It seems like only yesterday that T took his first latch in the hospital, and here I am; celebrating my bronze boobs. I couldn’t be prouder.

The last 3 months have probably been the most challenging 3 months of my life, not to mention the most unattractive.

Breastfeeding is hard. There’s no doubt about it. On top of the usual stuff like cluster feeding and night feeds, you get sore nipples at the start and if you’re lucky they’ll remain just “sore” until they get better (or at least used to the leech that’s constantly attached to them – hard as nails nipples, anyone?) as apposed to cracked and/or bleeding. On top of this there’s the pain from when your milk comes in, waking up with engorged boobs, or when you get a lazy latch.

I’ve dealt with blocked ducts, had two cases of mastitis, and last week I dealt with my first bleb which had caused the last blocked duct. Your boobies really do go through the wars.

There have been a few occasions where I’ve just wanted to stop, but then I look at how much T is thriving and I continue. Onto the next feed.

Of course, when it comes to the soreness and cracking you can tape yourself back together somewhat, or continue to practise a decent latch, but nothing really prepares you for the way you also lose control of your boobies – which is something you can’t stop. There have been times when another baby has cried near me and all of a sudden I’m soaked. I’ve sprayed across rooms. I’ve even had times when one boob is significantly bigger than the other. It’s crazy what happens to you.

These “awards” are just a bit of fun, but to a lot of women they’re a little milestone on their breastfeeding road. Looking back, I can now see what I’ve been through and I’m proud to have earned my bronze boob award.

K