I breastfed both of my babies, each experience markedly different from the other. I stopped breastfeeding my first baby after about six weeks, mistakenly believing I could maintain my weekend social life while she stayed with her grandma and without needing to pump. My milk supply quickly dwindled, and I lacked the mental capacity to restore it.

When my second baby was born during the COVID-19 pandemic, I faced severe postpartum depression and anxiety. Breastfeeding became my anchor, as I constantly thought, "If I'm not here, how will she eat?" This time, the process was much smoother since we were mostly at home. By the time we began going out again, I had become proficient. The anxieties I had about breastfeeding in public with my first baby had vanished. I confidently breastfed anywhere, with or without a cover.

Breastfeeding brought comfort to both my baby and me. I continued until she was one year old, at which point I was exhausted. Although it was sad to stop, it was a necessary decision for our lifestyle.