Jessica Brogan @jessica_brogan_is mom of three, and has very kindly shared her breastfeeding experience with us …

Whether you breastfed for 5 minutes, one week, a month, a year, huge well done to you mama.

I was lucky this time around with my 3rd baby to have massive support in my maternity hospital when it came to establishing feeding. With my second baby, I did not, and it was awful, because I wanted to do it so badly and there was no support for me.

Education is key if you decide to breastfeed. Follow lactation consultants, get in touch with local groups, YouTube have amazing video resources. Without all of this, I wouldn’t have been able to do it for the time that I did.

Breastfeeding isn’t a straightforward process for most. It takes time and effort and different methods to get you going. For me, it was nipple shields and pumping.

Whatever way you decide to feed your baby is ultimately up to you and you should never have to feel pressure or shame for breastfeeding or bottle feeding.

Supporting mothers in their decisions is the best thing you can do.

Tagging some amazing accounts that helped me:
@mamasboobiebox
@nursingmama.ie
@milkitmama.ie
@breastfeedingireland
@feed.me.mother