Shared Experience by Nancy Camilleri

When I was pregnant with my first son, I wasn't sure about breastfeeding, but then my husband and I attended the antenatal and breastfeeding courses organised by the Cana Movement and were taught the advantages of breastfeeding, we were determined that breastfeeding was the best for our baby.

When I gave birth to my son, he began feeding immediately it wasn't very difficult to attach him to my breast. I found help from the mid-wives and nurses in hospital and they answered all my questions.

Of course at first you would need some support, because you have to adapt yourself to the fact that now it is you and your baby and nothing else mattered. But I found support from my husband. And as time passed by, we found out that with breastfeeding life was much easier for us.

You do not have to worry about sterilising bottles and teats and to buy milk. All you have to carry with you are only the nappies when you go out.

Even at night, it is much easier you do not have to get up to prepare the bottles especially in the cold weather. You just have to get the baby near you and that's all.

It is a unique experience to breastfeed your baby, it is the way you can communicate with your baby and show him that you are there for him. It gives you great satisfaction to see him grow and he is growing with your milk! This is important for you especially when you think about giving up. The security that the baby feels when he breastfeeds used to give me the courage to continue.

I succeeded in breastfeeding my first son for eight months.

When I was pregnant with my second son, we were determined to do the same. In fact then it was much easier because you know what you have to do after the first baby.

In fact I breastfed my second son for a whole year and a month. 

Breastfeeding makes you calmer both you and your baby, it is the best you can give to your baby and also it prevents him from sicknesses throughout his life. It is a unique feeling and experience that creates a special bonding between you and your baby.

Nancy Camilleri

15 July 2004.

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