I was determined to breastfeed my baby. She latched on well from the very beginning. It wasn't until the engorgement and the sore nipples that we had a problem. At three days old, she refused to nurse. She cried, I cried. We finally resorted to formula. I got a pump and started feeding her expressed breastmilk on the fourth day. Towards the end of day five, she latched on and has been nursing well ever since. I was so glad I didn't give up. My nipples were very sore and bleeding for two weeks. But, I just grit my teeth and bared it. They healed, but not without some scarring.

My daughter and I are very close. I feel her joy and her pain. I know what she needs intuitively. The bond we share could not be duplicated with a bottle. It is the best decision I ever made. She is happy and healthy and I know it's in great part due to nursing.

I encourage all new mothers to breastfeed and not give up - ever.