As part of Black Breastfeeding Week, we’re proud to share real stories from inspiring parents in our community. These stories highlight the unique challenges and triumphs of breastfeeding, reminding us that every journey looks different — and every step deserves to be celebrated. Here, Niesha, a mama of four, shares how her breastfeeding experiences have evolved with each baby and why her fourth has been the easiest yet.
Niesha, mama of four, shares her breastfeeding journey:
When I became a mother for the first time, I struggled to breastfeed. My breastfeeding journey ended very quickly after exclusively pumping, experiencing low milk supply, poor diet and not knowing what to do. I didn’t have the knowledge or support I needed to keep going. I felt like I had failed, and that experience stayed with me.
Things slowly changed with each baby. By the time I had my second and third, I had gained more confidence, learned to trust my body, and understood more about how breastfeeding works. And then came my fourth baby – who has been my easiest to breastfeed by far.
This time, my milk supply came in strong, and I rarely need to pump during the day unless I’m away from him. At first, my son refused bottles at childcare, which worried me. But at home, he was feeding well, eating solids, and thriving – and over time, I learned to trust that he was getting exactly what he needed.
Looking back, I see just how much persistence, support, and self-belief matter in a breastfeeding journey. Every baby and every experience is different, but each one taught me something new.
My tips for other nursing mamas:
- Drink plenty of water and stay hydrated.
- Look after yourself – your wellbeing is just as important as your baby’s.
- Be gentle with your body and give yourself grace.
- Use nipple cream if you need to ease soreness.
- Pay attention to your baby’s cues; they will guide you.
Breastfeeding hasn’t always been easy for me, but with each child, I’ve grown stronger and more confident. Today, I feel proud of how far I’ve come. My fourth baby has shown me that I am capable, that my body can do this, and that breastfeeding really can get easier with time.
You can follow Niesha’s and her family on Instagram here.
