An open letter from a pediatrician who struggled to breastfeed, too

Find out what she has to say to mothers who are struggling or struggled to breastfeed as well.

Although breastfeeding is the natural way to nourish one’s baby, it does not always come naturally. This does not only apply to humans.

It has been observed that gorillas and chimpanzees need to learn how to nurse their young. Just because some mother and child pairs take to breastfeeding quickly and smoothly does not mean that breastfeeding will come easily to everyone.

Far from what she imagined

A pediatrician recently posted a letter to mothers who are struggling to breastfeed. As a physician, she knew all about the benefits of breastfeeding and was certain that she would breastfeed her children.

Two years ago, she was blessed with a daughter but her breastfeeding journey was far from the wonderful experience she imagined. She struggled to breastfeed and felt guilty about not being able to, a common feeling of many mothers who struggle with breastfeeding.

“I decided that evening I would forgive myself.”

Dr. Smita Malhotra reminds moms to step back and remember that the true meaning of being a mother is not about how she feeds her child but about nurturing her baby, both physically and emotionally.

She shared, “I decided that evening I would forgive myself. I accepted the fact that I was doing my best, and I let go of my self-doubt.”

Yes, even a pediatrician can struggle with breastfeeding. It does not mean that she isn’t a good mom.

What was your breastfeeding journey like?

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Also read: “Just hang in there”: Mom writes open letter to new moms