A Story of Grace and Resilience
Emily, a Bonnie Knows Breast client, was navigating cancer when she gave birth to her beautiful baby daughter.
Here, she shares her story…
“My lactation journey is a little different than most. I was diagnosed with cancer at 35 weeks of my pregnancy. After giving birth, they immediately took my baby and started me on chemo the next day. I tried to pump for the first 3 months, hoping that when I finished chemo I would have milk to breastfeed my daughter.
I found that pumping, giving bottles, and doing rounds of chemo was too much for me. I didn’t produce very much milk, so I became very discouraged.
Thankfully after my chemo I went back to see Bonnie and she told me about a SNS (supplement nursing system) device that I could use to make sure my daughter was getting enough milk as I tried to relactate. I'm thankful Bonnie was there for me and taught me different ways to feed my daughter.
Even though it wasn’t a traditional way of nursing, we still got that experience and bond.
My daughter is my inspiration and my past self is what keeps me going. I know my daughter would be fine getting a bottle, she got one for the first 4 months of her life.
I wanted to breastfeed so bad and I struggled with not being able to do that for her more than I struggled with having cancer. Now when I’m tired or even when she bites me I just remember how badly I wanted this.
Even if it’s not traditional it’s our way.
I know these moments don’t last forever so I just try to cherish them as much as I can.
My advice to others on their lactation journey is to do what is best for you and your baby. Bonnie told me that my mental health comes first.
After weeks of pumping and producing very little milk, I chose to stop pumping. However, I still struggled with not being able to nurse my baby. That’s when Bonnie introduced me to the SNS device. Most people in my life don’t understand how important it was for me to nurse my baby but I have stuck with it because it is what’s best for my baby and I on our journey.
Everyone has an opinion, you have to decide what is best for you and your baby.
I wish someone would’ve told me to go see a specialist sooner!
I’m a first time mom so I didn’t realize how time sensitive getting your milk was.
I think if you are planning to breastfeed, a lactation specialist appointment should be considered during your pregnancy along with your obgyn appointments."
-Emily
Bonnie Knows Breast is so honored to support Emily and her baby on their extraordinary journey. If you are interested in sharing your story, we would love to hear from you. Email us at hello@bonnieknowsbreast.com.
