping out my milk using a breast pump,
            suggesting ways to soothe my occasionally
            sore and bleeding nipples, or teaching me

            different breastfeeding positions. She also            A strong support
            counseled me through my post-partum                    system helped me
            depression. My mother and husband                      overcome breastfeeding

            became my other pillars of support, helping            challenges.
            me regain confidence to breastfeed. Thanks
            to this support system, I could overcome the                                                         Stories of Change
            challenges in my breastfeeding journey.



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