My Breastfeeding Journey

World Breastfeeding Week: My Journey as a Mom of Three (and Still Feeding!)
By Roya, proud mom to Maddie (9), Mia (4), and Mylo (5½ months), and member at Gymboree Play & Music Solihull

As we celebrate World Breastfeeding Week, I’m reflecting on the wild, emotional, and beautiful journey I’ve had feeding my three babies. I always knew I wanted to breastfeed after my mom did with all 6 of us! Maddie nursed until she was 3½, Mia self-weaned at 2, and I’m now feeding baby Mylo, who’s nearly 6 months old—and going strong! Originally I thought you were aupposed to breastfeed until 6 months… but it didn’t make sense to me to change to formula after breastfeeding was free?! So after researching and realised it was just society that led me to believe that, I continued on feeding Maddie.

Why I Love Breastfeeding (Yes, even after 9+ years of it!)

Breastfeeding hasn’t always been easy, but it has always been worth it. As a mom with ADHD, I can’t stress enough how much I love the simplicity of breastfeeding. I don’t have to pack bottles, measure out scoops, sterilize anything—just grab the baby and go. It’s a dream for someone who already has a thousand mental tabs open!

I’ve breastfed in some pretty incredible places too:
🗽 Top of the Empire State Building

🌳 Central Park, New York

🎡 Disney world, Florida

✈️ On planes and on holidays across different countries

FYI- feeding on planes was a godsend! It helped the baby’s ears adjust to the air pressure changes by feeding. When flights were delayed, I knew I had everything I needed without having to worry about the next feed. My body just did it!

Gone are the days of awkward glances and nervous feeds in public. These days, I nurse with confidence. I feel proud, empowered, and deeply connected to my baby.

It’s Not Always Easy (And That’s Okay)

Let me be honest: I’ve been through ups and downs. The self-doubt, the pain of sore, cracked nipples, the frustration of bad latches. All three of my children had tongue ties, and let me tell you—getting those released was a game changer. Once their latch improved, everything got better: feeding became more comfortable, my confidence grew, and my babies were happier.

For any new parent struggling right now: I see you. It’s okay if it feels hard. It is hard sometimes. You’re doing an amazing job. I got myself to my local Infant feeding team, where they supported, assessed and helped. Reach out and ask for help. I like to help anyone who asks for advice! Pass the love and knowledge on!

Breastfeeding Is Also a Win for the Planet 🌍

I had no idea when I started this journey that breastfeeding is actually sustainable! No packaging, no waste, no energy used sterilizing or manufacturing anything. Just your body doing what it was beautifully designed to do. It’s the ultimate eco-friendly option—and one more reason I feel proud every time I nurse.

3 Fascinating Breastfeeding Facts I Wish I Knew From the Start

Seriously, these blew my mind:

1. Your milk creates antibodies on demand.
   When your baby is ill, your body detects it (through their saliva at the breast!) and starts making extra antibodies. I’ve even noticed my milk turn slightly blue when Mylo’s been poorly—our bodies are incredible.
2. Your milk changes over time.
   As your child grows, your milk doesn’t just “run out of nutrients”—it actually adapts! For toddlers, it can return to a more colostrum-like consistency, rich in immune-boosting goodness. Mind. Blown.
3. You will make enough milk.
   I once had someone tell me my chubby baby would need more than I could produce (insert eye roll here). But the truth is, milk supply is all about demand. As long as you’re nursing or pumping, your body gets the message to make more. There are moms out there feeding twins, triplets, and more—our bodies are amazing.

Final Thoughts for Fellow Parents

Whether you’re exclusively breastfeeding, combo feeding, pumping, or you’ve chosen another path altogether—your love is what matters most. But if you are breastfeeding (or hoping to), I hope my story helps you feel more supported and inspired.

Breastfeeding isn’t always easy—but it can be magical, freeing, and even a little fun. Especially when you’ve got a cheeky toddler trying to nurse upside down like a gymnast. (True story.)

So here’s to you, mamas, parents, partners, and support systems. To every feed in the middle of the night, every public latch with trembling hands, and every triumphant moment where you say, “We’re doing this!”

Happy World Breastfeeding Week. You’ve got this—and I’ve got you.

With love and leaky boobs,
Roya 💜