Breastfeeding is often a journey wrapped in many emotions—it’s tender and trying, beautiful and empowering, and often, all-consuming. Here, Solly mama Tonia Black beautifully puts into words her own breastfeeding journey.
With one tender touch, a bond takes hold
the newborn lips, my nipple enfold
instantly, there's a rush of love and
a surge of unexpected pain.
Pain from the engorgement,
the contractions and sore nipples.
I’m aching, but
I persevere, for my baby's sake.
Through the latching struggles, tears unfold,
frustration mounts, as doubts take hold.
Will my milk come? Will my baby thrive?
Suddenly,
fear's dark whisper begins to creep in.
Yet in each drop, a triumph lies.
In every ounce, a victory won.
With every sleepless night and weary day,
I nurse, I pump, I find my way.
12 am, 3 am, 6 am,
I allow the pump's rhythmic hum
to be a soothing sway.
My sweet husband,
always so eager to help and lend a loving hand.
Us three together,
navigating this breastfeeding land,
where joy and tears,
in equal measure,
now stand.
While on this breastfeeding journey,
I find a new strength,
a certain resilience,
born of love's length.
a triumph unfolds,
a story woven,
of love's pure liquid gold.
