World Breastfeeding Week: A journey of resilience and support

For World Breastfeeding Week, mum of two, Abby, has shared her story of resilience, illustrating that every breastfeeding journey is unique and that support can make all the difference.

After the birth of her first daughter, Abby expected breastfeeding to come naturally. Instead, she faced an incredibly difficult start. An emergency caesarean section meant she did not meet her baby until four hours after birth. Combined with challenges including a small baby, anatomical difficulties and significant nipple trauma, breastfeeding became painful and distressing.

Despite attending breastfeeding classes before birth and seeking ongoing support from Royal Hospital for Women lactation consultants Katy and Sarah, she struggled with cracked, bleeding nipples and overwhelming pain. By seven days postpartum, she began exclusively expressing breastmilk, eventually transitioning to formula feeding. Although her daughter thrived, she felt heartbroken and questioned herself as a mother.

When she became pregnant with her second child, those memories remained. Determined to give breastfeeding another chance, she worked closely with her midwives and lactation consultant Katy to develop a personalised breastfeeding plan. Together they discussed Abby’s previous experience and identified strategies to support both her feeding goals and mental wellbeing.

The difference was profound. Following an elective caesarean birth, hospital staff were aware of her history and ensured breastfeeding support was available from the very first feed. Katy and Sarah provided hands-on guidance, encouragement and reassurance throughout her hospital stay.

Today, Abby is celebrating more than 14 months of breastfeeding her second daughter. While the journey still had it’s challenges, persistence and support helped her achieve her goals.

Her message to other mothers is simple: “Please don’t be hard on yourself. Your success as a mother isn’t measured by how you feed your baby.”

Abby’s story highlights the importance of compassionate support and informed care.

4 August 2026