This World Breastfeeding Week, we’re creating a space where every story is welcome, the joyful, the challenging, and everything in between. It’s about honouring every journey and deepening our connection as a community through shared support and understanding.
At Mungbean Health, we believe that real stories have the power to educate, comfort, and inspire. That’s why we’re spotlighting three incredible mums from our community who have graciously shared their breastfeeding experiences with us.
Grab a cuppa and settle in for three honest interviews that shine a light on what breastfeeding really looks like. The resilience, the self-trust, the setbacks, and the support that makes all the difference.
💗 Kristy: “Third time, a whole new experience.”
Q: How would you describe your breastfeeding experience?
This is my third breastfeeding journey, and each time has been completely different. My first child was a superstar feeder. My second had CMPI, and we faced feeding refusal and a very restricted diet.
But it’s my third baby who gave me the most eye opening experience. From the very first feed, I knew something was wrong a poor latch, minimal mouth opening. I suspected a lip tie. Midwives told me there was no tie and suggested I supplement. But this wasn’t a supply issue, I had litres of milk frozen within weeks.
Then I found Mary Dowswell, IBCLC at Magic Milk Mum Mammary. She was the first person to truly listen. She came to our home and confirmed what I’d felt all along my son had four oral ties.
She supported us every step of the way with oral rehab, feeding help, and even attending the water laser release with us. Now, at six months, we exclusively breastfeed. He’s thriving, happy, and chunky and I’m no longer pumping.
Q: What helped you the most?
Seeking assistance and finding someone who truly listened.
Q: What surprised you most?
How different each baby can be, every journey is so unique.
Q: What advice would you give a new mum?
Always seek help or a second opinion. Be loud and voice your concerns to others — someone may have walked the same path.
💗 Taila: “It has been the greatest honour of my life.”
Q: How would you describe your breastfeeding experience?
It started off quite hard. At four months, I found out my baby had a tongue tie despite multiple professionals telling me the latch was perfect. The pain, the suction, I knew something wasn’t right.
I did hours and hours of research and trusted my gut. We chose a paediatric dentist in Sydney to release the tie. It was the best decision I’ve ever made. The latch instantly improved. We’re now almost nine months in and exclusively breastfeeding and I love it so much.
Q: What helped you the most?
The support of my fiancé. On the days when latching was hard, I was sleep deprived and exhausted from pumping, he stood by me. He understood how much it meant to me, and that made the biggest difference.
Q: What surprised you most?
How efficient babies become over time! In the early months, I wondered how I’d ever do anything but feed, but eventually it becomes easier and quicker.
Q: What advice would you give a new mum?
Don’t wait for things to “get easier.” If something feels off, trust your instincts and look into it. Embrace those long feeds, they pass quickly.
💗 Miranda: “For us, breastfeeding is magic. It’s how we reconnect every time."
Q: How would you describe your breastfeeding experience?
Magical, part of life, hard work but also easy. I’ve been feeding non stop for just over 5 years. My first son breastfed until just before 4 years old, and I gave birth to my second son right after he’s now 1 and still going strong.
With my first, I never used a bottle or pump. My second had a tongue tie, so I had to triple feed and use donor milk for top ups. But I knew how beneficial breast milk was that kept me going.
Breastfeeding is how I soothe, comfort, and care for my children. Tired, hungry, upset, sick a breastfeed fixes everything. I’ve never set an end date, and I’m happy to let them wean when they’re ready. Some days are harder than others, but the connection and safety I feel is priceless.
Q: What helped you the most?
Trusting myself and believing in my body. Also, consulting an IBCLC they really understand the ins and outs of breastfeeding.
Q: What surprised you most?
How much you actually have to feed! I thought it would be now and then… but it’s 20+ times a day some days!
Q: What advice would you give a new mum?
See an IBCLC, they’re invaluable. Breastfeeding isn’t always easy, and you have to work at it, especially in the beginning. But once it clicks, it’s so rewarding. Cluster feeding is real, but it’s temporary just roll with it and feed, feed, feed!
Each of these women’s stories are a powerful reminder that your journey is valid no matter what it looks like. Whether it’s smooth sailing, full of challenges, or somewhere in between, you are not alone.
From all of us at Mungbean Health thank you to Kristy, Taila, and Miranda for opening your hearts and sharing your truth. This World Breastfeeding Week and always, let’s keep celebrating each other, one story at a time.
