Breastfeeding Moms Need Support

Did you know that one of the most common reasons mothers give up breastfeeding is due to lack of support?

Cape Town mama, Shinnai is passionate about normalising breastfeeding anywhere, anytime, which is why she started her Breastfeeding Circles. A Breastfeeding Circle creates a sacred space for deep connection, information, conversation and empowerment amongst fellow mamas. This is her story…

It takes a village they say. Since my partner and I have no family nearby I definitely felt village-less as I transitioned into my journey of motherhood.

I didn’t know many mothers at the time and of the few I knew, none were breastfeeding. I’d also like to state that I am in no way shaming formula feeding, all I want to do is create some form of support for those who choose to breastfeed.

Breastfeeding has been the most magical experience for me and not a day goes by that I am not grateful for this journey. Although, just like most, the beginning was extremely tough and I remember lots of crying, loads of pain and copious amounts of tears.

Flash back to one afternoon, crying in the bath, soaking my sore bleeding nipples. Unsure if I could go on. I dreaded her feeds. Every time she latched my entire body would tense up, I would curl my toes and clench my jaw. I’d also like to point out that breastfeeding should not be this painful once you get over that initial phase. I was still in tons of pain and discomfort weeks later and I went to see a friend of mine, who is a chiro and fellow breastfeeding mum. She is extremely knowledgeable in the breastfeeding space and she assisted me with a few minor corrections. And wow, these minor corrections made the biggest difference. Moral of this little story, seek help. There is no shame. It should not be painful. This experience is worth so much more! You are worth so much more!

I have been so privileged to create these breastfeeding circles and build this beautiful community with an aim to provide a safe space for breastfeeding mothers. We gather and my goal is to bring mothers together into a sacred space for deep connection, information, conversation and empowerment.

Every breastfeeding journey is so different, and hearing other mothers share their vulnerable moments whilst feeling seen and held by the circle, wow. We have laughed, we have cried, we have shared, we have overcome! These circles remind us that we are never alone in our breastfeeding journey, and that we are here so support one another.

Our circles are not limited to breastfeeding, we discuss anything that we feel called to share, anything that may come up for you in the moment, may that be birth stories, parenting, motherhood. We share our stories and experiences without judgment. This is a safe space.

We want to create an empowering movement of confident, supported breastfeeding mamma’s. No more hiding in the toilet whilst breastfeeding, no more sitting in the hot car, no more sitting alone in the dark room. We feed our babies whenever, wherever. Because no one’s opinion comes before your baby's basic needs.

We shed. We share. We learn. We grow. We empower. We breastfeed. Together.

You are never alone mamma.

Lastly, whether your breastfeeding journey lasted one day, one week, one month or one year, you are so strong, and you are so capable, and you are so worthy.

You are an amazing mother, and you are welcome at our circle. It would be an honour to have you gather with us.

xoxo
Mindful Mamma

Breastfeeding is a full-time job, and it can be HARD. Don’t be afraid to reach out to a professional if you need support or guidance on your breastfeeding journey.

To learn more about Shinnai’s Breastfeeding Circles, click here or check out @mindful_mamma_za on Instagram.