An MBA graduate, Sushmita Nandi, was born and brought up in Gujarat from where she went on to build her career and achieve new heights professionally. In 2013, she got married and moved to the US for a short stint. On return, they were in Pune for a year before shifting to Bangalore where she restarted her career. “The best part of my life began in October, 2016 when my daughter was born”, says Sushmita.
1. How ready were you to breastfeed?
Honestly, I had no clue whatsoever. My gynecologist took it upon himself to educate me and even helped me understand the benefits of colostrum.
I carried Ishvika for almost 41 weeks but this girl wasn’t ready to come out of me. My amniotic fluid level was low and she was going into distress. In spite of my hesitations, we went ahead with the doctor’s decision for a c-section.
My breastfeeding journey began within the golden hour but I passed out due to exhaustion. When I regained consciousness, I was surrounded by a beaming father and excited set of grandparents. The doctor came on his rounds and asked me to feed Ishvika. I wasn’t confident and sure about where to begin but with guidance and support from the nurse and my mother-in-law, I made progress.
I remember asking the nurse how can a big breast go into such a small mouth. The nurse smiled and assured me it will be alright. Although she did squeeze the areola too hard bringing out a small scream from me.
2. Minus the squeezing, that’s a good start. Would you describe the journey ahead as smooth?
It was definitely not easy. I remember asking my husband to check if she had teeth because I felt her biting into my nipples. With time, we could manage the latch like a pro. We were a team. From day 1, on advice from my doctor, I fed her lying down and that I believe was the cherry on the cake. We did not have to touch the bottle.
I am truly blessed to have the constant support from my husband and mother-in-law. They helped me sail through postpartum blues, aversions, sleepless nights, growth spurts, cluster feeding and so much more. It helped maintain my sanity.
3. Makes a positive difference when we have our family behind us. How was your healthcare team?
They were equally supportive. During every visit, my gynaecologist and pediatrician would emphasise on the importance of breastfeeding and not giving water, honey, solids or any other milk for the first 6 months. Just breast milk.
In fact, my gynecologist even pushed me to start mild exercises and walking when I was on the road to recovery.
4. You believe to have seen the benefits of breastfeeding. Tell us about it.
Ishvika was an active child back then and achieved her milestones on time. She did not even fall ill till her first year. She was always a happy and cheerful baby, motivating me to continue breastfeeding her.
The breastfeeding journey not only helped me shed those extra kilos that I gained during my pregnancy but I lost a few kilos more. Breastfeeding gave me a high and I always wore my smile. I miss those days for sure.
5. If you do not have the right kind of information, it is very easy to fall prey to myths. How did you manage to tackle them through 3 years?
Yes, that is true. I was ignorant in the beginning and believed post 6 months, when the baby starts solids, she wouldn’t need breast milk. While my pediatrician asked me to feed atleast for a year, it was my gynaecologist who encouraged me to feed for a minimum of 2 years.
And then there were myths that even sounded ridiculous for me to fall for it – give the 3 month old water or a paste of almond and dry dates for better health, to not nurse in public (NIP) and so much more. I think that was my cue to breastfeed all over the place – autos, trains, cars, flights, temples, during shopping, while roaming about on a vacation – the list is exhaustive.
For my baby’s well-being, I started reading about breastfeeding, gathered advice from breastfeeding friends and eventually stumbled upon a Facebook group, Breastfeeding Support for Indian Mothers (BSIM). It is like a breastfeeding mother’s 4am friend. I am still a part of that group, learning every day.
6. Having lived in two countries now, how would you explain your NIP experience?
In my opinion, NIP is still a taboo in India. The experience in India has been at extreme ends – I have been stared down on by men when I was nursing her in a temple. Yet, when I went to a tourist location in Jaipur, the security guard offered his chair so I could be comfortable.
In Germany, initially I was hesitant when Ishvika asked to nurse in the park as I wasn’t aware of the NIP culture. I was pleasantly surprised that they were not just open but encouraging too. Made the experience smooth.
7. For how long did Ishvika breastfeed?
She was actively breastfed for about 18-20 months post which she liked her solids better. The advices to wean began then. But she felt secured, attached and much more. So, I chose to ignore the advices as I wanted the end to this beautiful journey to be as tearless as possible. Also, when both of us were ready for it.
We began the weaning process when she was 18-20 months old by dropping her day feeds. It took around 2-3 months by the time she fed only to nap. Eventually that dropped too when she went to kindergarten. However, the night feeds continued for another month before she started dropping that too.
I was hoping to prolong the journey with just a few feeds but to my surprise one fine night, she weaned on her own, just before her 3rd birthday. To be more specific exactly a week before she turned 3.
8. I know you do, so I am going to ask – how do you pay it forward?
Apart from BSIM, I am also part of a few other support groups and apps where I try to support new and unaware mothers with their breastfeeding queries. When I come across an expectant couple, I add them to these groups and also recommend to take up a prenatal breastfeeding session to be as prepared as possible.
9. What will be your closing thoughts or suggestions to new moms?
Not to offend anyone but breastfeeding is everything they say it is – best for your baby’s immunity, environment friendly and saves money too. If you are facing breastfeeding issues, get in touch with a Lactation Specialist to fix it. Don’t replace it with formula. You may spend a few bucks initially but it is nothing in comparison to spending on all those bottles, nipples, pumps, packets of formula etc.
