By Dr Stephanie Liu For The Conversation
Published: 18:54 BST, 27 May 2019 | Updated: 18:54 BST, 27 May 2019
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As a doctor, I encourage mothers to breastfeed. Breastfeeding is affordable, helps with bonding and has health benefits for both the infant and mother.
In my medical practice, many new moms come to see me because they are having difficulties breastfeeding.
Before having a child of my own, I would do a basic physical screen that included checking the infant's oral cavity and checking the mother's nipples to look for any structural problems that could make breastfeeding difficult.
Once I completed the initial screen, I would direct the mom to a breastfeeding clinic to see a certified lactation consultant.
I was so focused on the physical aspects of breastfeeding that I did not realize the psychological impact of being unable to breastfeed until I had my own daughter, Madi.
Dr Stephanie Liu says she was so focused on the physical aspects of breastfeeding that I did not realize the psychological impact of being unable to breastfeed until I had my own daughter, Madi (pictured)
Breastfeeding pain and guilt
Breastfeeding was one of the things I looked forward to most when I was pregnant. In medical school I learned about the bond between mothers and babies when they are breastfeeding. I could not wait to experience this.
However, breastfeeding Madi turned out to be more challenging than I anticipated. I struggled to get her to latch and when she did latch it was very painful. As a result, my milk supply was insufficient. For the first two weeks, I supplemented with formula and was
