Meet Sue and her baby Eden Rose
Sue’s breastfeeding journey hasn’t been easy as both baby Eden Rose and daughter Alice, who is now seven, both faced early feeding challenges.
Alice was born with tongue tie and Sue expressed milk for nine months. With Eden she faced a different issue, “Eden just wouldn’t latch. I tried and tried but got really sore. Thankfully, specialists came out to help and they’ve been amazing.”
Then came a breakthrough moment.
“One day Eden just decided to do it,” Sue smiled. “Now it’s ALL she wants to do! It’s been amazing and one of the best things I’ve ever done. You experience this deep bond with your child.”
Sue’s partner, Danny, has also been a great support during the tough times. “If I’m up in the night, I’ll find a drink is there for me. Or in the daytime, he’ll take the children for a while and just let me sleep. I think I’d have been overwhelmed without support.”
Sue admits that, at first, she was nervous about breastfeeding in public. “For the first couple of months I didn’t dare go out. But now I find it’s actually a positive experience. Most people don’t even notice, but if they do, they don’t bother you. And when I have interacted, it’s all been good – a little smile or another mother chatting about their own experiences.”
Her message to other mums? “It’s worth persevering if you can. For me, an invaluable support was a Facebook group with other mams. You find someone on there any time going through the same things – it’s good just to know you’re not alone.”
Sue also praised the professional support from Middlesbrough’s Family Hubs. “Use the support at your local Family Hub. They’re wonderful.”
