The first latch after birth was a momentous moment for me because it was the first time one of my babies latched right away. Instinctively, I knew what to do. I didn’t feel confused or nervous about breastfeeding my baby. Not this time as I had with my past birth experiences.

That first latch was also a beautiful moment for me because it was the first time I felt very confident with breastfeeding. Yes, after having my 6th baby, this moment with Zaya was the first time I felt sure of myself.

First Latch: Breastfeeding Newborn

It’s not a glamorous photo of myself, but to me, it’s a beautiful image because it was a real moment. Still in the labor and delivery room. Still drenched with sweat, hair a mess, swollen face and body, doctors and nurses cleaning me up. Sometimes the best photographs are the ones that are caught in the moment.

When I had Elijah, Michala, and Zhen, skin-to-skin was never offered to me. In fact, I didn’t learn about skin-to-skin until I had Zechariah in 2015! To me, it was a new concept, but I know skin-to-skin is something that moms have been doing for a very long time. 

When I had Zephaniah (2017), he had trouble latching after birth so I decided to pump and feed him the colostrum with a bottle. A doctor and nurse tried to discourage me from pumping and wanted me to use formula instead. But I stood my ground and pumped my baby’s breastmilk and continued to work on his latch at home. Around 3 weeks old, Zephaniah finally latched onto both sides and our breastfeeding journey lasted for 30 MONTHS! 

Breastfeeding a Newborn | First Latch After Birth
Skin-to-skin with Zaya

And taking it all the way back to 18 – 20 years ago when I had my older two children, I was discouraged from breastfeeding and encouraged to use formula (even though I was perfectly capable of breastfeeding. But see, I didn’t know that.) I was a new mom and lacked the proper breastfeeding education and support that I needed. 

Being 19 and 21, you don’t get the same support with pregnancy, labor, birth, and motherhood like you do when you’re a little older. You’re treated like a child and many people don’t have much respect for you, especially if you’re an unwed mother. At least, that was my experience two decades ago. (I even had a midwife constantly insult me and put me down for being a young mom.)

So Zaya’s first latch after birth was very special to me because it made me feel empowered as a mother and as a woman.

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Written by

Jennifer Hamra

Freelance creative Jennifer Hamra created her blog Good Life Detroit in 2015 after relocating from Tennessee to Southeast Michigan.

Inspired by her love for personal blogging and photography, Jennifer likes to share her favorite Detroit things, from cool places to visit (the hidden gems are her favorite!) to the amazing people she has connected with over the years.

When she's not busy juggling family life and her creative projects, you can find her at an art gallery, community event, farmers market, or spending quiet time at home with a good book and cup of tea.

Jennifer lives in the metro Detroit area with her husband Travis and their six children.

Connect with Jennifer on social media @goodlifedetroit on all social media platforms or via email at [email protected].