The Village We Share

by Gopika T

There are a few things that can make one nervous about moving to New York City: the fast paced life, the hustle bustle, the subway rats, and the food delivery cyclists! My husband and I moved to New York March 2015; we were ready for the challenge. New York is a melting pot of cultures, food and people. We couldn't wait to be part of this vibrant city. We left behind family and friends for a high paced adventure. What we didn't expect turned out to be the greatest and the best challenge of them all, our little daughter who arrived fashionably late in December 2015.

I was scared, excited and nervous. But for a long time I was more nervous than excited. It was only after my first La Leche meeting (with my 2.5 week old) did I feel like I could find my feet in this new adventure. The meeting was full of friendly mums with words of encouragement and heart-warming stories. It made me feel normal, normal that my 2-week-old baby wanted to only sleep on me 24/7. Experienced group leaders share words of wisdom and gently guide you through the unknown. They are only a click away and always willing to help. I was at first taken aback by the amazing support system the ladies at LLL had created. Supporting each other without any negativity or judgment. When you are new parents alone with a newborn in a new city this support system becomes your family. I am grateful mine was so accepting.

My journey did not start easy. My daughter had already lost weight before we left the hospital and my milk came in after five days. Which can seem like the longest five days of your life. And I felt the enormity of trying to fix it alone. Except you are not alone, you always have someone to turn to in the village of LLL.
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And the LLL village was right there for me when my second arrived last year. My second time nursing was different, yet so much easier than the first time around. I was experienced, yes, but my newborn and I still needed to form our nursing relationship. Many things were different; I had a toddler running, no sleep and definitely no morning naps! But I had my mom support and for that I am grateful to my LLL community.