"I don't know what I would have done without their support"

I had problems with severe pain when breastfeeding my second baby. I had received invaluable support from Breastfeeding Support Fife after struggling for 16 weeks with my first and I couldn't have continued without them so I contacted them right away this time round to get on top of things quickly. It was them who worked out I was having severe vasospasms and needed medication. 

It had taken a while for this to be worked out because the health visitor was more focused on baby and wanted me to give some formula! I was determined to exclusively breastfeed, especially after being pressured into giving top ups in hospital after the staff there watched me squeezing the life out of my breasts trying to express. I wasn't taught at the hospital how to do it, I had not a clue! They stood next to me watching as I squeezed hard, hurting myself. When my husband asked if it was meant to be that hard they said no but offered me no support.

When I did hear about breastfeeding support I was in touch and someone came to see me that same afternoon. They made sure the latch was ok and when pain continued after that and trying many positions they went away and did some research. At 16 weeks I received medication for vasospasms and within a couple of days I was breastfeeding relatively pain free! I loved my experience from then on and I could not have managed that without the help from Breastfeeding Support Fife. All that time they were at the other end of a phone, came to see me, even if they couldn't do anything for me at a visit just that short time of having someone there with me made such a huge difference to me mentally.

With my second baby I knew what was happening when the pain started and so I got in touch again. They were straight out to check on me and arranged for me to get a prescription so I'd have the medication if needed. They would phone or message to see how I was doing and having that bit of contact felt such a nice thing to have. I felt supported and cared for at a really vulnerable emotional time.

I feel so privileged to have had this support, I have suggested friends contact their local breastfeeding support teams and been surprised that they don't have the same service. It's such a valuable thing and it's not just that they can physically help but it helps you cope mentally with the situation as well. I honestly don't know what I would have done without their support.